Moving from Murfreesboro, TN to Independence, MO
Relocating 573 mi from Murfreesboro to Independence is a 10h 49m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
573 mi · 10h 49m by car · TN → KY → IL → MO
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → KY → IL → MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 24, I 64 |
| Major cities en route | Clarksville, St Louis, Columbia, Lee S Summit, Overland Park |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Murfreesboro | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.338 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 71.95 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.247 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.626 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level — BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
3.9% drop on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Murfreesboro +0.1%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Murfreesboro | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59°F | 54°F |
| January avg low | 28°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.2" | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 55.9" | 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 1991–2020 (stations: MURFREESBORO 5 N, TN US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Murfreesboro | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 157,547 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $76,241 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 31.4 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.7% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.69 | 2.39 |
Expect median household income to fall 3.9% — $76,241 → $59,480 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 — 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
- Winter gear first: Independence averages 13.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornadoes are common April through June — 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
Is Independence more expensive than Murfreesboro?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 3.9% lower than Murfreesboro (92.543 vs 96.338, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Murfreesboro and Independence?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.0°F in Independence vs 58.9°F in Murfreesboro (4.9°F colder). Annual snowfall: 13.2 in vs 2.2 in. Annual precipitation: 44.7 in vs 55.9 in.
How does household income compare in Murfreesboro vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $76,241 in Murfreesboro — a 22.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Murfreesboro to Independence?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 573 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to Murfreesboro?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $426,292 in Murfreesboro — a 51.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Independence compare to Murfreesboro?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $46,950 in the Murfreesboro MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 1,074,750 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Independence, MO from Murfreesboro, TN?
The driving distance is 573 mi and the route typically takes 10h 49m 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 Murfreesboro.
City profiles: Murfreesboro, TN · Independence, MO.