Moving from Springfield, MO to Chicago, IL
A move from Springfield, MO to Chicago, IL covers 508 mi and around 9h 33m of driving through 2 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
508 mi Β· 9h 33m by car Β· IL β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, I 44, US 50 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Elgin, Aurora, Joliet, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.585 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 85.825 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.193 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 65.568 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 88.585 in Springfield to 103.595 in Chicago, a 16.9% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Chicago: 16.9% above Springfield on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Springfield +1.9%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 46.5" | β |
Chicago is 5.6Β°F cooler on the annual average (56.4Β°F vs 50.8Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,432 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $45,984 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 33.6 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.7% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.13 | 2.36 |
Median household income in Chicago is 16.9% above Springfield ($45,984 vs $75,134, 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.
Moving between Missouri 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.
Frequently asked
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 $242,870 in Springfield β a 30.6% 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 $41,490 in the Springfield MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 217,710 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 16.9% higher than Springfield (103.595 vs 88.585, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
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 508 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Chicago, IL from Springfield, MO?
The driving distance is 508 mi and the route typically takes 9h 33m via I 55 and I 44. The trip crosses 2 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 $45,984 in Springfield β a 63.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Springfield.
City profiles: Springfield, MO Β· Chicago, IL.