Moving from West Palm Beach, FL to St. Louis, MO
The drive from West Palm Beach, FL to St. Louis, MO runs 1150 mi β about 21h 4m 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.
1150 mi Β· 21h 4m by car Β· MO β IL β KY β TN β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IL β KY β TN β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 24, GA 540 |
| Major cities en route | Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, Sandy Springs, Atlanta |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| West Palm Beach | St. Louis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 114.155 | 95.088 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 97.235 | 69.921 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.556 | 99.996 | 100.0 |
| Services | 155.551 | 79.024 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 114.155 to 95.088, putting St. Louis roughly 16.7% below West Palm Beach on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: West Palm Beach -3.1%, St. Louis β. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | West Palm Beach | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 76Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 58Β°F | 25Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 61.7" | 43.9" |
Major climate step-down: 17.8Β°F cooler annual average in St. Louis vs West Palm Beach.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WEST PALM BEACH INTL AP, FL US, ST LOUIS SCI CTR, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | West Palm Beach | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 119,508 | 293,109 |
| Median household income | $69,261 | $55,279 |
| Median age | 40.2 | 36.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.4% | 22% |
| Avg household size | 2.37 | 2.03 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 16.7% between West Palm Beach and St. Louis (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in St. Louis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 162,150 | $43,310 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 119,600 | $29,980 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 115,380 | $39,330 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 108,510 | $35,500 |
| Management Occupations | 94,750 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Florida 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-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements 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 (17.8Β°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 far is St. Louis, MO from West Palm Beach, FL?
The driving distance is 1150 mi and the route typically takes 21h 4m via I 75 and I 24. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from West Palm Beach to St. Louis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1150 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is St. Louis more expensive than West Palm Beach?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in St. Louis is 16.7% lower than West Palm Beach (95.088 vs 114.155, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in St. Louis compare to West Palm Beach?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,490 in the St. Louis MSA vs $46,510 in the West Palm Beach MSA, on total employment of 1,325,480 and 2,721,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in West Palm Beach vs St. Louis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,279 in St. Louis vs $69,261 in West Palm Beach β a 20.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from West Palm Beach.
City profiles: West Palm Beach, FL Β· St. Louis, MO.