Moving from Memphis, TN to Lee's Summit, MO
Relocating between Memphis, TN and Lee's Summit, MO is a 441 mi drive β 8h 59m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
441 mi Β· 8h 59m by car Β· TN β AR β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β AR β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 63, MO 13, I 555 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Overland Park, Olathe, Independence, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Lee's Summit | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Memphis and Lee's Summit sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $144,710 in Memphis to $390,166 in Lee's Summit, a 0.4% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Lee's Summit +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Memphis | Lee's Summit |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 33Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 38.3" |
Expect 7.7Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, LEES SUMMIT MUNI AP, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Lee's Summit |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 102,583 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $104,989 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 38.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 29.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.6 |
Expect median household income to rise 0.4% β $51,211 β $104,989 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Lee's Summit 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 Tennessee 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
- 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
- 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
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Lee's Summit?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $104,989 in Lee's Summit vs $51,211 in Memphis β a 105.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Lee's Summit?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 441 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Lee's Summit more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lee's Summit is 0.4% higher than Memphis (92.543 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Lee's Summit compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $390,166 in Lee's Summit vs $144,710 in Memphis β a 169.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Lee's Summit, MO from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 441 mi and the route typically takes 8h 59m via US 63 and MO 13. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Lee's Summit compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Lee's Summit MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 625,340 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Memphis.
City profiles: Memphis, TN Β· Lee's Summit, MO.