Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Lee's Summit, MO
The drive from Phoenix, AZ to Lee's Summit, MO runs 1246 mi β about 22h 18m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1246 mi Β· 22h 18m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β OK β KS β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β OK β KS β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 54, I 35 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Glendale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Phoenix | Lee's Summit | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Lee's Summit is 10.4% cheaper than Phoenix overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values in Phoenix and Lee's Summit are within 5% of each other ($410,169 vs $390,166 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Phoenix -2.7%, Lee's Summit +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Phoenix | Lee's Summit |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 73Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 44Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 104Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 8.9" | 38.3" |
Lee's Summit runs 16.8Β°F colder on the annual average (72.5Β°F vs 55.7Β°F) β expect a noticeably different year.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP, AZ US, LEES SUMMIT MUNI AP, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Phoenix | Lee's Summit |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,624,832 | 102,583 |
| Median household income | $77,041 | $104,989 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 38.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 29.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.7 | 2.6 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 10.4% between Phoenix and Lee's Summit (ACS 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 Arizona 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-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (16.8Β°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 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 the job market in Lee's Summit compare to Phoenix?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Lee's Summit MSA vs $48,600 in the Phoenix MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Lee's Summit compared to Phoenix?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $390,166 in Lee's Summit vs $410,169 in Phoenix β a 4.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Phoenix vs Lee's Summit?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $104,989 in Lee's Summit vs $77,041 in Phoenix β a 36.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Lee's Summit more expensive than Phoenix?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lee's Summit is 10.4% lower than Phoenix (92.543 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Phoenix 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 1246 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Lee's Summit, MO from Phoenix, AZ?
The driving distance is 1246 mi and the route typically takes 22h 18m via I 40 and US 54. The trip crosses 6 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 Phoenix.
City profiles: Phoenix, AZ Β· Lee's Summit, MO.