Moving from Gresham, OR to Independence, MO
Cross-country relocations like Gresham, OR β Independence, MO cover 1797 mi and about 30h 58m of driving through 7 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1797 mi Β· 30h 58m by car Β· MO β NE β WY β UT β ID β OR β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β NE β WY β UT β ID β OR β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 29 |
| Major cities en route | Overland Park, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Kansas City, Olathe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Gresham | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.421 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.974 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.222 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.114 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 105.421 to 92.543, putting Independence roughly 12.2% below Gresham on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Independence: 12.2% below Gresham on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Gresham -0.5%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Gresham | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.7" | 44.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 13.2 in of snowfall annually at Independence.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PORTLAND TROUTDALE AP, OR US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Gresham | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,818 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $73,608 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.2% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.39 |
Income steps down 12.2%: $73,608 in Gresham 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 Oregon 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-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
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 does the job market in Independence compare to Gresham?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $55,940 in the Gresham MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 1,206,150 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Independence more expensive than Gresham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 12.2% lower than Gresham (92.543 vs 105.421, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to Gresham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $471,181 in Gresham β a 55.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Independence, MO from Gresham, OR?
The driving distance is 1797 mi and the route typically takes 30h 58m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Gresham to Independence?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1797 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 Gresham vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $73,608 in Gresham β a 19.2% 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 Gresham.
City profiles: Gresham, OR Β· Independence, MO.