Moving from Independence, MO to Colorado Springs, CO
A move from Independence, MO to Colorado Springs, CO covers 597 mi and around 10h 47m 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.
597 mi · 10h 47m by car · CO → KS → MO
Distance & route
| Route through | CO → KS → MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, US 24 |
| Major cities en route | Topeka, Olathe, Kansas City, Overland Park, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Independence | Colorado Springs | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 100.707 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 83.195 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 96.052 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 116.207 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 92.543 in Independence to 100.707 in Colorado Springs, a 8.8% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Colorado Springs: 8.8% above Independence on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Independence +2.6%, Colorado Springs -2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Independence | Colorado Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 19°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.2" | 32.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 44.7" | 15.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 32.5 in of snowfall annually at Colorado Springs.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: INDEPENDENCE, MO US, COLORADO SPRINGS MUNI AP, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Independence | Colorado Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,944 | 483,099 |
| Median household income | $59,480 | $83,198 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 35.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.7% | 25.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.44 |
Median household income in Colorado Springs is 8.8% above Independence ($59,480 vs $83,198, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Colorado Springs MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 36,150 | $44,860 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 31,520 | $34,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 30,370 | $38,520 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 26,830 | $79,240 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 21,400 | $37,380 |
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 — 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: Colorado Springs averages 32.5 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — 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
How much do homes cost in Colorado Springs compared to Independence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $449,452 in Colorado Springs vs $208,158 in Independence — a 115.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Independence to Colorado Springs?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 597 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Independence and Colorado Springs?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.5°F in Colorado Springs vs 54.0°F in Independence (3.5°F colder). Annual snowfall: 32.5 in vs 13.2 in. Annual precipitation: 15.9 in vs 44.7 in.
How does the job market in Colorado Springs compare to Independence?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,310 in the Colorado Springs MSA vs $48,040 in the Independence MSA, on total employment of 310,390 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Colorado Springs, CO from Independence, MO?
The driving distance is 597 mi and the route typically takes 10h 47m 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 Independence vs Colorado Springs?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $83,198 in Colorado Springs vs $59,480 in Independence — a 39.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Colorado Springs more expensive than Independence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Colorado Springs is 8.8% higher than Independence (100.707 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 · Colorado Springs, CO.