Moving from Tyler, TX to Independence, MO
The drive from Tyler, TX to Independence, MO runs 532 mi β about 10h 16m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
532 mi Β· 10h 16m 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
| Tyler | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.156 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.904 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.911 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Tyler (92.156) and Independence (92.543) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Independence ZHVI at $208,158 is 0.4% below Tyler at $251,563.
YoY change: Tyler -1.0%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tyler | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.7" | 44.7" |
Climate cools by 12.5Β°F on the annual average β 66.5Β°F β 54.0Β°F.
Heavy-snow city: expect 13.2 in of snowfall annually at Independence.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TYLER, TX US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tyler | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,718 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $65,527 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.4% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.86 | 2.39 |
Income steps down 0.4%: $65,527 in Tyler vs $59,480 in Independence.
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 (12.5Β°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 far is Independence, MO from Tyler, TX?
The driving distance is 532 mi and the route typically takes 10h 16m via US 69 and I 49. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Tyler vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $65,527 in Tyler β a 9.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Independence compare to Tyler?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $39,080 in the Tyler MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 111,520 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to Tyler?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $251,563 in Tyler β a 17.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Tyler to Independence?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 532 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Independence more expensive than Tyler?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 0.4% higher than Tyler (92.543 vs 92.156, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tyler.
City profiles: Tyler, TX Β· Independence, MO.