Moving from Independence, MO to Springfield, MO
It is a 164 mi drive, roughly 3h 27m, between Independence, MO 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.
164 mi Β· 3h 27m by car Β· MO
Distance & route
| Route through | MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | MO 13, MO 7, MO 291 |
| Major cities en route | Overland Park, Olathe, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Independence | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 92.543 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 4.3% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Independence +2.6%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Independence | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 44.7" | 46.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Independence (54.0Β°F) and Springfield (56.4Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: INDEPENDENCE, MO US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Independence | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,944 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $59,480 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.7% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.13 |
Springfield households earn about 4.3% less than Independence at the median β $59,480 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.
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.
Frequently asked
Is Springfield more expensive than Independence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 4.3% lower than Independence (88.585 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Independence vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $59,480 in Independence β a 22.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Independence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $208,158 in Independence β a 16.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Independence?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $48,040 in the Independence MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Springfield, MO from Independence, MO?
The driving distance is 164 mi and the route typically takes 3h 27m via MO 13 and MO 7. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Independence to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 164 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 Independence.
City profiles: Independence, MO Β· Springfield, MO.