Moving from St. Louis, MO to Arvada, CO
Relocating 857 mi from St. Louis to Arvada is a 15h 12m 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.
857 mi Β· 15h 12m 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 | Columbia, Independence, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Overland Park |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| St. Louis | Arvada | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.088 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 69.921 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.996 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.024 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Arvada runs about 11.2% more expensive overall than St. Louis β RPP 95.088 β 105.782.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: St. Louis β, Arvada -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | St. Louis | Arvada |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 25Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 75.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.9" | 17.1" |
Expect 7.7Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Arvada sees 75.5 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST LOUIS SCI CTR, MO US, WHEAT RIDGE 2, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | St. Louis | Arvada |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 293,109 | 122,835 |
| Median household income | $55,279 | $113,396 |
| Median age | 36.6 | 40.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22% | 31.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.03 | 2.47 |
Expect median household income to rise 11.2% β $55,279 β $113,396 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Arvada 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Arvada averages 75.5 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Arvada more expensive than St. Louis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Arvada is 11.2% higher than St. Louis (105.782 vs 95.088, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Arvada compare to St. Louis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Arvada MSA vs $47,490 in the St. Louis MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 1,325,480 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Arvada, CO from St. Louis, MO?
The driving distance is 857 mi and the route typically takes 15h 12m 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 St. Louis to Arvada?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 857 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in St. Louis vs Arvada?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,396 in Arvada vs $55,279 in St. Louis β a 105.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from St. Louis.
City profiles: St. Louis, MO Β· Arvada, CO.