Moving from Lakewood, CO to Columbia, MO
A move from Lakewood, CO to Columbia, MO covers 737 mi and around 12h 48m 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.
737 mi · 12h 48m by car · CO → KS → MO
Distance & route
| Route through | CO → KS → MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, US 24 |
| Major cities en route | Arvada, Centennial, Westminster, Boulder, Denver |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lakewood | Columbia | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 89.438 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 85.966 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 69.248 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Columbia are 15.5% below Lakewood — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Columbia typical home at $321,091 is 15.5% under Lakewood at $573,913 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Lakewood -2.6%, Columbia +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Lakewood | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 56°F |
| January avg low | 21°F | 23°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 58.0" | 17.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 17.5" | 44.8" |
Columbia runs 5.8°F warmer on the annual average (50.4°F vs 56.2°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Significant snow at the destination: Columbia sees 17.4 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LAKEWOOD, CO US, COLUMBIA U OF M, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lakewood | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 156,309 | 127,200 |
| Median household income | $85,789 | $64,488 |
| Median age | 38 | 29.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.1% | 30.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.48 |
Median household income in Columbia is 15.5% below Lakewood ($85,789 vs $64,488, ACS 5-year 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 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 — check CDOT alerts before departure.
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 — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornadoes are common April through June — 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 the job market in Columbia compare to Lakewood?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,410 in the Columbia MSA vs $58,490 in the Lakewood MSA, on total employment of 97,940 and 1,590,330 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Lakewood and Columbia?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 56.2°F in Columbia vs 50.4°F in Lakewood (5.8°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 17.4 in vs 58.0 in. Annual precipitation: 44.8 in vs 17.5 in.
When is the best time to move from Lakewood to Columbia?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 737 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Columbia, MO from Lakewood, CO?
The driving distance is 737 mi and the route typically takes 12h 48m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Lakewood vs Columbia?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,488 in Columbia vs $85,789 in Lakewood — a 24.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Columbia more expensive than Lakewood?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Columbia is 15.5% lower than Lakewood (89.438 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Columbia compared to Lakewood?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $321,091 in Columbia vs $573,913 in Lakewood — a 44.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lakewood.
City profiles: Lakewood, CO · Columbia, MO.