Moving from Rochester, MN to Springfield, MO
Relocating 567 mi from Rochester to Springfield is a 10h 37m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
567 mi Β· 10h 37m by car Β· MO β IA β MN
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IA β MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, MO 110, MO 13 |
| Major cities en route | Lee S Summit, Overland Park, Olathe, Independence, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rochester | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.821 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.389 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.433 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.628 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 90.821 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 2.5% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $339,455 to $242,870 moving to Springfield.
YoY change: Rochester +3.9%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Rochester | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 53.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 46.5" |
Expect 11.6Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rochester | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,638 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $87,767 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 27.7% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.13 |
Expect median household income to fall 2.5% β $87,767 β $45,984 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Minnesota 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
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (11.6Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Rochester?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $55,970 in the Rochester MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 119,430 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Rochester vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $87,767 in Rochester β a 47.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Springfield, MO from Rochester, MN?
The driving distance is 567 mi and the route typically takes 10h 37m via I 35 and MO 110. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Rochester to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 567 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Springfield more expensive than Rochester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 2.5% lower than Rochester (88.585 vs 90.821, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Rochester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $339,455 in Rochester β a 28.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Rochester.
City profiles: Rochester, MN Β· Springfield, MO.