Moving from Rochester, NY to Springfield, MO
It is 1026 mi between Rochester and Springfield β roughly 19h 26m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 6 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.
1026 mi Β· 19h 26m by car Β· NY β PA β OH β IN β IL β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | NY β PA β OH β IN β IL β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 90, I 44 |
| Major cities en route | Buffalo, Cleveland, Akron, Columbus, Dayton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rochester | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.035 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 133.213 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.693 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 87.481 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
Expect about 8.7% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Springfield at 88.585 vs Rochester at 97.035.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $235,784 vs $242,870.
YoY change: Rochester +3.0%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Rochester | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 102.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 35.1" | 46.5" |
Annual temperature rises 6.9Β°F moving to Springfield per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ROCHESTER GTR INTL AP, NY US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rochester | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 209,720 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $46,628 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 33.5 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.3% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.27 | 2.13 |
Median household incomes in Rochester ($46,628) and Springfield ($45,984) are within a few percent (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 New York 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
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
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 1026 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 Rochester vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $46,628 in Rochester β a 1.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Springfield, MO from Rochester, NY?
The driving distance is 1026 mi and the route typically takes 19h 26m via I 70 and I 90. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
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 $235,784 in Rochester β a 3.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Springfield more expensive than Rochester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 8.7% lower than Rochester (88.585 vs 97.035, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
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 $48,500 in the Rochester MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 493,220 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 Rochester.
City profiles: Rochester, NY Β· Springfield, MO.