Moving from Columbia, MO to Springfield, IL
The 199 mi from Columbia to Springfield translate to about 3h 58m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — 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.
199 mi · 3h 58m by car · MO → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MO → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 72, US 36, IL 110 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Columbia | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.438 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 85.966 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.193 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 69.248 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Springfield and Columbia is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Springfield is 3.7% below Columbia — $321,091 vs $163,198 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Columbia +2.6%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Columbia | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 23°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 17.4" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 44.8" | 40.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Columbia (56.2°F) and Springfield (52.9°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: COLUMBIA U OF M, MO US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Columbia | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,200 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $64,488 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 29.2 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.1% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.48 | 2.24 |
Median household incomes in Columbia ($64,488) and Springfield ($65,537) are within a few percent (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 | 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 Missouri 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 does household income compare in Columbia vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $64,488 in Columbia — a 1.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Columbia?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $44,410 in the Columbia MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 97,940 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Springfield more expensive than Columbia?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 3.7% higher than Columbia (92.745 vs 89.438, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Columbia?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $321,091 in Columbia — a 49.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 199 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Springfield, IL from Columbia, MO?
The driving distance is 199 mi and the route typically takes 3h 58m via I 72 and US 36. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Columbia.
City profiles: Columbia, MO · Springfield, IL.