Moving from Rochester, MN to Lee's Summit, MO
The 417 mi from Rochester to Lee's Summit translate to about 7h 41m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
417 mi Β· 7h 41m by car Β· MN β IA β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β IA β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 90, I 435 |
| Major cities en route | Des Moines, Kansas City, Kansas City, Independence, Overland Park |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rochester | Lee's Summit | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.821 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.389 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.433 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.628 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Lee's Summit and Rochester are close on the overall BEA RPP (90.821 vs 92.543); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 1.9% higher in Lee's Summit than Rochester as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Rochester +3.9%, Lee's Summit +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Rochester | Lee's Summit |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 53.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 38.3" |
Climate warms by 10.9Β°F on the annual average β 44.8Β°F β 55.7Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US, LEES SUMMIT MUNI AP, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rochester | Lee's Summit |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,638 | 102,583 |
| Median household income | $87,767 | $104,989 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 38.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 27.7% | 29.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.6 |
Income steps up 1.9%: $87,767 in Rochester vs $104,989 in Lee's Summit.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Lee's Summit 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 Minnesota 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.9Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 much do homes cost in Lee's Summit compared to Rochester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $390,166 in Lee's Summit vs $339,455 in Rochester β a 14.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Lee's Summit compare to Rochester?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Lee's Summit MSA vs $55,970 in the Rochester MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 119,430 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Rochester to Lee's Summit?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 417 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Lee's Summit more expensive than Rochester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lee's Summit is 1.9% higher than Rochester (92.543 vs 90.821, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Rochester vs Lee's Summit?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $104,989 in Lee's Summit vs $87,767 in Rochester β a 19.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Lee's Summit, MO from Rochester, MN?
The driving distance is 417 mi and the route typically takes 7h 41m via I 35 and I 90. 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 Rochester.
City profiles: Rochester, MN Β· Lee's Summit, MO.