Moving from Naperville, IL to Independence, MO
It is a 489 mi drive, roughly 9h 15m, between Naperville, IL and Independence, MO. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
489 mi Β· 9h 15m by car Β· IL β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, I 70, US 40 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Elgin, Chicago, Joliet, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Naperville | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Expect about 10.7% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Independence at 92.543 vs Naperville at 103.595.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 10.7% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $610,454 to $208,158 moving to Independence.
YoY change: Naperville +5.2%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Naperville | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 44.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Naperville (49.2Β°F) and Independence (54.0Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Independence averages 13.2 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LISLE-MORTON ARBORETUM, IL US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Naperville | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,424 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $150,937 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 40.1 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 38.8% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.39 |
Independence households earn about 10.7% less than Naperville at the median β $150,937 β $59,480 on ACS 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 Illinois 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.
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.
- Register to vote in Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Independence compare to Naperville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $49,790 in the Naperville MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Independence more expensive than Naperville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 10.7% lower than Naperville (92.543 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Independence, MO from Naperville, IL?
The driving distance is 489 mi and the route typically takes 9h 15m via I 55 and I 70. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Naperville vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $150,937 in Naperville β a 60.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to Naperville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $610,454 in Naperville β a 65.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Naperville to Independence?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 489 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Naperville.
City profiles: Naperville, IL Β· Independence, MO.