Moving from Lee's Summit, MO to Independence, MO
Moving from Lee's Summit, MO to Independence, MO is a 14 mi drive, about 22 min by car. This is a local relocation β same-day moves are typical β but cost-of-living, housing, and tax lines still shift enough to plan around. The sections below pull current figures from BEA, the Census Bureau, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA for a side-by-side look.
14 mi Β· 22 min by car Β· MO
Distance & route
| Route through | MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | MO 291, MO 78, I 470 |
| Major cities en route | Kansas City, Kansas City, Overland Park, Olathe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lee's Summit | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Lee's Summit (92.543) and Independence (92.543) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Independence: 0.0% below Lee's Summit on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Lee's Summit +2.1%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lee's Summit | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.3" | 44.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 13.2 in of snowfall annually at Independence.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LEES SUMMIT MUNI AP, MO US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lee's Summit | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 102,583 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $104,989 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 38.6 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.5% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.39 |
Median household income in Independence is 0.0% below Lee's Summit ($104,989 vs $59,480, ACS 5-year 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.
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
- 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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Lee's Summit vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $104,989 in Lee's Summit β a 43.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Independence, MO from Lee's Summit, MO?
The driving distance is 14 mi and the route typically takes 22 min via MO 291 and MO 78. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Lee's Summit to Independence?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 14 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 Independence compared to Lee's Summit?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $390,166 in Lee's Summit β a 46.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Independence compare to Lee's Summit?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $48,040 in the Lee's Summit MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lee's Summit.
City profiles: Lee's Summit, MO Β· Independence, MO.