Moving from Huntsville, AL to Springfield, MO
Moving from Huntsville, AL to Springfield, MO covers 493 mi and about 10h 9m by car through 5 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
493 mi Β· 10h 9m by car Β· AL β MS β TN β AR β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β MS β TN β AR β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 63, US 72, US 72 ALTERNATE |
| Major cities en route | Memphis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Huntsville | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.072 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.931 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.946 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Springfield and Huntsville is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Springfield is 4.8% below Huntsville ($242,870 vs $287,569 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Huntsville +0.2%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Huntsville | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 33Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 54.3" | 46.5" |
Springfield is 6.5Β°F cooler on the annual average (62.9Β°F vs 56.4Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HUNTSVILLE INTL AP, AL US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Huntsville | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,814 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $70,778 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.7% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 2.13 |
Median household income in Springfield is 4.8% below Huntsville ($70,778 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 Alabama 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
- 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 Huntsville vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $70,778 in Huntsville β a 35.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Huntsville to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 493 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 Springfield compare to Huntsville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $49,440 in the Huntsville MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 250,940 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Springfield more expensive than Huntsville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 4.8% lower than Huntsville (88.585 vs 93.072, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Springfield, MO from Huntsville, AL?
The driving distance is 493 mi and the route typically takes 10h 9m via US 63 and US 72. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Huntsville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $287,569 in Huntsville β a 15.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Huntsville.
City profiles: Huntsville, AL Β· Springfield, MO.