Moving from Concord, CA to Columbia, MO
Cross-country relocations like Concord, CA β Columbia, MO cover 1918 mi and about 33h 1m of driving through 6 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1918 mi Β· 33h 1m by car Β· MO β NE β WY β UT β NV β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β NE β WY β UT β NV β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 70, I 29 |
| 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
| Concord | Columbia | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 115.613 | 89.438 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 172.585 | 85.966 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 108.465 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 194.718 | 69.248 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Columbia come in 22.6% under Concord β expect rent and services to carry most of that gap.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Columbia typical home at $321,091 is 22.6% under Concord at $742,769 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Concord -3.4%, Columbia +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Concord | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 17.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 16.1" | 44.8" |
Climate cools by 5.8Β°F on the annual average β 62.0Β°F β 56.2Β°F.
Significant snow at the destination: Columbia sees 17.4 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CONCORD BUCHANAN FLD, CA US, COLUMBIA U OF M, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Concord | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 124,260 | 127,200 |
| Median household income | $109,195 | $64,488 |
| Median age | 38.6 | 29.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.1% | 30.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.48 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 22.6% between Concord and Columbia (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Columbia MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 11,920 | $39,450 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 10,570 | $28,450 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 9,410 | $73,610 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 8,040 | $48,850 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 7,510 | $32,430 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between California 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
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Columbia averages 17.4 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 Columbia more expensive than Concord?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Columbia is 22.6% lower than Concord (89.438 vs 115.613, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Concord to Columbia?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1918 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 Columbia compared to Concord?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $321,091 in Columbia vs $742,769 in Concord β a 56.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Columbia, MO from Concord, CA?
The driving distance is 1918 mi and the route typically takes 33h 1m via I 80 and I 70. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Concord vs Columbia?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,488 in Columbia vs $109,195 in Concord β a 40.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Columbia compare to Concord?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,410 in the Columbia MSA vs $72,050 in the Concord MSA, on total employment of 97,940 and 2,422,210 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 Concord.
City profiles: Concord, CA Β· Columbia, MO.