Moving from Springfield, MA to Independence, MO
It is 1335 mi between Springfield and Independence β roughly 25h 19m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 8 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.
1335 mi Β· 25h 19m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 80, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Hartford, Waterbury, New Haven, Bridgeport, Stamford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.061 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 154.996 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 75.781 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 96.061 vs 92.543 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 3.7% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $294,613 to $208,158 moving to Independence.
YoY change: Springfield +3.5%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 45.2" | 44.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Springfield (49.4Β°F) and Independence (54.0Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Independence averages 13.2 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WESTFIELD BARNES MUNI AP, MA US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 154,751 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $51,339 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 33.7 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.8% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.67 | 2.39 |
Households in Independence earn about 3.7% more at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Independence MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 133,580 | $43,640 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 105,080 | $42,090 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 95,130 | $29,920 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 94,940 | $36,640 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 77,380 | $75,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts 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
- Winter gear first: Independence averages 13.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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
Is Independence more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 3.7% lower than Springfield (92.543 vs 96.061, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Springfield vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $51,339 in Springfield β a 15.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Springfield to Independence?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1335 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to Springfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $294,613 in Springfield β a 29.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Independence, MO from Springfield, MA?
The driving distance is 1335 mi and the route typically takes 25h 19m via I 70 and I 80. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Springfield.
City profiles: Springfield, MA Β· Independence, MO.