Moving from Kent, WA to Springfield, MO
A 2000 mi cross-country move between Kent and Springfield is 35h 21m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 6 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
2000 mi Β· 35h 21m by car Β· MO β IA β SD β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IA β SD β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 29, US 212 |
| Major cities en route | Lee S Summit, Overland Park, Olathe, Kansas City, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kent | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
You are looking at a 20.3% cheaper overall price level β 111.133 β 88.585 on the latest BEA Regional Price Parities.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
20.3% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Kent -2.1%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Kent | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 78Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.1" | 46.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KENT, WA US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kent | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,015 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $90,416 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.1% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.89 | 2.13 |
Springfield households earn about 20.3% less than Kent at the median β $90,416 β $45,984 on ACS 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 Washington 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-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
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
When is the best time to move from Kent to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2000 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Springfield more expensive than Kent?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 20.3% lower than Kent (88.585 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Kent vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $90,416 in Kent β a 49.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Kent?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $656,314 in Kent β a 63.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Kent?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $65,260 in the Kent MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Springfield, MO from Kent, WA?
The driving distance is 2000 mi and the route typically takes 35h 21m via I 90 and I 29. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Kent.
City profiles: Kent, WA Β· Springfield, MO.