Moving from Boise City, ID to Independence, MO
Relocating 1388 mi from Boise City to Independence is a 23h 21m drive through 6 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1388 mi · 23h 21m by car · ID → UT → WY → NE → IA → MO
Distance & route
| Route through | ID → UT → WY → NE → IA → MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, US 189, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Meridian, Nampa, Salt Lake City, Lincoln, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Boise City | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.391 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 70.695 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.179 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.58 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 5.9% moving from Boise City to Independence — meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Boise City —, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Boise City | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 54°F |
| January avg low | 26°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 17.6" | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.5" | 44.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 53.2°F vs 54.0°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Independence sees 13.2 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Boise City | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 235,701 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $81,308 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.2% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.37 | 2.39 |
Expect median household income to fall 5.9% — $81,308 → $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 Idaho 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.
Winter driving along this route
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
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 — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 far is Independence, MO from Boise City, ID?
The driving distance is 1388 mi and the route typically takes 23h 21m via I 80 and US 189. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Boise City 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 1388 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Independence compare to Boise City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $45,320 in the Boise City MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 372,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Boise City vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $81,308 in Boise City — a 26.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Independence more expensive than Boise City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 5.9% lower than Boise City (92.543 vs 98.391, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Boise City and Independence?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.0°F in Independence vs 53.2°F in Boise City (0.8°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 13.2 in vs 17.6 in. Annual precipitation: 44.7 in vs 11.5 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Boise City.
City profiles: Boise City, ID · Independence, MO.