Moving from Springfield, MO to Independence, MO
Relocating between Springfield, MO and Independence, MO is a 164 mi drive β 3h 27m 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.
164 mi Β· 3h 27m by car Β· MO
Distance & route
| Route through | MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | MO 13, MO 7, MO 291 |
| Major cities en route | Overland Park, Olathe, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.585 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 85.825 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.193 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 65.568 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Springfield and Independence sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Independence run about 4.5% cheaper β ZHVI $242,870 β $208,158 (2026-03).
YoY change: Springfield +1.9%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 46.5" | 44.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 56.4Β°F vs 54.0Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Independence sees 13.2 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,432 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $45,984 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 33.6 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.7% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.13 | 2.39 |
Expect median household income to rise 4.5% β $45,984 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.
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.
- 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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Springfield vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $45,984 in Springfield β a 29.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Independence more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 4.5% higher than Springfield (92.543 vs 88.585, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to Springfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $242,870 in Springfield β a 14.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Independence compare to Springfield?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $41,490 in the Springfield MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 217,710 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Independence, MO from Springfield, MO?
The driving distance is 164 mi and the route typically takes 3h 27m via MO 13 and MO 7. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Springfield to Independence?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 164 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Springfield.
City profiles: Springfield, MO Β· Independence, MO.