Moving from Columbia, MO to Evansville, IN
The 293 mi from Columbia to Evansville translate to about 5h 44m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
293 mi Β· 5h 44m by car Β· MO β IL β IN
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IL β IN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 64, I 70, US 40 |
| Major cities en route | St Louis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Columbia | Evansville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.438 | 91.528 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 85.966 | 86.717 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.193 | 94.318 | 100.0 |
| Services | 69.248 | 66.735 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Columbia (89.438) and Evansville (91.528) 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 Evansville: 2.3% below Columbia on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Columbia +2.6%, Evansville +3.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Columbia | Evansville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 27Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 17.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 44.8" | 47.8" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: COLUMBIA U OF M, MO US, EVANSVILLE MUSEUM, IN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Columbia | Evansville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,200 | 116,441 |
| Median household income | $64,488 | $52,251 |
| Median age | 29.2 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.1% | 15.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.48 | 2.23 |
Income steps down 2.3%: $64,488 in Columbia vs $52,251 in Evansville.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Evansville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 17,860 | $38,480 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 16,890 | $36,600 |
| Production Occupations | 14,790 | $42,760 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 13,900 | $27,390 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 13,580 | $31,810 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Missouri and Indiana
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Indiana'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.
Frequently asked
How far is Evansville, IN from Columbia, MO?
The driving distance is 293 mi and the route typically takes 5h 44m via I 64 and I 70. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Evansville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 293 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 Evansville compare to Columbia?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,930 in the Evansville MSA vs $44,410 in the Columbia MSA, on total employment of 152,180 and 97,940 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Evansville more expensive than Columbia?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Evansville is 2.3% higher than Columbia (91.528 vs 89.438, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Columbia vs Evansville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $52,251 in Evansville vs $64,488 in Columbia β a 19.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Evansville compared to Columbia?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $198,977 in Evansville vs $321,091 in Columbia β a 38.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Columbia.
City profiles: Columbia, MO Β· Evansville, IN.