Moving from Kansas City, MO to Centennial, CO
The drive from Kansas City, MO to Centennial, CO runs 594 mi β about 10h 23m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
594 mi Β· 10h 23m 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, Overland Park, Kansas City, Olathe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kansas City | 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 |
Overall cost of living in Centennial is 14.3% higher than Kansas City, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Centennial is 14.3% above Kansas City β $250,208 vs $649,086 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Kansas City +0.8%, Centennial -2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Kansas City | Centennial |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 11.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 38.1" | 15.0" |
Climate cools by 6.7Β°F on the annual average β 56.9Β°F β 50.2Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KANSAS CITY DOWNTOWN AP, MO US, DENVER CENTENNIAL AP, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kansas City | Centennial |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 508,233 | 107,386 |
| Median household income | $67,449 | $128,167 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 41.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.8% | 37% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.59 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 14.3% between Kansas City and Centennial (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
When is the best time to move from Kansas City to Centennial?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 594 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 Kansas City, MO?
The driving distance is 594 mi and the route typically takes 10h 23m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Centennial compare to Kansas City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Centennial MSA vs $48,040 in the Kansas City 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 Kansas City vs Centennial?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $128,167 in Centennial vs $67,449 in Kansas City β a 90.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Centennial more expensive than Kansas City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Centennial is 14.3% higher than Kansas City (105.782 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Centennial compared to Kansas City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $649,086 in Centennial vs $250,208 in Kansas City β a 159.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Kansas City.
City profiles: Kansas City, MO Β· Centennial, CO.