Moving from Denver, CO to Lee's Summit, MO
A move from Denver, CO to Lee's Summit, MO covers 609 mi and around 10h 27m 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.
609 mi Β· 10h 27m by car Β· CO β KS β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | CO β KS β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, KS 10 |
| Major cities en route | Lakewood, Centennial, Thornton, Arvada, Westminster |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Denver | Lee's Summit | 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 |
Lee's Summit is 12.5% cheaper than Denver overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Lee's Summit is 12.5% below Denver β $539,666 vs $390,166 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Denver -4.3%, Lee's Summit +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Denver | Lee's Summit |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 49.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 15.4" | 38.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Denver (51.4Β°F) and Lee's Summit (55.7Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DENVER-STAPLETON, CO US, LEES SUMMIT MUNI AP, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Denver | Lee's Summit |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 713,734 | 102,583 |
| Median household income | $91,681 | $104,989 |
| Median age | 35.2 | 38.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.8% | 29.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.17 | 2.6 |
Median household income in Lee's Summit is 12.5% above Denver ($91,681 β $104,989, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Lee's Summit 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
- 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 does household income compare in Denver vs Lee's Summit?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $104,989 in Lee's Summit vs $91,681 in Denver β a 14.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Lee's Summit more expensive than Denver?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lee's Summit is 12.5% lower than Denver (92.543 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Lee's Summit compared to Denver?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $390,166 in Lee's Summit vs $539,666 in Denver β a 27.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Lee's Summit, MO from Denver, CO?
The driving distance is 609 mi and the route typically takes 10h 27m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Denver to Lee's Summit?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 609 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Lee's Summit compare to Denver?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Lee's Summit MSA vs $58,490 in the Denver 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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Denver.
City profiles: Denver, CO Β· Lee's Summit, MO.