Moving from Spokane, WA to Independence, MO
A 1575 mi cross-country move between Spokane and Independence is 27h 15m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 7 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1575 mi Β· 27h 15m by car Β· WA β ID β MT β WY β SD β IA β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | WA β ID β MT β WY β SD β IA β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 14, SD 79 |
| Major cities en route | Spokane Valley, Billings, Sioux Falls, Omaha, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Spokane | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.346 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.196 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.028 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.059 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Expect about 7.8% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Independence at 92.543 vs Spokane at 100.346.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 7.8% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $395,325 to $208,158 moving to Independence.
YoY change: Spokane 0.0%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Spokane | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 17.4" | 44.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Spokane (49.8Β°F) and Independence (54.0Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (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: SPOKANE FELTS FLD, WA US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Spokane | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 229,228 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $65,745 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.5% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.37 | 2.39 |
Households in Independence earn about 7.8% less at the median β 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 Washington 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
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
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
How does the job market in Independence compare to Spokane?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $48,920 in the Spokane MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 255,160 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Independence more expensive than Spokane?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 7.8% lower than Spokane (92.543 vs 100.346, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Independence, MO from Spokane, WA?
The driving distance is 1575 mi and the route typically takes 27h 15m via I 90 and US 14. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to Spokane?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $395,325 in Spokane β a 47.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Spokane vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $65,745 in Spokane β a 9.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Spokane to Independence?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1575 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Spokane.
City profiles: Spokane, WA Β· Independence, MO.