Moving from Springfield, MO to Detroit, MI
The drive from Springfield, MO to Detroit, MI runs 739 mi β about 14h 5m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
739 mi Β· 14h 5m by car Β· MI β OH β IN β IL β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | MI β OH β IN β IL β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 44, US 50 |
| Major cities en route | Warren, Sterling Heights, Dearborn, Ann Arbor, Toledo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Detroit | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.585 | 100.298 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 85.825 | 106.988 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.193 | 98.817 | 100.0 |
| Services | 65.568 | 94.69 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 88.585 in Springfield to 100.298 in Detroit, a 13.2% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Detroit: 13.2% below Springfield on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Springfield +1.9%, Detroit -3.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 46.5" | 34.9" |
Climate cools by 6.1Β°F on the annual average β 56.4Β°F β 50.3Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US, DEARBORN #2, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,432 | 636,644 |
| Median household income | $45,984 | $39,575 |
| Median age | 33.6 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.7% | 10.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.13 | 2.51 |
Income steps down 13.2%: $45,984 in Springfield vs $39,575 in Detroit.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Detroit MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 224,810 | $45,600 |
| Production Occupations | 186,670 | $44,740 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 165,670 | $40,090 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 160,290 | $36,830 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 153,090 | $30,480 |
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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Springfield vs Detroit?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $39,575 in Detroit vs $45,984 in Springfield β a 13.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Detroit compare to Springfield?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,950 in the Detroit MSA vs $41,490 in the Springfield MSA, on total employment of 1,900,180 and 217,710 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Detroit compared to Springfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $75,358 in Detroit vs $242,870 in Springfield β a 69.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Detroit more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Detroit is 13.2% higher than Springfield (100.298 vs 88.585, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Detroit, MI from Springfield, MO?
The driving distance is 739 mi and the route typically takes 14h 5m via I 70 and I 44. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Springfield to Detroit?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 739 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Springfield.
City profiles: Springfield, MO Β· Detroit, MI.