Moving from Scottsdale, AZ to Springfield, MO
A move from Scottsdale, AZ to Springfield, MO covers 1234 mi and around 22h 5m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1234 mi Β· 22h 5m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, AZ 77, I 44 |
| Major cities en route | Peoria, Phoenix, Glendale, Chandler, Tempe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Scottsdale | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Springfield are 14.3% below Scottsdale β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Springfield typical home at $242,870 is 14.3% under Scottsdale at $858,022 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Scottsdale +1.7%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Scottsdale | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 99Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | 46.5" |
Springfield is 13.2Β°F cooler on the annual average (69.6Β°F vs 56.4Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Scottsdale | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 242,169 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $107,372 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 49.2 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.1% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.06 | 2.13 |
Median household income in Springfield is 14.3% below Scottsdale ($107,372 vs $45,984, 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 Arizona 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-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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (13.2Β°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 does household income compare in Scottsdale vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $107,372 in Scottsdale β a 57.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Scottsdale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $48,600 in the Scottsdale MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Springfield, MO from Scottsdale, AZ?
The driving distance is 1234 mi and the route typically takes 22h 5m via I 40 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Springfield more expensive than Scottsdale?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 14.3% lower than Scottsdale (88.585 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Scottsdale to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1234 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 Scottsdale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $858,022 in Scottsdale β a 71.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Scottsdale.
City profiles: Scottsdale, AZ Β· Springfield, MO.