Moving from Surprise, AZ to Springfield, IL
Moving from Surprise, AZ to Springfield, IL is a 1600 mi cross-country relocation β about 27h 56m of driving through 6 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1600 mi Β· 27h 56m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 44, I 17 |
| Major cities en route | Goodyear, Glendale, Phoenix, Peoria, Scottsdale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Surprise | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.316 to 92.745, putting Springfield roughly 10.2% below Surprise on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Springfield: 10.2% below Surprise on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Surprise -2.4%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Surprise | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 105Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 9.6" | 40.4" |
Major climate step-down: 17.3Β°F cooler annual average in Springfield vs Surprise.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WITTMANN 1SE, AZ US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Surprise | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,519 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $93,371 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 41.6 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.24 |
Median household income in Springfield is 10.2% below Surprise ($93,371 vs $65,537, ACS 5-year 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 Arizona 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-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close 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 (17.3Β°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
Is Springfield more expensive than Surprise?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 10.2% lower than Surprise (92.745 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Springfield, IL from Surprise, AZ?
The driving distance is 1600 mi and the route typically takes 27h 56m via I 40 and I 44. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Surprise?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $422,473 in Surprise β a 61.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Surprise vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $93,371 in Surprise β a 29.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Surprise?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $48,600 in the Surprise MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Surprise to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1600 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Surprise.
City profiles: Surprise, AZ Β· Springfield, IL.