Moving from Miami Gardens, FL to Lee's Summit, MO

The drive from Miami Gardens, FL to Lee's Summit, MO runs 1447 mi β€” about 26h 43m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.

1447 mi Β· 26h 43m by car Β· FL β†’ GA β†’ TN β†’ KY β†’ IL β†’ MO

COL -18.9% Home values -16.9% Ξ” -20.3Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
1447 mi
Drive time
26h 43m
States
6
Fuel (25 mpg)
58 gal
Route throughFL β†’ GA β†’ TN β†’ KY β†’ IL β†’ MO
Primary highwaysI 75, I 24, I 70
Major cities en routeMiami, Hialeah, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Fort Lauderdale

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

Miami GardensLee's SummitU.S. avg
All items (RPP)114.15592.543100.0
Rents97.23589.034100.0
Goods103.55694.12100.0
Services155.55186.642100.0

Overall prices in Lee's Summit are 18.9% below Miami Gardens β€” a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Miami Gardens β€” typical home
$469,434
Lee's Summit β€” typical home
$390,166
Miami Gardens β€” typical rent
$2,806/mo
Lee's Summit β€” typical rent
$1,634/mo

Zillow typical home value is 18.9% lower in Lee's Summit than Miami Gardens as of 2026-03.

YoY change: Miami Gardens -2.9%, Lee's Summit +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsMiami GardensLee's Summit
Annual avg temperature76Β°F56Β°F
January avg low59Β°F22Β°F
July avg high90Β°F88Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”β€”
Annual precipitation68.3"38.3"

NOAA normals show Lee's Summit running 20.3Β°F below Miami Gardens on the annual mean.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: N MIAMI BEACH #2, FL US, LEES SUMMIT MUNI AP, MO US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023Miami GardensLee's Summit
Population111,264102,583
Median household income$60,979$104,989
Median age38.138.6
Bachelor's degree or higher11.6%29.5%
Avg household size3.222.6

Income gap is large: median household income climbs 18.9% between Miami Gardens and Lee's Summit (ACS 2023).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Miami Gardens MSA β€” median wage
$46,510
Lee's Summit MSA β€” median wage
$48,040
Miami Gardens MSA β€” employment
2,721,490
Lee's Summit MSA β€” employment
1,078,310

Top occupations in Lee's Summit MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian 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 Florida and Missouri

Florida income tax
no state income tax
Missouri income tax
4.7% top marginal

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 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-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

  • You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (20.3Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
  • 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 Miami Gardens vs Lee's Summit?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $104,989 in Lee's Summit vs $60,979 in Miami Gardens β€” a 72.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

When is the best time to move from Miami Gardens to Lee's Summit?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1447 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β€” see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.

How far is Lee's Summit, MO from Miami Gardens, FL?

The driving distance is 1447 mi and the route typically takes 26h 43m via I 75 and I 24. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

How does the job market in Lee's Summit compare to Miami Gardens?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Lee's Summit MSA vs $46,510 in the Miami Gardens MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 2,721,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.

How much do homes cost in Lee's Summit compared to Miami Gardens?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $390,166 in Lee's Summit vs $469,434 in Miami Gardens β€” a 16.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

Is Lee's Summit more expensive than Miami Gardens?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lee's Summit is 18.9% lower than Miami Gardens (92.543 vs 114.155, 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 Miami Gardens.

City profiles: Miami Gardens, FL Β· Lee's Summit, MO.

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