Moving from Boulder, CO to Springfield, MO
A move from Boulder, CO to Springfield, MO covers 783 mi and around 13h 53m of driving through 3 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.
783 mi Β· 13h 53m by car Β· MO β KS β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β KS β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, MO 13 |
| Major cities en route | Lee S Summit, Independence, Kansas City, Overland Park, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Boulder | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.202 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.741 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 157.02 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Springfield are 15.8% below Boulder β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Springfield typical home at $242,870 is 15.8% under Boulder at $964,531 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Boulder -2.0%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Boulder | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 92.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 21.2" | 46.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 51.5Β°F vs 56.4Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BOULDER, CO US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Boulder | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,274 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $85,364 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 28.8 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 36.9% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.13 |
Median household income in Springfield is 15.8% below Boulder ($85,364 vs $45,984, 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 | 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 Colorado 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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
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
When is the best time to move from Boulder to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 783 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 Boulder?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $64,750 in the Boulder MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 194,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Springfield, MO from Boulder, CO?
The driving distance is 783 mi and the route typically takes 13h 53m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Springfield more expensive than Boulder?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 15.8% lower than Boulder (88.585 vs 105.202, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Boulder?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $964,531 in Boulder β a 74.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Boulder vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $85,364 in Boulder β a 46.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Boulder.
City profiles: Boulder, CO Β· Springfield, MO.