Moving from St. Paul, MN to Independence, MO
It is a 437 mi drive, roughly 8h 6m, between St. Paul, MN and Independence, MO. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
437 mi Β· 8h 6m by car Β· MN β IA β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β IA β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 35E, MO 291 |
| Major cities en route | Minneapolis, Des Moines, Kansas City, Kansas City, Overland Park |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| St. Paul | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.822 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.493 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.065 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.838 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 11.7% cheaper overall in Independence than St. Paul on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: St. Paul β, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | St. Paul | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 9Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 29.2" | 44.7" |
Annual temperature rises 7.5Β°F moving to Independence per NOAA normals.
Heavy-snow city: expect 13.2 in of snowfall annually at Independence.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST PAUL DOWNTOWN AP, MN US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | St. Paul | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,762 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $73,055 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 33.5 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.39 |
Households in Independence earn about 11.7% less at the median β ACS 5-year 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 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
- 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.
- Register to vote in Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Independence, MO from St. Paul, MN?
The driving distance is 437 mi and the route typically takes 8h 6m via I 35 and I 35E. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from St. Paul to Independence?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 437 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Independence more expensive than St. Paul?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 11.7% lower than St. Paul (92.543 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Independence compare to St. Paul?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $54,850 in the St. Paul MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 1,911,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in St. Paul vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $73,055 in St. Paul β a 18.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from St. Paul.
City profiles: St. Paul, MN Β· Independence, MO.