Moving from Denton, TX to Independence, MO
The drive from Denton, TX to Independence, MO runs 529 mi β about 9h 14m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
529 mi Β· 9h 14m by car Β· TX β OK β KS β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β KS β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 77, US 50 |
| Major cities en route | Plano, Irving, Frisco, Mckinney, Carrollton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Denton | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.09 to 92.543, putting Independence roughly 10.2% below Denton on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Independence: 10.2% below Denton on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Denton -4.4%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Denton | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.4" | 44.7" |
Climate cools by 11.4Β°F on the annual average β 65.4Β°F β 54.0Β°F.
Heavy-snow city: expect 13.2 in of snowfall annually at Independence.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DENTON 2 SE, TX US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Denton | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 146,987 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $73,719 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 31 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.9% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.39 |
Income steps down 10.2%: $73,719 in Denton vs $59,480 in Independence.
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 (11.4Β°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
When is the best time to move from Denton to Independence?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 529 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 Denton, TX?
The driving distance is 529 mi and the route typically takes 9h 14m via I 35 and US 77. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Independence more expensive than Denton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 10.2% lower than Denton (92.543 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to Denton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $354,135 in Denton β a 41.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Independence compare to Denton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $48,440 in the Denton MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Denton vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $73,719 in Denton β a 19.3% 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 Denton.
City profiles: Denton, TX Β· Independence, MO.