Moving from Lakeland, FL to Springfield, MO
Relocating 1044 mi from Lakeland to Springfield is a 20h 55m drive through 7 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1044 mi Β· 20h 55m by car Β· MO β AR β TN β MS β AL β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β AR β TN β MS β AL β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 78, US 280, I 75 |
| Major cities en route | Memphis, Birmingham, Columbus, Gainesville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lakeland | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.141 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 86.883 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 95.942 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
Expect about 8.8% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Springfield at 88.585 vs Lakeland at 97.141.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 8.8% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $311,156 to $242,870 moving to Springfield.
YoY change: Lakeland -2.8%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lakeland | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 74Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 51Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 56.8" | 46.5" |
Expect 17.5Β°F colder on average per year β plan for heating load and winter gear.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LAKELAND 2, FL US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lakeland | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,030 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $60,947 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 39.9 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.7% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.53 | 2.13 |
Expect median household income to fall 8.8% β $60,947 β $45,984 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 (17.5Β°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 far is Springfield, MO from Lakeland, FL?
The driving distance is 1044 mi and the route typically takes 20h 55m via US 78 and US 280. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Springfield more expensive than Lakeland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 8.8% lower than Lakeland (88.585 vs 97.141, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Lakeland to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1044 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 Lakeland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $311,156 in Lakeland β a 21.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Lakeland?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $40,780 in the Lakeland MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 256,700 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Lakeland vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $60,947 in Lakeland β a 24.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lakeland.
City profiles: Lakeland, FL Β· Springfield, MO.