Moving from Independence, MO to Broken Arrow, OK
Relocating between Independence, MO and Broken Arrow, OK is a 263 mi drive β 4h 55m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
263 mi Β· 4h 55m by car Β· MO β OK
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 49, US 71, I 44 |
| Major cities en route | Kansas City, Kansas City, Lee S Summit, Overland Park, Olathe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Independence | Broken Arrow | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 89.214 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 73.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 68.235 | 100.0 |
Independence and Broken Arrow sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $208,158 in Independence to $286,846 in Broken Arrow, a 3.6% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Independence +2.6%, Broken Arrow +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Independence | Broken Arrow |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 44.7" | β |
Expect 6.0Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: INDEPENDENCE, MO US, BIXBY, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Independence | Broken Arrow |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,944 | 115,919 |
| Median household income | $59,480 | $85,220 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 37 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.7% | 24.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.66 |
Expect median household income to rise 3.6% β $59,480 β $85,220 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Broken Arrow MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 57,490 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 42,230 | $33,990 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 42,030 | $26,730 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 40,710 | $36,500 |
| Production Occupations | 33,610 | $44,720 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Missouri and Oklahoma
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Oklahoma'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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Broken Arrow average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Tornado season peaks April through June β identify a safe room or interior space in the new home 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 Oklahoma after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Broken Arrow compare to Independence?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,140 in the Broken Arrow MSA vs $48,040 in the Independence MSA, on total employment of 443,020 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Broken Arrow, OK from Independence, MO?
The driving distance is 263 mi and the route typically takes 4h 55m via I 49 and US 71. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Independence vs Broken Arrow?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $85,220 in Broken Arrow vs $59,480 in Independence β a 43.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Broken Arrow compared to Independence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $286,846 in Broken Arrow vs $208,158 in Independence β a 37.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Independence to Broken Arrow?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 263 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Broken Arrow more expensive than Independence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Broken Arrow is 3.6% lower than Independence (89.214 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Independence.
City profiles: Independence, MO Β· Broken Arrow, OK.