Moving from Tempe, AZ to Springfield, MO
It is 1238 mi between Tempe and Springfield β roughly 22h 1m 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.
1238 mi Β· 22h 1m 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 | Chandler, Glendale, Goodyear, Phoenix, Gilbert |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tempe | 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 |
Moderate COL drop: 14.3% cheaper overall in Springfield than Tempe on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
14.3% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Tempe -1.7%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tempe | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 106Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 8.8" | 46.5" |
Annual average temperature gap of 15.4Β°F β a meaningful climate change across the move.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TEMPE ASU, AZ US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tempe | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 186,419 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $77,643 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 29.9 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.9% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.13 |
Springfield households earn about 14.3% less than Tempe at the median β $77,643 β $45,984 on 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 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 (15.4Β°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
Is Springfield more expensive than Tempe?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 14.3% lower than Tempe (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 Tempe to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1238 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 Tempe?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $468,281 in Tempe β a 48.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Tempe?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $48,600 in the Tempe 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 Tempe, AZ?
The driving distance is 1238 mi and the route typically takes 22h 1m via I 40 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Tempe vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $77,643 in Tempe β a 40.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tempe.
City profiles: Tempe, AZ Β· Springfield, MO.