Moving from Lakewood, CO to Independence, MO
The drive from Lakewood, CO to Independence, MO runs 624 mi — about 10h 51m 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.
624 mi · 10h 51m by car · CO → KS → MO
Distance & route
| Route through | CO → KS → MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, MO 78 |
| Major cities en route | Arvada, Centennial, Boulder, Thornton, Westminster |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lakewood | Independence | 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 |
Independence is 12.5% cheaper than Lakewood overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Independence is 12.5% below Lakewood — $573,913 vs $208,158 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Lakewood -2.6%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Lakewood | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 54°F |
| January avg low | 21°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 58.0" | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 17.5" | 44.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Lakewood (50.4°F) and Independence (54.0°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Independence averages 13.2 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LAKEWOOD, CO US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lakewood | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 156,309 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $85,789 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 38 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.1% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.39 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 12.5% between Lakewood and Independence (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Independence 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 — 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: Independence averages 13.2 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 far is Independence, MO from Lakewood, CO?
The driving distance is 624 mi and the route typically takes 10h 51m 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 Lakewood to Independence?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 624 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Independence compare to Lakewood?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $58,490 in the Lakewood 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.
Is Independence more expensive than Lakewood?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 12.5% lower than Lakewood (92.543 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Lakewood and Independence?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.0°F in Independence vs 50.4°F in Lakewood (3.6°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 13.2 in vs 58.0 in. Annual precipitation: 44.7 in vs 17.5 in.
How does household income compare in Lakewood vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $85,789 in Lakewood — a 30.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to Lakewood?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $573,913 in Lakewood — a 63.7% 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 · Independence, MO.