Moving from Oklahoma City, OK to Independence, MO
Moving from Oklahoma City, OK to Independence, MO covers 366 mi and about 6h 24m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
366 mi · 6h 24m by car · OK → KS → MO
Distance & route
| Route through | OK → KS → MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 77, US 50 |
| Major cities en route | Norman, Wichita, Olathe, Kansas City, Overland Park |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Oklahoma City | 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 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Oklahoma City (90.408) and Independence (92.543) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Home prices line up — $206,713 vs $208,158 on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Oklahoma City -0.3%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Oklahoma City | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60°F | 54°F |
| January avg low | 27°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 6.7" | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.4" | 44.7" |
Independence is 6.1°F cooler on the annual average (60.1°F vs 54.0°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Heavy-snow city: expect 13.2 in of snowfall annually at Independence.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: OKLAHOMA CITY WILL ROGERS AP, OK US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Oklahoma City | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 688,693 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $66,702 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 35 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.5% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.39 |
Median household income in Independence is 2.4% below Oklahoma City ($66,702 → $59,480, 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 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
How does household income compare in Oklahoma City vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $66,702 in Oklahoma City — a 10.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Oklahoma City and Independence?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.0°F in Independence vs 60.1°F in Oklahoma City (6.1°F colder). Annual snowfall: 13.2 in vs 6.7 in. Annual precipitation: 44.7 in vs 36.4 in.
How far is Independence, MO from Oklahoma City, OK?
The driving distance is 366 mi and the route typically takes 6h 24m via I 35 and US 77. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to Oklahoma City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $206,713 in Oklahoma City — a 0.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Independence more expensive than Oklahoma City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 2.4% higher than Oklahoma City (92.543 vs 90.408, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Oklahoma City 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 366 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 Oklahoma City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $44,030 in the Oklahoma City 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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Oklahoma City.
City profiles: Oklahoma City, OK · Independence, MO.