Moving from Winston-Salem, NC to Springfield, IL
The drive from Winston-Salem, NC to Springfield, IL runs 719 mi β about 13h 54m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
719 mi Β· 13h 54m by car Β· NC β VA β WV β OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA β WV β OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 35, I 77, I 74 |
| Major cities en route | Greensboro, High Point, Dayton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Winston-Salem | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.043 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.421 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.377 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Winston-Salem (92.043) and Springfield (92.745) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Springfield: 0.8% below Winston-Salem on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Winston-Salem +0.9%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Winston-Salem | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 43.2" | 40.4" |
Climate cools by 6.6Β°F on the annual average β 59.5Β°F β 52.9Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WINSTON SALEM RYNLDS AP, NC US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Winston-Salem | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 250,887 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $57,673 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 35.6 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.24 |
Income steps up 0.8%: $57,673 in Winston-Salem vs $65,537 in Springfield.
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 North Carolina 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 Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Winston-Salem?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $43,040 in the Winston-Salem MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 271,620 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Winston-Salem?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $264,333 in Winston-Salem β a 38.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Springfield, IL from Winston-Salem, NC?
The driving distance is 719 mi and the route typically takes 13h 54m via US 35 and I 77. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Winston-Salem vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $57,673 in Winston-Salem β a 13.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Winston-Salem to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 719 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Springfield more expensive than Winston-Salem?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 0.8% higher than Winston-Salem (92.745 vs 92.043, 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 Winston-Salem.
City profiles: Winston-Salem, NC Β· Springfield, IL.