Moving from Knoxville, TN to Springfield, MO
It is 608 mi between Knoxville and Springfield β roughly 11h 39m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
608 mi Β· 11h 39m by car Β· TN β KY β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β KY β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 60, I 40, I 24 |
| Major cities en route | Murfreesboro, Clarksville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Knoxville | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.569 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 71.869 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.247 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 82.783 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
Knoxville and Springfield sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $369,216 in Knoxville to $242,870 in Springfield, a 4.3% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Knoxville +0.7%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Knoxville | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 55.8" | 46.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 57.9Β°F vs 56.4Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Knoxville | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 193,721 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $50,994 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.5% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.28 | 2.13 |
Households in Springfield earn about 4.3% less at the median β 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 Tennessee 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
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 far is Springfield, MO from Knoxville, TN?
The driving distance is 608 mi and the route typically takes 11h 39m via US 60 and I 40. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Knoxville vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $50,994 in Knoxville β a 9.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Knoxville to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 608 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 Knoxville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $43,040 in the Knoxville MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 413,540 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Knoxville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $369,216 in Knoxville β a 34.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Springfield more expensive than Knoxville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 4.3% lower than Knoxville (88.585 vs 92.569, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Knoxville.
City profiles: Knoxville, TN Β· Springfield, MO.