Moving from Wichita, KS to Springfield, MO
Moving from Wichita, KS to Springfield, MO covers 250 mi and about 5h 5m 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.
250 mi Β· 5h 5m by car Β· KS β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 400, MO 96, US 54 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Wichita | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.946 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.459 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 66.245 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Wichita (88.946) and Springfield (88.585) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: Springfield at $242,870 is 0.4% above Wichita at $202,720.
YoY change: Wichita +2.2%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Wichita | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 12.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.3" | 46.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WICHITA, KS US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Wichita | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 396,488 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $63,072 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.7% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.52 | 2.13 |
Median household income in Springfield is 0.4% below Wichita ($63,072 vs $45,984, ACS 5-year 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 Kansas 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.
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
When is the best time to move from Wichita to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 250 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Springfield more expensive than Wichita?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 0.4% lower than Wichita (88.585 vs 88.946, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Springfield, MO from Wichita, KS?
The driving distance is 250 mi and the route typically takes 5h 5m via US 400 and MO 96. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Wichita?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $202,720 in Wichita β a 19.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Wichita vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $63,072 in Wichita β a 27.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Wichita?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $44,790 in the Wichita MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 303,910 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 Wichita.
City profiles: Wichita, KS Β· Springfield, MO.