Moving from Kansas City, KS to Springfield, MO
Moving from Kansas City, KS to Springfield, MO covers 178 mi and about 3h 38m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
178 mi Β· 3h 38m by car Β· MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | MO 13, MO 7, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | Overland Park, Lee S Summit, Olathe, Independence, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kansas City | 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 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Kansas City (92.543) and Springfield (88.585) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Springfield: 4.3% above Kansas City on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Kansas City +1.0%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Kansas City | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 11.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 38.1" | 46.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KANSAS CITY DOWNTOWN AP, MO US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kansas City | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 154,776 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $59,183 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 34 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.6% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.13 |
Median household income in Springfield is 4.3% below Kansas City ($59,183 vs $45,984, ACS 5-year 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 Kansas 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 Kansas City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $198,195 in Kansas City β a 22.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Springfield more expensive than Kansas City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 4.3% lower than Kansas City (88.585 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Kansas City vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $59,183 in Kansas City β a 22.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Springfield, MO from Kansas City, KS?
The driving distance is 178 mi and the route typically takes 3h 38m via MO 13 and MO 7. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Kansas City to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 178 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 Springfield compare to Kansas City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $48,040 in the Kansas City 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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Kansas City.
City profiles: Kansas City, KS Β· Springfield, MO.