Moving from Waco, TX to Springfield, IL
A move from Waco, TX to Springfield, IL covers 825 mi and around 15h 24m of driving through 4 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.
825 mi Β· 15h 24m by car Β· TX β OK β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, US 69, US 75 |
| Major cities en route | Arlington, Grand Prairie, Dallas, Mesquite, Irving |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Waco | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.55 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.967 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 83.531 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Springfield and Waco is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Springfield is 0.2% below Waco ($163,198 vs $194,245 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Waco -2.3%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Waco | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.5" | 40.4" |
Springfield is 13.7Β°F cooler on the annual average (66.6Β°F vs 52.9Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WACO DAM, TX US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Waco | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,925 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $51,468 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 29.2 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.4% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.24 |
Median household income in Springfield is 0.2% above Waco ($51,468 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 Texas 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (13.7Β°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 much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Waco?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $194,245 in Waco β a 16.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Waco vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $51,468 in Waco β a 27.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Waco to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 825 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 Waco?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $41,030 in the Waco MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 125,640 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Springfield, IL from Waco, TX?
The driving distance is 825 mi and the route typically takes 15h 24m via I 44 and US 69. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Springfield more expensive than Waco?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 0.2% higher than Waco (92.745 vs 92.55, 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 Waco.
City profiles: Waco, TX Β· Springfield, IL.