Moving from Chattanooga, TN to Springfield, MO
The drive from Chattanooga, TN to Springfield, MO runs 569 mi β about 11h 2m 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.
569 mi Β· 11h 2m by car Β· TN β GA β KY β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β GA β KY β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 60, I 24, US 62 |
| Major cities en route | Murfreesboro, Clarksville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chattanooga | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.464 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.209 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.994 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.55 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Springfield and Chattanooga 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 3.1% below Chattanooga β $319,579 vs $242,870 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Chattanooga -0.8%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chattanooga | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 32Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.6" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 55.0" | 46.5" |
Climate cools by 5.5Β°F on the annual average β 61.9Β°F β 56.4Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHATTANOOGA LOVELL AP, TN US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chattanooga | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 182,832 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $61,028 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 36.6 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.13 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 3.1% between Chattanooga and Springfield (ACS 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 Tennessee 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
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
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
How does household income compare in Chattanooga vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $61,028 in Chattanooga β a 24.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Chattanooga?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $43,150 in the Chattanooga MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 261,750 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Springfield more expensive than Chattanooga?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 3.1% lower than Chattanooga (88.585 vs 91.464, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Springfield, MO from Chattanooga, TN?
The driving distance is 569 mi and the route typically takes 11h 2m via US 60 and I 24. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Chattanooga?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $319,579 in Chattanooga β a 24.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Chattanooga to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 569 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 Chattanooga.
City profiles: Chattanooga, TN Β· Springfield, MO.