Moving from Midland, TX to Independence, MO
Relocating 793 mi from Midland to Independence is a 14h 4m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
793 mi · 14h 4m by car · TX → OK → KS → MO
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → OK → KS → MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 277, I 44 |
| Major cities en route | Odessa, Abilene, Norman, Oklahoma City, Wichita |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Midland | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.783 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.24 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 101.497 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 95.783 vs 92.543 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 3.4% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $328,325 to $208,158 moving to Independence.
YoY change: Midland +2.7%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Midland | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65°F | 54°F |
| January avg low | 31°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 95°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.9" | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 13.6" | 44.7" |
Expect 11.0°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Independence averages 13.2 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MIDLAND 4 ENE, TX US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Midland | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 133,998 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $91,169 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 31.6 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.9% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.54 | 2.39 |
Expect median household income to fall 3.4% — $91,169 → $59,480 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Texas 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 — 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Independence averages 13.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (11.0°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Tornadoes are common April through June — 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 much do homes cost in Independence compared to Midland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $328,325 in Midland — a 36.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Independence, MO from Midland, TX?
The driving distance is 793 mi and the route typically takes 14h 4m via I 35 and US 277. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Midland vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $91,169 in Midland — a 34.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Midland and Independence?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.0°F in Independence vs 65.0°F in Midland (11.0°F colder). Annual snowfall: 13.2 in vs 1.9 in. Annual precipitation: 44.7 in vs 13.6 in.
Is Independence more expensive than Midland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 3.4% lower than Midland (92.543 vs 95.783, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Midland to Independence?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 793 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Independence compare to Midland?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $50,470 in the Midland MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 114,810 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 Midland.
City profiles: Midland, TX · Independence, MO.