Moving from Madison, WI to Springfield, MO
A move from Madison, WI to Springfield, MO covers 578 mi and around 10h 50m of driving through 3 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.
578 mi Β· 10h 50m by car Β· WI β IL β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, US 50, I 39 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford, Springfield, St Louis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 97.287 to 88.585, putting Springfield roughly 8.9% below Madison on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Springfield: 8.9% below Madison on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 46.5" |
Springfield runs 9.2Β°F warmer on the annual average (47.2Β°F vs 56.4Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.13 |
Median household income in Springfield is 8.9% below Madison ($76,983 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 Wisconsin 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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
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
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 396,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Madison to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 578 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Springfield more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 8.9% lower than Madison (88.585 vs 97.287, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $423,767 in Madison β a 42.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Springfield, MO from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 578 mi and the route typically takes 10h 50m via I 44 and US 50. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Madison vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $76,983 in Madison β a 40.3% 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 Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI Β· Springfield, MO.