Moving from Springfield, MO to Dearborn, MI
The drive from Springfield, MO to Dearborn, MI runs 732 mi β about 13h 58m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
732 mi Β· 13h 58m by car Β· MO β IL β IN β OH β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IL β IN β OH β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 44, I 69 |
| Major cities en route | St Louis, Fort Wayne, Toledo, Ann Arbor, Detroit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Dearborn | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.585 | 100.298 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 85.825 | 106.988 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.193 | 98.817 | 100.0 |
| Services | 65.568 | 94.69 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 13.2% pricier overall in Dearborn than Springfield on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values are comparable between the two cities on the latest Zillow ZHVI.
YoY change: Springfield +1.9%, Dearborn +4.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Dearborn |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 30.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 46.5" | 35.1" |
Climate cools by 6.9Β°F on the annual average β 56.4Β°F β 49.5Β°F.
Significant snow at the destination: Dearborn sees 30.8 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US, DEARBORN, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Dearborn |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,432 | 107,846 |
| Median household income | $45,984 | $65,192 |
| Median age | 33.6 | 32.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.7% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.13 | 2.97 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 13.2% between Springfield and Dearborn (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Dearborn MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 224,810 | $45,600 |
| Production Occupations | 186,670 | $44,740 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 165,670 | $40,090 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 160,290 | $36,830 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 153,090 | $30,480 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Missouri and Michigan
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Michigan'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
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Dearborn averages 30.8 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 Michigan after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Springfield vs Dearborn?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,192 in Dearborn vs $45,984 in Springfield β a 41.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Dearborn more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dearborn is 13.2% higher than Springfield (100.298 vs 88.585, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Dearborn compare to Springfield?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,950 in the Dearborn MSA vs $41,490 in the Springfield MSA, on total employment of 1,900,180 and 217,710 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Dearborn compared to Springfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $245,068 in Dearborn vs $242,870 in Springfield β a 0.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Springfield to Dearborn?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 732 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Dearborn, MI from Springfield, MO?
The driving distance is 732 mi and the route typically takes 13h 58m via I 70 and I 44. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Springfield.
City profiles: Springfield, MO Β· Dearborn, MI.