Moving from Springfield, MO to Durham, NC
Relocating 952 mi from Springfield to Durham is a 18h 4m drive through 6 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.
952 mi Β· 18h 4m by car Β· NC β VA β TN β KY β IL β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA β TN β KY β IL β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 60, I 40, US 52 |
| Major cities en route | Raleigh, Cary, Greensboro, High Point, Winston Salem |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Durham | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.585 | 97.572 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 85.825 | 89.317 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.193 | 96.621 | 100.0 |
| Services | 65.568 | 98.934 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 10.1% above Springfield β 88.585 β 97.572 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
10.1% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Springfield +1.9%, Durham -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 46.5" | 48.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US, DURHAM, NC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,432 | 288,465 |
| Median household income | $45,984 | $79,234 |
| Median age | 33.6 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.7% | 28.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.13 | 2.34 |
Expect median household income to rise 10.1% β $45,984 β $79,234 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Durham MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 37,060 | $71,120 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 35,210 | $45,760 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 27,730 | $63,500 |
| Management Occupations | 27,600 | $133,520 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 27,050 | $82,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Missouri and North Carolina
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check North Carolina'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-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Atlantic hurricane season runs August through October, particularly on the Outer Banks.
- 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 North Carolina after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Springfield to Durham?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 952 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 Durham compared to Springfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $396,395 in Durham vs $242,870 in Springfield β a 63.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Springfield vs Durham?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $79,234 in Durham vs $45,984 in Springfield β a 72.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Durham, NC from Springfield, MO?
The driving distance is 952 mi and the route typically takes 18h 4m via US 60 and I 40. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Durham more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Durham is 10.1% higher than Springfield (97.572 vs 88.585, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Durham compare to Springfield?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,480 in the Durham MSA vs $41,490 in the Springfield MSA, on total employment of 336,100 and 217,710 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 Springfield.
City profiles: Springfield, MO Β· Durham, NC.