Moving from St. Petersburg, FL to Springfield, IL
Relocating 1085 mi from St. Petersburg to Springfield is a 20h 16m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1085 mi Β· 20h 16m by car Β· FL β GA β TN β KY β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | FL β GA β TN β KY β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 24, I 57 |
| Major cities en route | Clearwater, Tampa, Lakeland, Gainesville, South Fulton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| St. Petersburg | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.89 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.525 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.47 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.839 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Expect about 8.1% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Springfield at 92.745 vs St. Petersburg at 100.89.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: St. Petersburg β, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | St. Petersburg | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 75Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 54Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 52.5" | 40.4" |
Expect 21.6Β°F colder on average per year β plan for heating load and winter gear.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST PETERSBURG, FL US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | St. Petersburg | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 260,646 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $73,118 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 43.1 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.1% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.23 | 2.24 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 8.1% lower in Springfield than St. Petersburg.
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 Florida 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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (21.6Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in St. Petersburg vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $73,118 in St. Petersburg β a 10.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Springfield, IL from St. Petersburg, FL?
The driving distance is 1085 mi and the route typically takes 20h 16m via I 75 and I 24. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from St. Petersburg to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1085 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Springfield more expensive than St. Petersburg?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 8.1% lower than St. Petersburg (92.745 vs 100.89, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to St. Petersburg?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $46,420 in the St. Petersburg MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 1,412,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from St. Petersburg.
City profiles: St. Petersburg, FL Β· Springfield, IL.