Moving from Goodyear, AZ to Independence, MO
Relocating 1297 mi from Goodyear to Independence is a 23h 36m 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.
1297 mi · 23h 36m by car · MO → KS → OK → TX → NM → AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | MO → KS → OK → TX → NM → AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 54, US 50 |
| Major cities en route | Kansas City, Lee S Summit, Overland Park, Kansas City, Olathe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Goodyear | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 10.4% moving from Goodyear to Independence — meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $469,424 in Goodyear to $208,158 in Independence, a 10.4% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Goodyear -1.2%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Goodyear | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 74°F | 54°F |
| January avg low | 43°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 107°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 7.4" | 44.7" |
Annual average temperature drops 19.9°F — 73.9°F in Goodyear vs 54.0°F in Independence, 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: LAVEEN 3 SSE, AZ US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Goodyear | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 102,891 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $101,814 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 40.8 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.87 | 2.39 |
Expect median household income to fall 10.4% — $101,814 → $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 Arizona 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
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (19.9°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 — 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 Goodyear, AZ?
The driving distance is 1297 mi and the route typically takes 23h 36m via I 40 and US 54. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Independence compare to Goodyear?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $48,600 in the Goodyear MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Goodyear vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $101,814 in Goodyear — a 41.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Goodyear 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 1297 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Independence more expensive than Goodyear?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 10.4% lower than Goodyear (92.543 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to Goodyear?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $469,424 in Goodyear — a 55.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Goodyear and Independence?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.0°F in Independence vs 73.9°F in Goodyear (19.9°F colder). Annual snowfall: 13.2 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 44.7 in vs 7.4 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Goodyear.
City profiles: Goodyear, AZ · Independence, MO.