Moving from Stockton, CA to Springfield, MO
Cross-country relocations like Stockton, CA β Springfield, MO cover 1869 mi and about 32h 38m of driving through 6 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1869 mi Β· 32h 38m by car Β· CA β AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 44, I 5 |
| Major cities en route | Antioch, Modesto, Bakersfield, Lancaster, Victorville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Stockton | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.089 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 158.247 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 115.614 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Springfield are 15.7% below Stockton β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Springfield typical home at $242,870 is 15.7% under Stockton at $431,328 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Stockton -3.7%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Stockton | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 17.3" | 46.5" |
Climate cools by 7.5Β°F on the annual average β 63.9Β°F β 56.4Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: STOCKTON FIRE STN 4, CA US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Stockton | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 320,470 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $76,851 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 33.7 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 3.26 | 2.13 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 15.7% between Stockton and Springfield (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Springfield MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 28,080 | $38,030 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 24,360 | $38,880 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 20,070 | $28,100 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 19,640 | $31,070 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 17,940 | $63,340 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between California 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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- 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
How far is Springfield, MO from Stockton, CA?
The driving distance is 1869 mi and the route typically takes 32h 38m via I 40 and I 44. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Stockton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $48,370 in the Stockton MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 278,010 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Springfield more expensive than Stockton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 15.7% lower than Stockton (88.585 vs 105.089, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Stockton to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1869 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 Stockton vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $76,851 in Stockton β a 40.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Stockton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $431,328 in Stockton β a 43.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Stockton.
City profiles: Stockton, CA Β· Springfield, MO.