Moving from Centennial, CO to Independence, MO
It is 605 mi between Centennial and Independence β roughly 10h 43m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
605 mi Β· 10h 43m by car Β· MO β KS β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β KS β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, US 24 |
| Major cities en route | Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Overland Park, Kansas City, Olathe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Centennial | 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 cost of living drops 12.5% moving from Centennial to Independence β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $649,086 in Centennial to $208,158 in Independence, a 12.5% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Centennial -2.8%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Centennial | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 15.0" | 44.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 50.2Β°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: DENVER CENTENNIAL AP, CO US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Centennial | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,386 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $128,167 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 41.8 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 2.39 |
Independence households earn about 12.5% less than Centennial at the median β $128,167 β $59,480 on ACS 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
How far is Independence, MO from Centennial, CO?
The driving distance is 605 mi and the route typically takes 10h 43m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Independence more expensive than Centennial?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 12.5% lower than Centennial (92.543 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Independence compare to Centennial?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $58,490 in the Centennial 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 Centennial?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $649,086 in Centennial β a 67.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Centennial vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $128,167 in Centennial β a 53.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Centennial to Independence?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 605 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 Centennial.
City profiles: Centennial, CO Β· Independence, MO.