Moving from Independence, MO to Austin, TX
A move from Independence, MO to Austin, TX covers 697 mi and around 12h 60m of driving through 3 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
697 mi · 12h 60m by car · TX → OK → MO
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → OK → MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 69, US 75, I 35 |
| Major cities en route | Round Rock, Killeen, Waco, Grand Prairie, Arlington |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Independence | Austin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 98.066 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 82.044 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 120.361 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 92.543 in Independence to 98.066 in Austin, a 6.0% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Austin: 6.0% above Independence on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Independence +2.6%, Austin -5.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Independence | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54°F | 70°F |
| January avg low | 19°F | 42°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 97°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.2" | 0.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 44.7" | 36.3" |
Major climate step-up: 16.0°F warmer annual average in Austin vs Independence.
Effectively snow-free year in Austin — NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: INDEPENDENCE, MO US, AUSTIN-CAMP MABRY, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Independence | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,944 | 967,862 |
| Median household income | $59,480 | $91,461 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.7% | 36.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.2 |
Median household income in Austin is 6.0% above Independence ($59,480 vs $91,461, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Austin MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 160,480 | $44,250 |
| Management Occupations | 121,080 | $120,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 115,170 | $38,390 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 115,080 | $30,040 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 99,680 | $77,510 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Missouri and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Austin average 97°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (16.0°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Independence and Austin?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 70.0°F in Austin vs 54.0°F in Independence (16.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.2 in vs 13.2 in. Annual precipitation: 36.3 in vs 44.7 in.
How much do homes cost in Austin compared to Independence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $508,530 in Austin vs $208,158 in Independence — a 144.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Independence vs Austin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $91,461 in Austin vs $59,480 in Independence — a 53.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Austin more expensive than Independence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Austin is 6.0% higher than Independence (98.066 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Austin compare to Independence?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,070 in the Austin MSA vs $48,040 in the Independence MSA, on total employment of 1,235,440 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Austin, TX from Independence, MO?
The driving distance is 697 mi and the route typically takes 12h 60m via US 69 and US 75. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Independence to Austin?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 697 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — 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 Independence.
City profiles: Independence, MO · Austin, TX.