Moving from Houston, TX to Springfield, MO
Relocating 654 mi from Houston to Springfield is a 12h 6m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
654 mi Β· 12h 6m by car Β· TX β OK β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 45, US 69, US 75 |
| Major cities en route | Pasadena, Pearland, League City, Sugar Land, Mesquite |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Houston | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.629 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.288 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.639 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.51 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 10.2% cheaper overall in Springfield than Houston on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 10.2% under Houston β $264,336 β $242,870 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Houston -2.9%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Houston | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 44Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 54.1" | 46.5" |
Expect 14.2Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HOUSTON-PORT, TX US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Houston | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,300,419 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $62,894 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.3% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.51 | 2.13 |
Expect median household income to fall 10.2% β $62,894 β $45,984 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Texas 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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (14.2Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 far is Springfield, MO from Houston, TX?
The driving distance is 654 mi and the route typically takes 12h 6m via I 45 and US 69. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Springfield more expensive than Houston?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 10.2% lower than Houston (88.585 vs 98.629, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Houston?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $46,960 in the Houston MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 3,179,460 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Houston vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $62,894 in Houston β a 26.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Houston to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 654 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Houston?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $264,336 in Houston β a 8.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Houston.
City profiles: Houston, TX Β· Springfield, MO.