Moving from Des Moines, IA to Springfield, MO
It is a 356 mi drive, roughly 6h 51m, between Des Moines, IA and Springfield, MO. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
356 mi Β· 6h 51m by car Β· IA β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, MO 13, MO 7 |
| Major cities en route | Kansas City, Kansas City, Independence, Overland Park, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 91.701 vs 88.585 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 3.4% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Des Moines | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 46.5" |
Annual temperature rises 5.5Β°F moving to Springfield per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.13 |
Springfield households earn about 3.4% less than Des Moines at the median β $63,966 β $45,984 on 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 Iowa 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.
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 much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $208,166 in Des Moines β a 16.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $63,966 in Des Moines β a 28.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Springfield, MO from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 356 mi and the route typically takes 6h 51m via I 35 and MO 13. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 356 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Springfield more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 3.4% lower than Des Moines (88.585 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 383,190 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 Des Moines.
City profiles: Des Moines, IA Β· Springfield, MO.