Moving from Clearwater, FL to Independence, MO
A move from Clearwater, FL to Independence, MO covers 1264 mi and around 23h 34m of driving through 6 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.
1264 mi Β· 23h 34m by car Β· MO β IL β KY β TN β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IL β KY β TN β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, GA 540, I 24 |
| Major cities en route | Kansas City, Overland Park, Kansas City, Olathe, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Clearwater | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.89 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.525 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.47 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.839 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Independence is 8.3% cheaper than Clearwater overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Independence is 8.3% below Clearwater β $339,488 vs $208,158 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Clearwater -5.1%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Clearwater | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 74Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 53Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 53.6" | 44.7" |
Independence runs 19.9Β°F colder on the annual average (73.9Β°F vs 54.0Β°F) β expect a noticeably different year.
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: ST PETERSBURG INTL AP, FL US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Clearwater | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,075 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $64,440 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 46.4 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.6% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.39 |
Median household income in Independence is 8.3% below Clearwater ($64,440 β $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 Florida 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-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (19.9Β°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 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 Clearwater to Independence?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1264 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Independence, MO from Clearwater, FL?
The driving distance is 1264 mi and the route typically takes 23h 34m via I 75 and GA 540. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to Clearwater?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $339,488 in Clearwater β a 38.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Independence compare to Clearwater?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $46,420 in the Clearwater MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 1,412,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Independence more expensive than Clearwater?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 8.3% lower than Clearwater (92.543 vs 100.89, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Clearwater vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $64,440 in Clearwater β a 7.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Clearwater.
City profiles: Clearwater, FL Β· Independence, MO.