Moving from Columbia, MO to Centennial, CO
It is 717 mi between Columbia and Centennial β roughly 12h 40m 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.
717 mi Β· 12h 40m 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 | Independence, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Overland Park, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Columbia | Centennial | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.438 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 85.966 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.193 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 69.248 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 18.3% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 18.3% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $321,091 to $649,086 moving to Centennial.
YoY change: Columbia +2.6%, Centennial -2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Columbia | Centennial |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 17.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 44.8" | 15.0" |
Annual temperature drops 6.0Β°F moving to Centennial per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: COLUMBIA U OF M, MO US, DENVER CENTENNIAL AP, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Columbia | Centennial |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,200 | 107,386 |
| Median household income | $64,488 | $128,167 |
| Median age | 29.2 | 41.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.1% | 37% |
| Avg household size | 2.48 | 2.59 |
Centennial households earn about 18.3% more than Columbia at the median β $64,488 β $128,167 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Centennial MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 173,910 | $49,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 172,890 | $48,280 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 164,250 | $84,370 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 140,150 | $36,010 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 129,510 | $45,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Missouri and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Columbia vs Centennial?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $128,167 in Centennial vs $64,488 in Columbia β a 98.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Centennial compare to Columbia?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Centennial MSA vs $44,410 in the Columbia MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 97,940 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Centennial?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 717 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Centennial, CO from Columbia, MO?
The driving distance is 717 mi and the route typically takes 12h 40m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Centennial compared to Columbia?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $649,086 in Centennial vs $321,091 in Columbia β a 102.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Centennial more expensive than Columbia?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Centennial is 18.3% higher than Columbia (105.782 vs 89.438, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Columbia.
City profiles: Columbia, MO Β· Centennial, CO.