Moving from Aurora, CO to Independence, MO
A move from Aurora, CO to Independence, MO covers 600 mi and around 10h 20m of driving through 3 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
600 mi Β· 10h 20m by car Β· CO β KS β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | CO β KS β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, MO 78 |
| Major cities en route | Lakewood, Centennial, Denver, Thornton, Arvada |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Aurora | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Independence are 12.5% below Aurora β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Independence typical home at $208,158 is 12.5% under Aurora at $463,081 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Aurora -4.3%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Aurora | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 44.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 50.8Β°F vs 54.0Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Independence sees 13.2 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHERRY CREEK DAM, CO US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Aurora | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 390,201 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $84,320 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.4% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.73 | 2.39 |
Median household income in Independence is 12.5% below Aurora ($84,320 vs $59,480, 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 Colorado 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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
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
Is Independence more expensive than Aurora?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 12.5% lower than Aurora (92.543 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Aurora vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $84,320 in Aurora β a 29.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Independence, MO from Aurora, CO?
The driving distance is 600 mi and the route typically takes 10h 20m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Independence compare to Aurora?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $58,490 in the Aurora MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 1,590,330 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to Aurora?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $463,081 in Aurora β a 55.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Aurora to Independence?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 600 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 Aurora.
City profiles: Aurora, CO Β· Independence, MO.