Moving from Springfield, MO to Winston-Salem, NC
Relocating 874 mi from Springfield to Winston-Salem is a 16h 33m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
874 mi Β· 16h 33m by car Β· NC β VA β TN β KY β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA β TN β KY β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 60, I 40, US 52 |
| Major cities en route | Greensboro, High Point, Knoxville, Murfreesboro, Clarksville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Winston-Salem | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.585 | 92.043 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 85.825 | 88.421 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.193 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 65.568 | 71.377 | 100.0 |
Springfield and Winston-Salem sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Winston-Salem run about 3.9% pricier β ZHVI $242,870 β $264,333 (2026-03).
YoY change: Springfield +1.9%, Winston-Salem +0.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Winston-Salem |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 31Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 46.5" | 43.2" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 56.4Β°F vs 59.5Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US, WINSTON SALEM RYNLDS AP, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Winston-Salem |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,432 | 250,887 |
| Median household income | $45,984 | $57,673 |
| Median age | 33.6 | 35.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.7% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.13 | 2.5 |
Expect median household income to rise 3.9% β $45,984 β $57,673 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Winston-Salem MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 31,440 | $40,070 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 27,960 | $36,300 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 26,050 | $31,830 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 24,820 | $27,550 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 24,350 | $78,520 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Missouri and North Carolina
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check North Carolina'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 Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Atlantic hurricane season runs August through October, particularly on the Outer Banks.
- 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 North Carolina after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Springfield vs Winston-Salem?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $57,673 in Winston-Salem vs $45,984 in Springfield β a 25.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Winston-Salem, NC from Springfield, MO?
The driving distance is 874 mi and the route typically takes 16h 33m via US 60 and I 40. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Winston-Salem compared to Springfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $264,333 in Winston-Salem vs $242,870 in Springfield β a 8.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Winston-Salem more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Winston-Salem is 3.9% higher than Springfield (92.043 vs 88.585, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Springfield to Winston-Salem?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 874 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 Winston-Salem compare to Springfield?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,040 in the Winston-Salem MSA vs $41,490 in the Springfield MSA, on total employment of 271,620 and 217,710 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 Springfield.
City profiles: Springfield, MO Β· Winston-Salem, NC.