Moving from Missouri to New Hampshire

Moving from Missouri to New Hampshire covers about 1,401 miles — a mid-distance interstate move. Whether you drive a rental truck or hire movers, this checklist keeps every step on track.

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MO vs NH at a Glance

Income Tax

MO4.7%
NHNo income tax
Property Tax (effective)
MO0.89%
NH1.5%

Sales Tax

MO4.225%
NHNo sales tax

Time Zone

MOCentral
NHEastern

You'll be changing time zones

Distance

By road~1,401 mi
Drive time~25.5 hrs

Moving Cost

Typical range$4,000–$7,500

Professional move, 2–3 BR home. Summer +20–30%.

What This Move Means for You

Higher cost of living

New Hampshire runs about 24% more expensive than Missouri overall. Budget extra for housing, groceries, and day-to-day costs before committing to a new place.

No state income tax in New Hampshire

New Hampshire charges no state income tax, versus a top rate around 4.7% in Missouri. For most movers that means a meaningful bump in take-home pay.

Higher property taxes

New Hampshire's effective property tax rate (1.5%) is higher than Missouri's (0.89%). If you plan to buy, weigh the extra annual cost into your budget.

Colder winters ahead

New Hampshire averages 12°F cooler than Missouri. Pack cold-weather clothing and expect higher heating bills through the winter.

Before You Leave Missouri

File Form MO-1040 as a part-year resident

Attach Form MO-CR or Form MO-NRI. Use the one that gives you the lower tax. MO-NRI taxes only the income you earned while a resident. MO-CR gives a credit for tax paid to another state. Your Missouri domicile continues until you move with the intention to make your permanent home elsewhere.

Source: Missouri DOR, Nonresidents and part-year residents

Expect a full year of personal property tax

Missouri taxes the cars and other personal property you own on January 1. The tax is not prorated. If you own a car on January 1 and move out on January 2, you owe the tax for that whole year.

Source: Missouri State Tax Commission, FAQ

Destroy or return your Missouri plates

Destroy and recycle the plates yourself, or return them to any Missouri license office. You can also mail them to the Department of Revenue. Missouri statute does not allow a refund of registration fees for unexpired plates. If a renewal notice arrives later, ignore it.

Source: Missouri DOR, Titling and registration FAQ

If you sell the car instead, report the sale within 30 days

Remove your plates before the buyer takes the car. Report the sale to the Department of Revenue within 30 days. Use the Notice of Sale (Form 5049) or the Bill of Sale (Form 1957).

Source: Missouri DOR, Selling a vehicle

Check for a city earnings tax

The City of St. Louis charges a one percent earnings tax. Residents pay it wherever their employer is located. If you lived in the city, ask the Collector of Revenue about your final return.

Source: City of St. Louis Collector of Revenue, Earnings tax

Your Moving Timeline

1

8 Weeks Before

At about 1,401 miles (~25.5 hours), you can drive a rental truck or hire movers — compare both. If you drive, plan an overnight stop and factor in fuel and lodging.

2

4 Weeks Before

Notify your utility providers, update your address with USPS, and begin packing non-essential items.

3

1 Week Before

Confirm with your movers, finish packing, clean your home, and prepare a moving day essentials bag.

4

Moving Day

Supervise loading, do a final walkthrough of your old home, and hand over the keys.

5

After the Move

Update your driver's license at the New Hampshire DMV, register to vote in NH, and set up your new utilities.

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Climate Comparison

Missouri

Annual avg temp56°F
Annual precipitation42″

Humid continental with cold winters and hot, humid summers.

New Hampshire

Annual avg temp44°F
Annual precipitation44″

Humid continental with cold, snowy winters and mild summers.

Utilities & Cost of Living

Missouri

Avg monthly electric bill$129/mo
Cost of living index88.6 (US avg = 100)

New Hampshire

Avg monthly electric bill$145/mo
Cost of living index110.1 (US avg = 100)

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is it from Missouri to New Hampshire?

The driving distance from Missouri to New Hampshire is approximately 1,401 miles — about 25.5 hours of driving at highway speeds.

How much does it cost to move from Missouri to New Hampshire?

A professional interstate move from Missouri to New Hampshire typically costs between $4,000 and $7,500, depending on the size of your home and time of year.

  • Summer moves (May–September) tend to cost 20–30% more.

What is the cost of living difference between Missouri and New Hampshire?

Missouri has a cost of living index of 88.6 versus 110.1 for New Hampshire (US average = 100).

  • Overall, New Hampshire is about 24% higher than Missouri.

How do property taxes compare between Missouri and New Hampshire?

Missouri's effective property tax rate is about 0.89%, versus 1.5% in New Hampshire.

  • On a typical home that difference raises your annual holding costs, so factor it in if you plan to buy.

How soon do I need to update my driver's license after moving to New Hampshire?

After establishing residency in New Hampshire, you have 60 days to update your driver's license at a New Hampshire DMV office.

  • Vehicle registration is a separate transaction with its own deadline, which in most states differs from the license deadline — confirm both with the New Hampshire DMV before you go.

What is the climate like in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire has humid continental with cold, snowy winters and mild summers.

  • The annual average temperature is 44°F, with about 44 inches of precipitation per year.
  • Average monthly electricity bills run around $145.