Moving from Lee's Summit, MO to Columbia, MO
The 123 mi from Lee's Summit to Columbia translate to about 2h 20m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
123 mi Β· 2h 20m by car Β· MO
Distance & route
| Route through | MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, I 470 |
| Major cities en route | Independence, Kansas City, Kansas City, Overland Park, Olathe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lee's Summit | Columbia | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 89.438 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 85.966 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 69.248 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Lee's Summit (92.543) and Columbia (89.438) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Columbia ZHVI at $321,091 is 3.4% below Lee's Summit at $390,166.
YoY change: Lee's Summit +2.1%, Columbia +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lee's Summit | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 17.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.3" | 44.8" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 17.4 in of snowfall annually at Columbia.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LEES SUMMIT MUNI AP, MO US, COLUMBIA U OF M, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lee's Summit | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 102,583 | 127,200 |
| Median household income | $104,989 | $64,488 |
| Median age | 38.6 | 29.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.5% | 30.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.48 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 3.4% between Lee's Summit and Columbia (ACS 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.
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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Columbia averages 17.4 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornadoes are common April through June β 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.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Columbia compare to Lee's Summit?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,410 in the Columbia MSA vs $48,040 in the Lee's Summit MSA, on total employment of 97,940 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Lee's Summit to Columbia?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 123 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 Lee's Summit vs Columbia?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,488 in Columbia vs $104,989 in Lee's Summit β a 38.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Columbia more expensive than Lee's Summit?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Columbia is 3.4% lower than Lee's Summit (89.438 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Columbia compared to Lee's Summit?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $321,091 in Columbia vs $390,166 in Lee's Summit β a 17.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Columbia, MO from Lee's Summit, MO?
The driving distance is 123 mi and the route typically takes 2h 20m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lee's Summit.
City profiles: Lee's Summit, MO Β· Columbia, MO.