Moving from Springfield, MO to Ann Arbor, MI
Relocating 725 mi from Springfield to Ann Arbor is a 13h 32m drive through 4 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.
725 mi Β· 13h 32m by car Β· MO β IL β IN β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IL β IN β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, I 44, I 94 |
| Major cities en route | St Louis, Springfield, Joliet, Aurora, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Ann Arbor | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.585 | 100.88 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 85.825 | 98.184 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.193 | 93.711 | 100.0 |
| Services | 65.568 | 125.3 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 13.9% above Springfield β 88.585 β 100.88 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
13.9% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Springfield +1.9%, Ann Arbor +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 59.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 46.5" | 37.9" |
Expect 8.2Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Heavy-snow city: expect 59.3 in of snowfall annually at Ann Arbor.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US, ANN ARBOR SE, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,432 | 121,179 |
| Median household income | $45,984 | $81,089 |
| Median age | 33.6 | 27.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.7% | 30.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.13 | 2.43 |
Expect median household income to rise 13.9% β $45,984 β $81,089 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Ann Arbor MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 29,010 | $50,890 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 25,400 | $81,710 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 24,670 | $42,280 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 15,280 | $32,120 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 13,740 | $36,520 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Missouri and Michigan
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Michigan'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 snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Ann Arbor averages 59.3 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 Michigan after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Springfield to Ann Arbor?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 725 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 Springfield vs Ann Arbor?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,089 in Ann Arbor vs $45,984 in Springfield β a 76.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Ann Arbor compared to Springfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $523,391 in Ann Arbor vs $242,870 in Springfield β a 115.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Ann Arbor compare to Springfield?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA vs $41,490 in the Springfield MSA, on total employment of 215,300 and 217,710 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Ann Arbor, MI from Springfield, MO?
The driving distance is 725 mi and the route typically takes 13h 32m via I 55 and I 44. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Ann Arbor more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Ann Arbor is 13.9% higher than Springfield (100.88 vs 88.585, 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 Springfield.
City profiles: Springfield, MO Β· Ann Arbor, MI.