Moving from Cincinnati, OH to Springfield, MO
The drive from Cincinnati, OH to Springfield, MO runs 563 mi β about 10h 36m 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.
563 mi Β· 10h 36m by car Β· OH β IN β IL β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 44, US 50 |
| Major cities en route | St Louis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cincinnati | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.37 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.954 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.751 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 87.608 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
Springfield is 7.1% cheaper than Cincinnati overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values in Cincinnati and Springfield are within 5% of each other ($249,568 vs $242,870 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Cincinnati +1.7%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cincinnati | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 24Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 43.4" | 46.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Cincinnati (54.8Β°F) and Springfield (56.4Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CINCINNATI LUNKEN AP, OH US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cincinnati | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 309,595 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $51,707 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 33 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.2% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.17 | 2.13 |
Income steps down 7.1%: $51,707 in Cincinnati vs $45,984 in Springfield.
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 Ohio 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.
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
When is the best time to move from Cincinnati to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 563 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 Cincinnati?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $249,568 in Cincinnati β a 2.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Cincinnati vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $51,707 in Cincinnati β a 11.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Springfield, MO from Cincinnati, OH?
The driving distance is 563 mi and the route typically takes 10h 36m via I 70 and I 44. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Springfield more expensive than Cincinnati?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 7.1% lower than Cincinnati (88.585 vs 95.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Cincinnati?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $47,280 in the Cincinnati MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 1,081,800 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 Cincinnati.
City profiles: Cincinnati, OH Β· Springfield, MO.