Moving from Odessa, TX to Independence, MO
It is 809 mi between Odessa and Independence — roughly 14h 22m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 4 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.
809 mi · 14h 22m by car · MO → KS → OK → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | MO → KS → OK → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 50, US 277, I 44 |
| Major cities en route | Kansas City, Lee S Summit, Overland Park, Kansas City, Olathe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Odessa | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.896 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.86 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 89.709 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Odessa and Independence sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP — the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Independence run about 1.4% cheaper — ZHVI $251,239 → $208,158 (2026-03).
YoY change: Odessa +5.6%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Odessa | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64°F | 54°F |
| January avg low | 32°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 94°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.9" | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 12.3" | 44.7" |
Annual temperature drops 10.4°F moving to Independence per NOAA normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Independence sees 13.2 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ODESSA, TX US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Odessa | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,080 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $73,030 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 31 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.6% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.54 | 2.39 |
Households in Independence earn about 1.4% less at the median — ACS 5-year 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 (10.4°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 does household income compare in Odessa vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $73,030 in Odessa — a 18.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Independence compare to Odessa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $45,830 in the Odessa MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 76,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to Odessa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $251,239 in Odessa — a 17.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Odessa 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 809 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Odessa and Independence?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.0°F in Independence vs 64.4°F in Odessa (10.4°F colder). Annual snowfall: 13.2 in vs 0.9 in. Annual precipitation: 44.7 in vs 12.3 in.
Is Independence more expensive than Odessa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 1.4% lower than Odessa (92.543 vs 93.896, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Independence, MO from Odessa, TX?
The driving distance is 809 mi and the route typically takes 14h 22m via US 50 and US 277. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Odessa.
City profiles: Odessa, TX · Independence, MO.