Moving from Independence, MO to Goodyear, AZ
It is 1297 mi between Independence and Goodyear — roughly 23h 36m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 6 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
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
| Independence | Goodyear | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Goodyear runs about 11.6% more expensive overall than Independence — RPP 92.543 → 103.316.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $208,158 in Independence to $469,424 in Goodyear, a 11.6% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Independence +2.6%, Goodyear -1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Independence | Goodyear |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54°F | 74°F |
| January avg low | 19°F | 43°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 107°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.2" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 44.7" | 7.4" |
Annual average temperature jumps 19.9°F — 54.0°F in Independence vs 73.9°F in Goodyear, per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Goodyear sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: INDEPENDENCE, MO US, LAVEEN 3 SSE, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Independence | Goodyear |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,944 | 102,891 |
| Median household income | $59,480 | $101,814 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 40.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.7% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.87 |
Goodyear households earn about 11.6% more than Independence at the median — $59,480 → $101,814 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Goodyear MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Missouri and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Goodyear average 107°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Goodyear sees only 7.4 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (19.9°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Goodyear compared to Independence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $469,424 in Goodyear vs $208,158 in Independence — a 125.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Independence to Goodyear?
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.
How far is Goodyear, AZ from Independence, MO?
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 Goodyear compare to Independence?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Goodyear MSA vs $48,040 in the Independence MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Independence and Goodyear?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 73.9°F in Goodyear vs 54.0°F in Independence (19.9°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 13.2 in. Annual precipitation: 7.4 in vs 44.7 in.
How does household income compare in Independence vs Goodyear?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $101,814 in Goodyear vs $59,480 in Independence — a 71.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Goodyear more expensive than Independence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Goodyear is 11.6% higher than Independence (103.316 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 · Goodyear, AZ.