Moving from Norman, OK to Independence, MO
It is a 388 mi drive, roughly 6h 58m, between Norman, OK and Independence, MO. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
388 mi · 6h 58m by car · OK → KS → MO
Distance & route
| Route through | OK → KS → MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 77, US 50 |
| Major cities en route | Oklahoma City, Wichita, Olathe, Kansas City, Overland Park |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Norman | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.408 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.067 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.885 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 90.408 vs 92.543 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.4% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $262,839 to $208,158 moving to Independence.
YoY change: Norman +2.0%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Norman | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61°F | 54°F |
| January avg low | 28°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 4.1" | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.7" | 44.7" |
Annual temperature drops 6.7°F moving to Independence per NOAA normals.
Independence averages 13.2 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: NORMAN 3SSE, OK US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Norman | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 128,714 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $65,060 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 31.6 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.2% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.39 |
Households in Independence earn about 2.4% less at the median — ACS 5-year 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 Oklahoma 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.
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
When is the best time to move from Norman 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 388 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Independence compare to Norman?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $44,030 in the Norman MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 656,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to Norman?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $262,839 in Norman — a 20.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Norman and Independence?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.0°F in Independence vs 60.7°F in Norman (6.7°F colder). Annual snowfall: 13.2 in vs 4.1 in. Annual precipitation: 44.7 in vs 37.7 in.
Is Independence more expensive than Norman?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 2.4% higher than Norman (92.543 vs 90.408, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Independence, MO from Norman, OK?
The driving distance is 388 mi and the route typically takes 6h 58m via I 35 and US 77. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Norman vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $65,060 in Norman — a 8.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Norman.
City profiles: Norman, OK · Independence, MO.