Moving from Worcester, MA to Lee's Summit, MO
The drive from Worcester, MA to Lee's Summit, MO runs 1377 mi β about 26h 7m 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.
1377 mi Β· 26h 7m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 80, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Hartford, Waterbury, New Haven, Bridgeport |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Worcester | Lee's Summit | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.523 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 155.206 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 113.001 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 102.523 to 92.543, putting Lee's Summit roughly 9.7% below Worcester on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Lee's Summit ZHVI at $390,166 is 9.7% below Worcester at $430,112.
YoY change: Worcester +1.0%, Lee's Summit +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Worcester | Lee's Summit |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 72.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 38.3" |
Climate warms by 7.6Β°F on the annual average β 48.1Β°F β 55.7Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US, LEES SUMMIT MUNI AP, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Worcester | Lee's Summit |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 205,501 | 102,583 |
| Median household income | $67,544 | $104,989 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 38.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 29.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.6 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 9.7% between Worcester 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 Massachusetts 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- 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 Lee's Summit, MO from Worcester, MA?
The driving distance is 1377 mi and the route typically takes 26h 7m via I 70 and I 80. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Lee's Summit compared to Worcester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $390,166 in Lee's Summit vs $430,112 in Worcester β a 9.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Lee's Summit more expensive than Worcester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lee's Summit is 9.7% lower than Worcester (92.543 vs 102.523, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Worcester 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 1377 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Worcester vs Lee's Summit?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $104,989 in Lee's Summit vs $67,544 in Worcester β a 55.4% higher 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 Worcester.
City profiles: Worcester, MA Β· Lee's Summit, MO.