Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Springfield, MO
It is 595 mi between Milwaukee and Springfield β roughly 11h 3m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
595 mi Β· 11h 3m by car Β· WI β IL β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, US 50, I 55 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford, Springfield, St Louis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Milwaukee | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.937 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.59 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.111 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 8.6% cheaper overall in Springfield than Milwaukee on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 8.6% above Milwaukee β $220,137 β $242,870 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Milwaukee +3.6%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Milwaukee | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 39.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 33.8" | 46.5" |
Annual temperature rises 8.1Β°F moving to Springfield per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Milwaukee | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 569,756 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $51,888 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.13 |
Households in Springfield earn about 8.6% less at the median β 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 Milwaukee?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $48,460 in the Milwaukee MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 814,950 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Springfield, MO from Milwaukee, WI?
The driving distance is 595 mi and the route typically takes 11h 3m via I 44 and US 50. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Milwaukee to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 595 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Milwaukee vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $51,888 in Milwaukee β a 11.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Milwaukee?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $220,137 in Milwaukee β a 10.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Springfield more expensive than Milwaukee?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 8.6% lower than Milwaukee (88.585 vs 96.937, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Milwaukee.
City profiles: Milwaukee, WI Β· Springfield, MO.