Moving from Independence, MO to Centennial, CO
Relocating 605 mi from Independence to Centennial is a 10h 43m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
605 mi Β· 10h 43m 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 | Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Overland Park, Kansas City, Olathe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Independence | Centennial | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Centennial runs about 14.3% more expensive overall than Independence β RPP 92.543 β 105.782.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $208,158 in Independence to $649,086 in Centennial, a 14.3% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Independence +2.6%, Centennial -2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Independence | Centennial |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 44.7" | 15.0" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 54.0Β°F vs 50.2Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: INDEPENDENCE, MO US, DENVER CENTENNIAL AP, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Independence | Centennial |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,944 | 107,386 |
| Median household income | $59,480 | $128,167 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 41.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.7% | 37% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.59 |
Expect median household income to rise 14.3% β $59,480 β $128,167 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 much do homes cost in Centennial compared to Independence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $649,086 in Centennial vs $208,158 in Independence β a 211.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Centennial compare to Independence?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Centennial MSA vs $48,040 in the Independence MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Independence vs Centennial?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $128,167 in Centennial vs $59,480 in Independence β a 115.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Independence to Centennial?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 605 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 Independence, MO?
The driving distance is 605 mi and the route typically takes 10h 43m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Centennial more expensive than Independence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Centennial is 14.3% higher than Independence (105.782 vs 92.543, 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 Independence.
City profiles: Independence, MO Β· Centennial, CO.