Moving from Richardson, TX to Independence, MO
Relocating between Richardson, TX and Independence, MO is a 487 mi drive β 9h 19m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
487 mi Β· 9h 19m by car Β· MO β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 69, I 49, US 71 |
| Major cities en route | Kansas City, Kansas City, Lee S Summit, Overland Park, Olathe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Richardson | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Expect about 10.2% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Independence at 92.543 vs Richardson at 103.09.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 10.2% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $440,400 to $208,158 moving to Independence.
YoY change: Richardson -2.4%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Richardson | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.9" | 44.7" |
Expect 11.8Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 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: RICHARDSON, TX US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Richardson | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,269 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $96,257 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 34 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.1% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.39 |
Expect median household income to fall 10.2% β $96,257 β $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 Texas 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (11.8Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Richardson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $48,440 in the Richardson MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Richardson to Independence?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 487 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Richardson vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $96,257 in Richardson β a 38.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Independence more expensive than Richardson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 10.2% lower than Richardson (92.543 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to Richardson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $440,400 in Richardson β a 52.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Independence, MO from Richardson, TX?
The driving distance is 487 mi and the route typically takes 9h 19m via US 69 and I 49. The trip crosses 3 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 Richardson.
City profiles: Richardson, TX Β· Independence, MO.