Moving from Las Cruces, NM to Springfield, MO
A move from Las Cruces, NM to Springfield, MO covers 938 mi and around 17h 18m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
938 mi · 17h 18m by car · MO → OK → TX → NM
Distance & route
| Route through | MO → OK → TX → NM |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 70, I 40, I 44 BUSINESS |
| Major cities en route | Broken Arrow, Tulsa, Norman, Oklahoma City, Amarillo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Las Cruces | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.212 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.918 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.144 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 62.982 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
Springfield and Las Cruces are close on the overall BEA RPP (90.212 vs 88.585); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 1.8% lower in Springfield than Las Cruces as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Las Cruces -0.4%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Las Cruces | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,612 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $55,176 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 32.7 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.2% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.13 |
Median household income in Springfield is 1.8% below Las Cruces ($55,176 → $45,984, 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 New Mexico 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close 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 — 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 Las Cruces, NM?
The driving distance is 938 mi and the route typically takes 17h 18m via US 70 and I 40. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Las Cruces vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $55,176 in Las Cruces — a 16.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Springfield more expensive than Las Cruces?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 1.8% lower than Las Cruces (88.585 vs 90.212, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Las Cruces?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $290,023 in Las Cruces — a 16.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Las Cruces to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 938 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Las Cruces?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $37,690 in the Las Cruces MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 75,470 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 Las Cruces.
City profiles: Las Cruces, NM · Springfield, MO.