Moving from Colorado Springs, CO to Independence, MO
A move from Colorado Springs, CO to Independence, MO covers 597 mi and around 10h 47m 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.
597 mi · 10h 47m by car · CO → KS → MO
Distance & route
| Route through | CO → KS → MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, US 24 |
| Major cities en route | Topeka, Olathe, Kansas City, Overland Park, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Colorado Springs | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.707 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.195 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 116.207 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Independence is 8.1% cheaper than Colorado Springs overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Independence is 8.1% below Colorado Springs — $449,452 vs $208,158 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Colorado Springs -2.2%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Colorado Springs | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 54°F |
| January avg low | 19°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.5" | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 15.9" | 44.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Colorado Springs (50.5°F) and Independence (54.0°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Independence averages 13.2 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: COLORADO SPRINGS MUNI AP, CO US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Colorado Springs | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 483,099 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $83,198 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 35.6 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.39 |
Median household income in Independence is 8.1% below Colorado Springs ($83,198 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 — 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.
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 — 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 — 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
When is the best time to move from Colorado Springs 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 597 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Colorado Springs vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $83,198 in Colorado Springs — a 28.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Independence compare to Colorado Springs?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $49,310 in the Colorado Springs MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 310,390 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Colorado Springs and Independence?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.0°F in Independence vs 50.5°F in Colorado Springs (3.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 13.2 in vs 32.5 in. Annual precipitation: 44.7 in vs 15.9 in.
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to Colorado Springs?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $449,452 in Colorado Springs — a 53.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Independence more expensive than Colorado Springs?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 8.1% lower than Colorado Springs (92.543 vs 100.707, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Independence, MO from Colorado Springs, CO?
The driving distance is 597 mi and the route typically takes 10h 47m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 3 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 Colorado Springs.
City profiles: Colorado Springs, CO · Independence, MO.