Moving from Columbia, MO to Pueblo, CO
It is 752 mi between Columbia and Pueblo β roughly 13h 29m 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.
752 mi Β· 13h 29m 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 | Pueblo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.438 | 91.762 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 85.966 | 81.933 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.193 | 96.052 | 100.0 |
| Services | 69.248 | 71.285 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 2.6% under Columbia β $321,091 β $283,603 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Columbia +2.6%, Pueblo -1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Columbia | Pueblo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 17.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 44.8" | 13.8" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: COLUMBIA U OF M, MO US, WFO PUEBLO, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Columbia | Pueblo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,200 | 111,514 |
| Median household income | $64,488 | $55,305 |
| Median age | 29.2 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.1% | 14.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.48 | 2.42 |
Households in Pueblo earn about 2.6% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Pueblo MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 7,340 | $41,440 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 6,170 | $35,290 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 6,010 | $31,240 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 5,440 | $41,710 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 4,910 | $84,190 |
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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Pueblo average 93Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Pueblo sees only 13.8 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Columbia vs Pueblo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,305 in Pueblo vs $64,488 in Columbia β a 14.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Pueblo, CO from Columbia, MO?
The driving distance is 752 mi and the route typically takes 13h 29m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Pueblo more expensive than Columbia?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pueblo is 2.6% higher than Columbia (91.762 vs 89.438, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Pueblo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 752 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Pueblo compared to Columbia?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $283,603 in Pueblo vs $321,091 in Columbia β a 11.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Pueblo compare to Columbia?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,540 in the Pueblo MSA vs $44,410 in the Columbia MSA, on total employment of 63,190 and 97,940 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Columbia.
City profiles: Columbia, MO Β· Pueblo, CO.