Moving from Atlanta, GA to Independence, MO
Relocating 789 mi from Atlanta to Independence is a 14h 52m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
789 mi Β· 14h 52m by car Β· GA β TN β KY β IL β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | GA β TN β KY β IL β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 24, I 70, I 75 |
| Major cities en route | South Fulton, Sandy Springs, Chattanooga, Murfreesboro, Clarksville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Atlanta | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.058 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.239 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.416 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.022 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Expect about 7.5% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Independence at 92.543 vs Atlanta at 100.058.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 7.5% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $385,599 to $208,158 moving to Independence.
YoY change: Atlanta -3.8%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Atlanta | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.1" | 44.7" |
Expect 8.3Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Independence averages 13.2 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ATLANTA FULTON CO AP, GA US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Atlanta | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 499,287 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $81,938 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 34 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.8% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.16 | 2.39 |
Expect median household income to fall 7.5% β $81,938 β $59,480 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Georgia 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
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Independence averages 13.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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
Is Independence more expensive than Atlanta?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 7.5% lower than Atlanta (92.543 vs 100.058, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Independence, MO from Atlanta, GA?
The driving distance is 789 mi and the route typically takes 14h 52m via I 24 and I 70. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Independence compare to Atlanta?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $48,370 in the Atlanta MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 2,817,660 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Atlanta vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $81,938 in Atlanta β a 27.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to Atlanta?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $385,599 in Atlanta β a 46.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Atlanta to Independence?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 789 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Atlanta.
City profiles: Atlanta, GA Β· Independence, MO.