Moving from Kansas City, MO to Murfreesboro, TN
A move from Kansas City, MO to Murfreesboro, TN covers 584 mi and around 11h of driving through 4 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.
584 mi · 11h by car · MO → IL → KY → TN
Distance & route
| Route through | MO → IL → KY → TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 24, US 40 |
| Major cities en route | Kansas City, Olathe, Overland Park, Independence, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kansas City | Murfreesboro | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 96.338 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 71.95 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 104.626 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Kansas City (92.543) and Murfreesboro (96.338) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Murfreesboro: 4.1% above Kansas City on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Kansas City +0.8%, Murfreesboro +0.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Kansas City | Murfreesboro |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 28°F |
| July avg high | 90°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 11.0" | 2.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.1" | 55.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Light snow year: Murfreesboro gets around 2.2 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: KANSAS CITY DOWNTOWN AP, MO US, MURFREESBORO 5 N, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kansas City | Murfreesboro |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 508,233 | 157,547 |
| Median household income | $67,449 | $76,241 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 31.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.8% | 26.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.69 |
Median household income in Murfreesboro is 4.1% above Kansas City ($67,449 → $76,241, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Murfreesboro MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 151,390 | $44,110 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 122,460 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 97,370 | $30,460 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 87,620 | $35,950 |
| Management Occupations | 87,180 | $106,770 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Missouri and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee'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
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Pack rain gear on top: Murfreesboro averages 55.9 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 Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Murfreesboro more expensive than Kansas City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Murfreesboro is 4.1% higher than Kansas City (96.338 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Murfreesboro, TN from Kansas City, MO?
The driving distance is 584 mi and the route typically takes 11h via I 70 and I 24. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Murfreesboro compared to Kansas City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $426,292 in Murfreesboro vs $250,208 in Kansas City — a 70.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Murfreesboro compare to Kansas City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,950 in the Murfreesboro MSA vs $48,040 in the Kansas City MSA, on total employment of 1,074,750 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Kansas City and Murfreesboro?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 58.9°F in Murfreesboro vs 56.9°F in Kansas City (2.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 2.2 in vs 11.0 in. Annual precipitation: 55.9 in vs 38.1 in.
When is the best time to move from Kansas City to Murfreesboro?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 584 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Kansas City vs Murfreesboro?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,241 in Murfreesboro vs $67,449 in Kansas City — a 13.0% higher 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 Kansas City.
City profiles: Kansas City, MO · Murfreesboro, TN.