Moving from Abilene, TX to Independence, MO
A move from Abilene, TX to Independence, MO covers 655 mi and around 11h 36m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
655 mi · 11h 36m by car · TX → OK → KS → MO
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → OK → KS → MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 277, I 44 |
| Major cities en route | Norman, Oklahoma City, Wichita, Olathe, Overland Park |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Abilene | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.364 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.162 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.791 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Independence and Abilene is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values in Abilene and Independence are within 5% of each other ($210,016 vs $208,158 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Abilene +5.2%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Abilene | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66°F | 54°F |
| January avg low | 34°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 96°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.7" | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 25.2" | 44.7" |
Independence is 11.9°F cooler on the annual average (65.9°F vs 54.0°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Independence averages 13.2 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ABILENE RGNL AP, TX US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Abilene | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,130 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $62,720 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.6% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.39 |
Median household income in Independence is 2.4% below Abilene ($62,720 → $59,480, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Independence 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 Texas 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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
- Winter gear first: Independence averages 13.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (11.9°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Tornadoes are common April through June — 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 does household income compare in Abilene vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $62,720 in Abilene — a 5.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Independence compare to Abilene?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $38,680 in the Abilene MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 72,780 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Independence, MO from Abilene, TX?
The driving distance is 655 mi and the route typically takes 11h 36m via I 35 and US 277. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Abilene to Independence?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 655 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Independence more expensive than Abilene?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 2.4% higher than Abilene (92.543 vs 90.364, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to Abilene?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $210,016 in Abilene — a 0.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Abilene and Independence?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.0°F in Independence vs 65.9°F in Abilene (11.9°F colder). Annual snowfall: 13.2 in vs 3.7 in. Annual precipitation: 44.7 in vs 25.2 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Abilene.
City profiles: Abilene, TX · Independence, MO.