Moving from Kansas City, MO to Springfield, IL
Relocating between Kansas City, MO and Springfield, IL is a 308 mi drive β 5h 54m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
308 mi Β· 5h 54m by car Β· MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 36, MO 110, I 72 |
| Major cities en route | Independence, Lee S Summit, Overland Park, Kansas City, Olathe |
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 |
Kansas City and Springfield sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $250,208 in Kansas City to $163,198 in Springfield, a 0.2% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Kansas City +0.8%, 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" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 56.9Β°F vs 52.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
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 | 508,233 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $67,449 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.8% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.24 |
Household income lines up β $67,449 vs $65,537 on 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 Missouri 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
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 $67,449 in Kansas City β a 2.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
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 308 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, MO?
The driving distance is 308 mi and the route typically takes 5h 54m via US 36 and MO 110. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
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.
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.
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 $250,208 in Kansas City β a 34.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Kansas City.
City profiles: Kansas City, MO Β· Springfield, IL.