Moving from Knoxville, TN to Independence, MO
A move from Knoxville, TN to Independence, MO covers 720 mi and around 13h 26m of driving through 4 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.
720 mi Β· 13h 26m by car Β· TN β KY β IL β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β KY β IL β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 24, I 40 |
| Major cities en route | Murfreesboro, Clarksville, St Louis, Columbia, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Knoxville | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.569 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 71.869 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.247 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 82.783 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Independence and Knoxville is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Independence is 0.0% below Knoxville β $369,216 vs $208,158 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Knoxville +0.7%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Knoxville | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 55.8" | 44.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Knoxville (57.9Β°F) and Independence (54.0Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Independence averages 13.2 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Knoxville | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 193,721 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $50,994 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.5% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.28 | 2.39 |
Median household income in Independence is 0.0% above Knoxville ($50,994 β $59,480, ACS 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 Tennessee 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 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Independence averages 13.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornadoes are common April through June β 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 does household income compare in Knoxville vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $50,994 in Knoxville β a 16.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to Knoxville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $369,216 in Knoxville β a 43.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Knoxville to Independence?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 720 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Independence compare to Knoxville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $43,040 in the Knoxville MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 413,540 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Independence, MO from Knoxville, TN?
The driving distance is 720 mi and the route typically takes 13h 26m via I 70 and I 24. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Knoxville.
City profiles: Knoxville, TN Β· Independence, MO.