Moving from New Orleans, LA to Springfield, MO
It is 678 mi between New Orleans and Springfield β roughly 13h 16m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 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.
678 mi Β· 13h 16m by car Β· LA β MS β TN β AR β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | LA β MS β TN β AR β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, US 63, US 49 |
| Major cities en route | Jackson, Memphis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| New Orleans | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.597 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 71.231 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.691 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.009 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 92.597 vs 88.585 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $242,493 vs $242,870.
YoY change: New Orleans -3.2%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | New Orleans | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 47Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 60.1" | 46.5" |
Annual temperature drops 14.5Β°F moving to Springfield per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEW ORLEANS LAKEFRONT AP, LA US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | New Orleans | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 376,035 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $55,339 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 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 Louisiana 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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (14.5Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 New Orleans, LA?
The driving distance is 678 mi and the route typically takes 13h 16m via I 55 and US 63. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from New Orleans to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 678 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to New Orleans?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $242,493 in New Orleans β a 0.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Springfield more expensive than New Orleans?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 4.3% lower than New Orleans (88.585 vs 92.597, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in New Orleans vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $55,339 in New Orleans β a 16.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to New Orleans?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $43,510 in the New Orleans MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 514,800 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 New Orleans.
City profiles: New Orleans, LA Β· Springfield, MO.