Moving from Provo, UT to Independence, MO
Relocating 1102 mi from Provo to Independence is a 19h 8m drive through 5 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.
1102 mi · 19h 8m by car · MO → IA → NE → WY → UT
Distance & route
| Route through | MO → IA → NE → WY → UT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 29, US 71 |
| Major cities en route | Overland Park, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Olathe, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Provo | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.232 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 78.63 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.446 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.081 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Expect about 5.8% lower overall cost of living — BEA RPP 2024 has Independence at 92.543 vs Provo at 98.232.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 5.8% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $484,203 to $208,158 moving to Independence.
YoY change: Provo +2.3%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Provo | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55°F | 54°F |
| January avg low | 24°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 95°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 44.9" | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 17.2" | 44.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Provo (54.6°F) and Independence (54.0°F) stay within 5°F of each other (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: PROVO BYU, UT US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Provo | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,303 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $62,800 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 23.7 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 31.1% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 3.35 | 2.39 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 5.8% lower in Independence than Provo.
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 Utah 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-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in 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
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to Provo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $484,203 in Provo — a 57.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Provo vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $62,800 in Provo — a 5.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Independence more expensive than Provo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 5.8% lower than Provo (92.543 vs 98.232, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Provo 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 1102 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Provo and Independence?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.0°F in Independence vs 54.6°F in Provo (0.6°F colder). Annual snowfall: 13.2 in vs 44.9 in. Annual precipitation: 44.7 in vs 17.2 in.
How far is Independence, MO from Provo, UT?
The driving distance is 1102 mi and the route typically takes 19h 8m via I 80 and I 29. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Independence compare to Provo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $45,700 in the Provo MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 293,170 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 Provo.
City profiles: Provo, UT · Independence, MO.