Moving from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Springfield, MO
A move from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Springfield, MO covers 1233 mi and around 24h 6m of driving through 7 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1233 mi Β· 24h 6m by car Β· FL β GA β AL β MS β TN β AR β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | FL β GA β AL β MS β TN β AR β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 22, I 75, US 63 |
| Major cities en route | Miami, Hialeah, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Miramar |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Lauderdale | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 114.155 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 97.235 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.556 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 155.551 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
Cost of living in Springfield is 22.4% lower than Fort Lauderdale β the kind of spread that reshuffles a household budget line by line.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Springfield: 22.4% below Fort Lauderdale on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Fort Lauderdale -4.9%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fort Lauderdale | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 77Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 60Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 64.3" | 46.5" |
Major climate step-down: 20.5Β°F cooler annual average in Springfield vs Fort Lauderdale.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FT LAUDERDALE BEACH, FL US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Lauderdale | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 183,032 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $79,935 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 42.9 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.8% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.27 | 2.13 |
Median household income in Springfield is 22.4% below Fort Lauderdale ($79,935 vs $45,984, ACS 5-year 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 Florida 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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements 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 (20.5Β°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
How does household income compare in Fort Lauderdale vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale β a 42.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Fort Lauderdale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $46,510 in the Fort Lauderdale MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 2,721,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Fort Lauderdale to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1233 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 Fort Lauderdale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $508,474 in Fort Lauderdale β a 52.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Springfield, MO from Fort Lauderdale, FL?
The driving distance is 1233 mi and the route typically takes 24h 6m via I 22 and I 75. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Springfield more expensive than Fort Lauderdale?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 22.4% lower than Fort Lauderdale (88.585 vs 114.155, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fort Lauderdale.
City profiles: Fort Lauderdale, FL Β· Springfield, MO.