Moving from Lowell, MA to Independence, MO
It is 1413 mi between Lowell and Independence β roughly 26h 51m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 8 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.
1413 mi Β· 26h 51m by car Β· MO β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 80, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Kansas City, Overland Park, Kansas City, Olathe, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lowell | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Expect about 14.5% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Independence at 92.543 vs Lowell at 108.266.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 14.5% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $480,319 to $208,158 moving to Independence.
YoY change: Lowell +0.4%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lowell | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.5" | 44.7" |
Annual temperature rises 5.0Β°F moving to Independence per NOAA normals.
Independence averages 13.2 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWELL, MA US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lowell | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,799 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $76,205 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.71 | 2.39 |
Independence households earn about 14.5% less than Lowell at the median β $76,205 β $59,480 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Independence MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 133,580 | $43,640 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 105,080 | $42,090 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 95,130 | $29,920 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 94,940 | $36,640 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 77,380 | $75,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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.
Winter driving along this route
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Independence averages 13.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornadoes are common April through June β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Lowell to Independence?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1413 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to Lowell?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $480,319 in Lowell β a 56.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Independence more expensive than Lowell?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 14.5% lower than Lowell (92.543 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Independence, MO from Lowell, MA?
The driving distance is 1413 mi and the route typically takes 26h 51m via I 70 and I 80. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Lowell vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $76,205 in Lowell β a 21.9% lower 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 Lowell.
City profiles: Lowell, MA Β· Independence, MO.