Moving from Oklahoma City, OK to Springfield, MO
It is a 286 mi drive, roughly 5h 8m, between Oklahoma City, OK and Springfield, MO. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
286 mi Β· 5h 8m by car Β· OK β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | OK β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, OK 66, US 412 |
| Major cities en route | Norman, Tulsa, Broken Arrow |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Oklahoma City | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.408 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.067 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.885 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 90.408 vs 88.585 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.0% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Oklahoma City -0.3%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Oklahoma City | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 27Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 6.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.4" | 46.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Oklahoma City (60.1Β°F) and Springfield (56.4Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OKLAHOMA CITY WILL ROGERS AP, OK US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Oklahoma City | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 688,693 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $66,702 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 35 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.5% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.13 |
Springfield households earn about 2.0% less than Oklahoma City at the median β $66,702 β $45,984 on 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 Oklahoma 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.
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 far is Springfield, MO from Oklahoma City, OK?
The driving distance is 286 mi and the route typically takes 5h 8m via I 44 and OK 66. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Oklahoma City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $206,713 in Oklahoma City β a 17.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Oklahoma City to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 286 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Springfield more expensive than Oklahoma City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 2.0% lower than Oklahoma City (88.585 vs 90.408, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Oklahoma City vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $66,702 in Oklahoma City β a 31.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Oklahoma City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $44,030 in the Oklahoma City MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 656,800 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 Oklahoma City.
City profiles: Oklahoma City, OK Β· Springfield, MO.