Moving from Memphis, TN to Springfield, MO
Moving from Memphis, TN to Springfield, MO covers 290 mi and about 6h 1m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
290 mi · 6h 1m by car · TN → AR → MO
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → AR → MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 63, I 555, US 60 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Springfield and Memphis is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Springfield is 3.9% above Memphis — $144,710 vs $242,870 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Memphis | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 56°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 23°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 88°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 46.5" |
Springfield is 7.0°F cooler on the annual average (63.4°F vs 56.4°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.13 |
Median household income in Springfield is 3.9% below Memphis ($51,211 → $45,984, 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.
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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Tornadoes are common April through June — 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 Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $144,710 in Memphis — a 67.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Springfield, MO from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 290 mi and the route typically takes 6h 1m via US 63 and I 555. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 625,340 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $51,211 in Memphis — a 10.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Springfield more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 3.9% lower than Memphis (88.585 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 290 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — 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 Memphis.
City profiles: Memphis, TN · Springfield, MO.