Moving from Modesto, CA to Springfield, MO
Cross-country relocations like Modesto, CA β Springfield, MO cover 1832 mi and about 31h 59m of driving through 6 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1832 mi Β· 31h 59m by car Β· CA β AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 44, CA 99 |
| Major cities en route | Stockton, Fresno, Clovis, Visalia, Bakersfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Modesto | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.108 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 152.259 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 108.476 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 104.108 to 88.585, putting Springfield roughly 14.9% below Modesto on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Springfield: 14.9% below Modesto on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Modesto -0.7%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Modesto | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 12.3" | 46.5" |
Climate cools by 6.7Β°F on the annual average β 63.1Β°F β 56.4Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MODESTO CITY CO AP, CA US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Modesto | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,614 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $77,899 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 35.4 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.8% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 3.02 | 2.13 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 14.9% between Modesto and Springfield (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 California 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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close 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 does household income compare in Modesto vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $77,899 in Modesto β a 41.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Modesto?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $446,494 in Modesto β a 45.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Springfield more expensive than Modesto?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 14.9% lower than Modesto (88.585 vs 104.108, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Springfield, MO from Modesto, CA?
The driving distance is 1832 mi and the route typically takes 31h 59m via I 40 and I 44. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1832 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 Modesto?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $47,720 in the Modesto MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 192,020 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 Modesto.
City profiles: Modesto, CA Β· Springfield, MO.