Moving from Springfield, IL to Chicago, IL
It is a 196 mi drive, roughly 3h 46m, between Springfield, IL and Chicago, IL. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
196 mi Β· 3h 46m by car Β· IL
Distance & route
| Route through | IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, IL 97, I 55 BUSINESS |
| Major cities en route | Elgin, Naperville, Aurora, Joliet |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.745 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.406 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.616 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Chicago runs about 11.7% more expensive overall than Springfield β RPP 92.745 β 103.595.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $163,198 in Springfield to $317,283 in Chicago, a 11.7% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Springfield +8.2%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.4" | β |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 52.9Β°F vs 50.8Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 113,714 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $65,537 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 40.7 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.24 | 2.36 |
Households in Chicago earn about 11.7% more at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Chicago MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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.
Frequently asked
How far is Chicago, IL from Springfield, IL?
The driving distance is 196 mi and the route typically takes 3h 46m via I 55 and IL 97. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Springfield vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $65,537 in Springfield β a 14.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Springfield to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 196 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Chicago compared to Springfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $163,198 in Springfield β a 94.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Chicago compare to Springfield?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $48,220 in the Springfield MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 103,670 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Chicago more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 11.7% higher than Springfield (103.595 vs 92.745, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Springfield.
City profiles: Springfield, IL Β· Chicago, IL.