Moving from Independence, MO to Richardson, TX
It is a 487 mi drive, roughly 9h 19m, between Independence, MO and Richardson, TX. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
487 mi Β· 9h 19m 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
| Independence | Richardson | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 11.4% above Independence β 92.543 β 103.09 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
11.4% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Independence +2.6%, Richardson -2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Independence | Richardson |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 44.7" | 41.9" |
Annual temperature rises 11.8Β°F moving to Richardson per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: INDEPENDENCE, MO US, RICHARDSON, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Independence | Richardson |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,944 | 118,269 |
| Median household income | $59,480 | $96,257 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.7% | 33.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.6 |
Richardson households earn about 11.4% more than Independence at the median β $59,480 β $96,257 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Richardson MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
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 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Richardson average 94Β°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 (11.8Β°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
How does the job market in Richardson compare to Independence?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Richardson MSA vs $48,040 in the Independence MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Richardson more expensive than Independence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Richardson is 11.4% higher than Independence (103.09 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Independence vs Richardson?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,257 in Richardson vs $59,480 in Independence β a 61.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Richardson, TX from Independence, MO?
The driving distance is 487 mi and the route typically takes 9h 19m via US 69 and I 49. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Richardson compared to Independence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $440,400 in Richardson vs $208,158 in Independence β a 111.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Independence to Richardson?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 487 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β 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 Β· Richardson, TX.