Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Springfield, MO
Relocating 725 mi from Ann Arbor to Springfield is a 13h 32m drive through 4 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.
725 mi Β· 13h 32m by car Β· MO β IL β IN β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IL β IN β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, I 44, I 94 |
| Major cities en route | St Louis, Springfield, Joliet, Aurora, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Ann Arbor | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.88 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 98.184 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.711 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.3 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 12.2% cheaper overall in Springfield than Ann Arbor on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
12.2% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Ann Arbor +3.2%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Ann Arbor | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 59.3" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.9" | 46.5" |
Expect 8.2Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ANN ARBOR SE, MI US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Ann Arbor | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,179 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $81,089 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 27.7 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.5% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.13 |
Expect median household income to fall 12.2% β $81,089 β $45,984 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 | 28,080 | $38,030 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 24,360 | $38,880 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 20,070 | $28,100 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 19,640 | $31,070 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 17,940 | $63,340 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Michigan and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Tornadoes are common April through June β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Springfield more expensive than Ann Arbor?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 12.2% lower than Ann Arbor (88.585 vs 100.88, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 725 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Springfield, MO from Ann Arbor, MI?
The driving distance is 725 mi and the route typically takes 13h 32m via I 55 and I 44. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Ann Arbor vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $81,089 in Ann Arbor β a 43.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Ann Arbor?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $523,391 in Ann Arbor β a 53.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Ann Arbor?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 215,300 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 Ann Arbor.
City profiles: Ann Arbor, MI Β· Springfield, MO.