Moving from Independence, MO to Boise City, ID
It is 1388 mi between Independence and Boise City — roughly 23h 21m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 6 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1388 mi · 23h 21m by car · ID → UT → WY → NE → IA → MO
Distance & route
| Route through | ID → UT → WY → NE → IA → MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, US 189, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Meridian, Nampa, Salt Lake City, Lincoln, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Independence | Boise City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 98.391 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 70.695 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 96.179 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 105.58 | 100.0 |
Boise City runs about 6.3% more expensive overall than Independence — RPP 92.543 → 98.391.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Independence +2.6%, Boise City —. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Independence | Boise City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 19°F | 26°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.2" | 17.6" |
| Annual precipitation | 44.7" | 11.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 54.0°F vs 53.2°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Boise City sees 17.6 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: INDEPENDENCE, MO US, BOISE AIR TERMINAL, ID US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Independence | Boise City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,944 | 235,701 |
| Median household income | $59,480 | $81,308 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.7% | 29.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.37 |
Boise City households earn about 6.3% more than Independence at the median — $59,480 → $81,308 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Boise City MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 49,860 | $40,850 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 32,370 | $39,170 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 31,530 | $29,290 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 31,420 | $37,030 |
| Management Occupations | 29,410 | $89,660 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Missouri and Idaho
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Idaho'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.
Winter driving along this route
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- 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.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Boise City averages 17.6 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Boise City average 93°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Boise City sees only 11.5 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Idaho after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Boise City more expensive than Independence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Boise City is 6.3% higher than Independence (98.391 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Boise City compare to Independence?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,320 in the Boise City MSA vs $48,040 in the Independence MSA, on total employment of 372,470 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Boise City, ID from Independence, MO?
The driving distance is 1388 mi and the route typically takes 23h 21m via I 80 and US 189. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Independence and Boise City?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.2°F in Boise City vs 54.0°F in Independence (0.8°F colder). Annual snowfall: 17.6 in vs 13.2 in. Annual precipitation: 11.5 in vs 44.7 in.
How does household income compare in Independence vs Boise City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,308 in Boise City vs $59,480 in Independence — a 36.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Independence to Boise City?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1388 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 · Boise City, ID.