Moving from Sandy Springs, GA to Springfield, IL
The drive from Sandy Springs, GA to Springfield, IL runs 600 mi β about 11h 26m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
600 mi Β· 11h 26m by car Β· IL β KY β TN β GA
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β KY β TN β GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 24, I 75, I 57 |
| Major cities en route | Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, Atlanta, South Fulton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sandy Springs | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.058 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.239 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.416 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.022 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 100.058 to 92.745, putting Springfield roughly 7.3% below Sandy Springs on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Springfield: 7.3% below Sandy Springs on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Sandy Springs +2.8%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sandy Springs | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 33Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.4" | 40.4" |
Climate cools by 8.6Β°F on the annual average β 61.5Β°F β 52.9Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ATLANTA PEACHTREE AP, GA US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sandy Springs | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,198 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $101,593 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 37.1 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 39.8% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.06 | 2.24 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 7.3% between Sandy Springs and Springfield (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Springfield MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,330 | $41,140 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 10,250 | $78,240 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,240 | $29,680 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 9,100 | $79,530 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 8,150 | $33,630 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Georgia and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How far is Springfield, IL from Sandy Springs, GA?
The driving distance is 600 mi and the route typically takes 11h 26m via I 24 and I 75. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Springfield more expensive than Sandy Springs?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 7.3% lower than Sandy Springs (92.745 vs 100.058, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Sandy Springs to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 600 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Sandy Springs?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $48,370 in the Sandy Springs MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 2,817,660 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Sandy Springs vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $101,593 in Sandy Springs β a 35.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Sandy Springs?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $691,063 in Sandy Springs β a 76.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Sandy Springs.
City profiles: Sandy Springs, GA Β· Springfield, IL.