Moving from Kansas City, KS to Springfield, IL
It is a 317 mi drive, roughly 6h 8m, between Kansas City, KS and Springfield, IL. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
317 mi Β· 6h 8m by car Β· KS β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 36, MO 110, I 72 |
| Major cities en route | Overland Park, Olathe, Kansas City, Lee S Summit, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kansas City | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 0.2% under Kansas City β $198,195 β $163,198 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Kansas City +1.0%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Kansas City | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 11.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 38.1" | 40.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KANSAS CITY DOWNTOWN AP, MO US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kansas City | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 154,776 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $59,183 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 34 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.6% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.24 |
Households in Springfield earn about 0.2% more at the median β 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 | 14,330 | $41,140 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 10,250 | $78,240 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,240 | $29,680 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 9,100 | $79,530 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 8,150 | $33,630 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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.
Frequently asked
Is Springfield more expensive than Kansas City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 0.2% higher than Kansas City (92.745 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Kansas City to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 317 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Springfield, IL from Kansas City, KS?
The driving distance is 317 mi and the route typically takes 6h 8m via US 36 and MO 110. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Kansas City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $198,195 in Kansas City β a 17.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Kansas City vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $59,183 in Kansas City β a 10.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Kansas City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $48,040 in the Kansas City MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 1,078,310 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 Kansas City.
City profiles: Kansas City, KS Β· Springfield, IL.