Moving from Independence, MO to Denver, CO
A move from Independence, MO to Denver, CO covers 608 mi and around 10h 31m 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.
608 mi · 10h 31m by car · CO → KS → MO
Distance & route
| Route through | CO → KS → MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, MO 78 |
| Major cities en route | Lakewood, Centennial, Thornton, Arvada, Westminster |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Independence | Denver | 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 Denver is 14.3% higher than Independence, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Denver is 14.3% above Independence — $208,158 vs $539,666 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Independence +2.6%, Denver -4.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Independence | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 19°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.2" | 49.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 44.7" | 15.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Independence (54.0°F) and Denver (51.4°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Denver averages 49.0 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: INDEPENDENCE, MO US, DENVER-STAPLETON, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Independence | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,944 | 713,734 |
| Median household income | $59,480 | $91,681 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 35.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.7% | 33.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.17 |
Median household income in Denver is 14.3% above Independence ($59,480 vs $91,681, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Denver 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 — 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
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Denver averages 49.0 in annually vs 13.2 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Denver average 90°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Independence to Denver?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 608 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Denver compared to Independence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $539,666 in Denver vs $208,158 in Independence — a 159.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Denver more expensive than Independence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Denver is 14.3% higher than Independence (105.782 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Independence vs Denver?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $91,681 in Denver vs $59,480 in Independence — a 54.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Denver, CO from Independence, MO?
The driving distance is 608 mi and the route typically takes 10h 31m 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 Denver compare to Independence?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Denver MSA vs $48,040 in the Independence 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.
What is the climate difference between Independence and Denver?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 51.4°F in Denver vs 54.0°F in Independence (2.6°F colder). Annual snowfall: 49.0 in vs 13.2 in. Annual precipitation: 15.4 in vs 44.7 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Independence.
City profiles: Independence, MO · Denver, CO.