Moving from Independence, MO to Naperville, IL
Relocating between Independence, MO and Naperville, IL is a 489 mi drive β 9h 15m 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.
489 mi Β· 9h 15m by car Β· IL β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, I 70, US 40 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Elgin, Chicago, Joliet, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Independence | Naperville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 11.9% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 11.9% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $208,158 to $610,454 moving to Naperville.
YoY change: Independence +2.6%, Naperville +5.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Independence | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 15Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 44.7" | 40.2" |
Annual average temperatures in Independence (54.0Β°F) and Naperville (49.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: INDEPENDENCE, MO US, LISLE-MORTON ARBORETUM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Independence | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,944 | 149,424 |
| Median household income | $59,480 | $150,937 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 40.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.7% | 38.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.75 |
Expect median household income to rise 11.9% β $59,480 β $150,937 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Naperville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Missouri and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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.
Frequently asked
Is Naperville more expensive than Independence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Naperville is 11.9% higher than Independence (103.595 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Naperville, IL from Independence, MO?
The driving distance is 489 mi and the route typically takes 9h 15m via I 55 and I 70. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Naperville compare to Independence?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Naperville MSA vs $48,040 in the Independence MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Independence to Naperville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 489 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Naperville compared to Independence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $610,454 in Naperville vs $208,158 in Independence β a 193.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Independence vs Naperville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $150,937 in Naperville vs $59,480 in Independence β a 153.8% higher 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 Independence.
City profiles: Independence, MO Β· Naperville, IL.