Moving from Independence, MO to Philadelphia, PA
A move from Independence, MO to Philadelphia, PA covers 1113 mi and around 21h 9m of driving through 6 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.
1113 mi · 21h 9m by car · PA → WV → OH → IN → IL → MO
Distance & route
| Route through | PA → WV → OH → IN → IL → MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 76, PATP |
| Major cities en route | Pittsburgh, Columbus, Dayton, St Louis, Columbia |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Independence | Philadelphia | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 102.554 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 114.389 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 96.833 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 113.141 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 10.8% pricier overall in Philadelphia than Independence on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 10.8% higher in Philadelphia than Independence as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Independence +2.6%, Philadelphia +2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Independence | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54°F | 58°F |
| January avg low | 19°F | 28°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.2" | 16.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 44.7" | 50.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 54.0°F vs 57.7°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Philadelphia sees 16.1 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: INDEPENDENCE, MO US, PHILA FRANKLIN INST, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Independence | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,944 | 1,582,432 |
| Median household income | $59,480 | $60,698 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.7% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.36 |
Household income lines up — $59,480 vs $60,698 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Philadelphia MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 352,560 | $46,660 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 252,940 | $41,710 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 228,980 | $36,650 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 223,850 | $31,100 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 200,320 | $86,620 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Missouri and Pennsylvania
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Pennsylvania'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Philadelphia averages 16.1 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Philadelphia averages 50.7 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 Pennsylvania after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Philadelphia compared to Independence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $231,815 in Philadelphia vs $208,158 in Independence — a 11.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Independence to Philadelphia?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1113 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Philadelphia, PA from Independence, MO?
The driving distance is 1113 mi and the route typically takes 21h 9m via I 70 and I 76. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Philadelphia compare to Independence?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,160 in the Philadelphia MSA vs $48,040 in the Independence MSA, on total employment of 2,829,560 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Independence and Philadelphia?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 57.7°F in Philadelphia vs 54.0°F in Independence (3.7°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 16.1 in vs 13.2 in. Annual precipitation: 50.7 in vs 44.7 in.
How does household income compare in Independence vs Philadelphia?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,698 in Philadelphia vs $59,480 in Independence — a 2.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Philadelphia more expensive than Independence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Philadelphia is 10.8% higher than Independence (102.554 vs 92.543, 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 Independence.
City profiles: Independence, MO · Philadelphia, PA.