Moving from Lakewood, CO to Springfield, MO
Relocating 773 mi from Lakewood to Springfield is a 13h 42m 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.
773 mi Β· 13h 42m by car Β· MO β KS β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β KS β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, MO 13 |
| Major cities en route | Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Independence, Overland Park, Olathe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lakewood | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 16.3% cheaper overall in Springfield than Lakewood on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
16.3% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Lakewood -2.6%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lakewood | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 58.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 17.5" | 46.5" |
Expect 6.0Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LAKEWOOD, CO US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lakewood | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 156,309 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $85,789 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 38 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.1% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.13 |
Expect median household income to fall 16.3% β $85,789 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 Colorado 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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
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 does household income compare in Lakewood vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $85,789 in Lakewood β a 46.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Lakewood to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 773 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Springfield, MO from Lakewood, CO?
The driving distance is 773 mi and the route typically takes 13h 42m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Lakewood?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $58,490 in the Lakewood MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 1,590,330 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Springfield more expensive than Lakewood?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 16.3% lower than Lakewood (88.585 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Lakewood?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $573,913 in Lakewood β a 57.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lakewood.
City profiles: Lakewood, CO Β· Springfield, MO.