Moving from Madison, WI to Lee's Summit, MO
Relocating between Madison, WI and Lee's Summit, MO is a 487 mi drive β 9h 29m 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.
487 mi Β· 9h 29m by car Β· WI β IA β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IA β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 151, US 30 |
| Major cities en route | Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Kansas City, Kansas City, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Lee's Summit | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 97.287 vs 92.543 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 4.9% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Lee's Summit +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Lee's Summit |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 38.3" |
Expect 8.5Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, LEES SUMMIT MUNI AP, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Lee's Summit |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 102,583 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $104,989 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 38.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 29.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.6 |
Expect median household income to rise 4.9% β $76,983 β $104,989 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Lee's Summit 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 Wisconsin 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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- 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 much do homes cost in Lee's Summit compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $390,166 in Lee's Summit vs $423,767 in Madison β a 7.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Madison vs Lee's Summit?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $104,989 in Lee's Summit vs $76,983 in Madison β a 36.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Lee's Summit compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Lee's Summit MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 396,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Lee's Summit, MO from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 487 mi and the route typically takes 9h 29m via I 35 and US 151. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Madison to Lee's Summit?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 487 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Lee's Summit more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lee's Summit is 4.9% lower than Madison (92.543 vs 97.287, 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 Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI Β· Lee's Summit, MO.