Moving from Centennial, CO to Springfield, MO
The drive from Centennial, CO to Springfield, MO runs 753 mi β about 13h 33m 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.
753 mi Β· 13h 33m by car Β· MO β KS β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β KS β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, MO 13 |
| Major cities en route | Lee S Summit, Independence, Kansas City, Overland Park, Olathe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Centennial | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
Springfield is 16.3% cheaper than Centennial overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Springfield is 16.3% below Centennial β $649,086 vs $242,870 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Centennial -2.8%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Centennial | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 15.0" | 46.5" |
Climate warms by 6.2Β°F on the annual average β 50.2Β°F β 56.4Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DENVER CENTENNIAL AP, CO US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Centennial | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,386 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $128,167 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 41.8 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 2.13 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 16.3% between Centennial and Springfield (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 Colorado 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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- 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 Centennial vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $128,167 in Centennial β a 64.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Springfield, MO from Centennial, CO?
The driving distance is 753 mi and the route typically takes 13h 33m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Centennial to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 753 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 Centennial?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $649,086 in Centennial β a 62.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Springfield more expensive than Centennial?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 16.3% lower than Centennial (88.585 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Centennial?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $58,490 in the Centennial MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 1,590,330 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 Centennial.
City profiles: Centennial, CO Β· Springfield, MO.