Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Lee's Summit, MO
A move from Milwaukee, WI to Lee's Summit, MO covers 578 mi and around 10h 41m 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.
578 mi Β· 10h 41m by car Β· WI β IL β IA β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL β IA β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 35, I 88 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Kansas City, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Milwaukee | Lee's Summit | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.937 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.59 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.111 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Lee's Summit and Milwaukee are close on the overall BEA RPP (96.937 vs 92.543); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Lee's Summit typical home at $390,166 is 4.5% above Milwaukee at $220,137 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Milwaukee +3.6%, Lee's Summit +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Milwaukee | Lee's Summit |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 39.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 33.8" | 38.3" |
Lee's Summit runs 7.4Β°F warmer on the annual average (48.3Β°F vs 55.7Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US, LEES SUMMIT MUNI AP, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Milwaukee | Lee's Summit |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 569,756 | 102,583 |
| Median household income | $51,888 | $104,989 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 38.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 29.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.6 |
Median household income in Lee's Summit is 4.5% above Milwaukee ($51,888 vs $104,989, ACS 5-year 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
When is the best time to move from Milwaukee 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 578 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 Milwaukee, WI?
The driving distance is 578 mi and the route typically takes 10h 41m via I 80 and I 35. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Lee's Summit compared to Milwaukee?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $390,166 in Lee's Summit vs $220,137 in Milwaukee β a 77.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Milwaukee vs Lee's Summit?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $104,989 in Lee's Summit vs $51,888 in Milwaukee β a 102.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Lee's Summit more expensive than Milwaukee?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lee's Summit is 4.5% lower than Milwaukee (92.543 vs 96.937, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Lee's Summit compare to Milwaukee?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Lee's Summit MSA vs $48,460 in the Milwaukee MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 814,950 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 Milwaukee.
City profiles: Milwaukee, WI Β· Lee's Summit, MO.