Moving from College Station, TX to Independence, MO
A move from College Station, TX to Independence, MO covers 686 mi and around 12h 50m of driving through 3 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.
686 mi Β· 12h 50m by car Β· TX β OK β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 69, US 75, I 49 |
| Major cities en route | Waco, Grand Prairie, Arlington, Dallas, Mesquite |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| College Station | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.951 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.39 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 75.088 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Independence and College Station are close on the overall BEA RPP (90.951 vs 92.543); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Independence typical home at $208,158 is 1.8% under College Station at $349,041 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: College Station +0.5%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | College Station | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.8" | 44.7" |
NOAA normals show Independence running 15.4Β°F below College Station on the annual mean.
Significant snow at the destination: Independence sees 13.2 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: COLLEGE STN, TX US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | College Station | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 122,280 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $51,776 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 22.9 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.5% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.74 | 2.39 |
Median household income in Independence is 1.8% above College Station ($51,776 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 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 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.
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 (15.4Β°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
How does household income compare in College Station vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $51,776 in College Station β a 14.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Independence more expensive than College Station?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 1.8% higher than College Station (92.543 vs 90.951, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Independence, MO from College Station, TX?
The driving distance is 686 mi and the route typically takes 12h 50m via US 69 and US 75. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to College Station?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $349,041 in College Station β a 40.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from College Station to Independence?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 686 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Independence compare to College Station?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $42,710 in the College Station MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 128,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from College Station.
City profiles: College Station, TX Β· Independence, MO.