Moving from Springfield, MO to Kansas City, KS
Moving from Springfield, MO to Kansas City, KS covers 178 mi and about 3h 38m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
178 mi Β· 3h 38m by car Β· MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | MO 13, MO 7, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | Overland Park, Lee S Summit, Olathe, Independence, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Kansas City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.585 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 85.825 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.193 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 65.568 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Kansas City and Springfield are close on the overall BEA RPP (88.585 vs 92.543); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 4.5% lower in Kansas City than Springfield as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Springfield +1.9%, Kansas City +1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 57Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 11.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 46.5" | 38.1" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 56.4Β°F vs 56.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Expect 11.0 in of snow annually at the destination β manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US, KANSAS CITY DOWNTOWN AP, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,432 | 154,776 |
| Median household income | $45,984 | $59,183 |
| Median age | 33.6 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.7% | 12.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.13 | 2.72 |
Median household income in Kansas City is 4.5% above Springfield ($45,984 vs $59,183, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Kansas City 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 Missouri and Kansas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Kansas'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Kansas City average 90Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Tornado season peaks April through June β identify a safe room or interior space in the new home 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 Kansas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Kansas City compared to Springfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $198,195 in Kansas City vs $242,870 in Springfield β a 18.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Springfield to Kansas City?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 178 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 Kansas City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,183 in Kansas City vs $45,984 in Springfield β a 28.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Kansas City compare to Springfield?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Kansas City MSA vs $41,490 in the Springfield MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 217,710 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Kansas City more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Kansas City is 4.5% higher than Springfield (92.543 vs 88.585, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Kansas City, KS from Springfield, MO?
The driving distance is 178 mi and the route typically takes 3h 38m via MO 13 and MO 7. The trip crosses 2 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, MO Β· Kansas City, KS.