Moving from Tulsa, OK to Independence, MO
Relocating between Tulsa, OK and Independence, MO is a 263 mi drive — 4h 54m 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.
263 mi · 4h 54m by car · OK → MO
Distance & route
| Route through | OK → MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, I 49, US 71 |
| Major cities en route | Broken Arrow, Overland Park, Olathe, Lee S Summit, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tulsa | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.214 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 73.856 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 68.235 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level — BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing stays roughly flat moving from Tulsa to Independence — $217,450 vs $208,158 (2026-03).
YoY change: Tulsa +2.9%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Tulsa | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 61°F | 54°F |
| January avg low | 28°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 94°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 8.7" | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.0" | 44.7" |
Expect 7.3°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Heavy-snow city: expect 13.2 in of snowfall annually at Independence.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: TULSA INTL AP, OK US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tulsa | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 412,322 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $58,407 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.8% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.39 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
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 Oklahoma 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.
- 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
What is the climate difference between Tulsa and Independence?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.0°F in Independence vs 61.3°F in Tulsa (7.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 13.2 in vs 8.7 in. Annual precipitation: 44.7 in vs 41.0 in.
When is the best time to move from Tulsa 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 263 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 Tulsa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $43,140 in the Tulsa MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 443,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Independence more expensive than Tulsa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 3.7% higher than Tulsa (92.543 vs 89.214, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Tulsa vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $58,407 in Tulsa — a 1.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to Tulsa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $217,450 in Tulsa — a 4.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Independence, MO from Tulsa, OK?
The driving distance is 263 mi and the route typically takes 4h 54m via I 44 and I 49. The trip crosses 2 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 Tulsa.
City profiles: Tulsa, OK · Independence, MO.