Moving from Little Rock, AR to Springfield, MO
Moving from Little Rock, AR to Springfield, MO covers 214 mi and about 4h 46m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
214 mi · 4h 46m by car · AR → MO
Distance & route
| Route through | AR → MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 65, US 62, US 412 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Little Rock | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.364 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.635 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.577 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 68.295 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Little Rock (89.364) and Springfield (88.585) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: Springfield at $242,870 is 0.9% above Little Rock at $216,519.
YoY change: Little Rock +2.2%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Little Rock | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62°F | 56°F |
| January avg low | 31°F | 23°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 88°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.8" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | 46.5" |
Springfield is 5.3°F cooler on the annual average (61.7°F vs 56.4°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LITTLE ROCK AP ADAMS FLD, AR US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Little Rock | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 202,739 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $60,583 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 2.13 |
Median household income in Springfield is 0.9% below Little Rock ($60,583 vs $45,984, 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 | 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 Arkansas 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.
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 Little Rock, AR?
The driving distance is 214 mi and the route typically takes 4h 46m via US 65 and US 62. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Springfield more expensive than Little Rock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 0.9% lower than Little Rock (88.585 vs 89.364, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Little Rock vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $60,583 in Little Rock — a 24.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Little Rock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $216,519 in Little Rock — a 12.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Little Rock 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 214 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 Little Rock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $42,100 in the Little Rock MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 345,890 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 Little Rock.
City profiles: Little Rock, AR · Springfield, MO.