Moving from Independence, MO to Virginia Beach, VA
A move from Independence, MO to Virginia Beach, VA covers 1164 mi and around 21h 52m of driving through 6 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1164 mi · 21h 52m by car · VA → WV → KY → IN → IL → MO
Distance & route
| Route through | VA → WV → KY → IN → IL → MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 64, I 70, SR 62 |
| Major cities en route | Chesapeake, Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News, Richmond |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Independence | Virginia Beach | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 97.941 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 89.579 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 96.767 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 99.805 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 92.543 in Independence to 97.941 in Virginia Beach, a 5.8% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Virginia Beach: 5.8% above Independence on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Independence +2.6%, Virginia Beach +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Independence | Virginia Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54°F | 60°F |
| January avg low | 19°F | 32°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.2" | 3.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 44.7" | 46.6" |
Virginia Beach runs 5.8°F warmer on the annual average (54.0°F vs 59.8°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Light snow year: Virginia Beach gets around 3.4 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: INDEPENDENCE, MO US, OCEANA NAS, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Independence | Virginia Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,944 | 457,066 |
| Median household income | $59,480 | $90,685 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 37.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.7% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.54 |
Median household income in Virginia Beach is 5.8% above Independence ($59,480 vs $90,685, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Virginia Beach MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,690 | $39,820 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 71,490 | $29,090 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 69,500 | $31,880 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 59,850 | $38,810 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 57,140 | $79,090 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Missouri and Virginia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Virginia'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
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Independence to Virginia Beach?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1164 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Independence and Virginia Beach?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 59.8°F in Virginia Beach vs 54.0°F in Independence (5.8°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 3.4 in vs 13.2 in. Annual precipitation: 46.6 in vs 44.7 in.
How far is Virginia Beach, VA from Independence, MO?
The driving distance is 1164 mi and the route typically takes 21h 52m via I 64 and I 70. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Virginia Beach compare to Independence?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,990 in the Virginia Beach MSA vs $48,040 in the Independence MSA, on total employment of 737,200 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Virginia Beach compared to Independence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $427,032 in Virginia Beach vs $208,158 in Independence — a 105.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Virginia Beach more expensive than Independence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Virginia Beach is 5.8% higher than Independence (97.941 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Independence vs Virginia Beach?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $90,685 in Virginia Beach vs $59,480 in Independence — a 52.5% 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 · Virginia Beach, VA.