Moving from Thornton, CO to Lee's Summit, MO
The drive from Thornton, CO to Lee's Summit, MO runs 623 mi β about 10h 43m 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.
623 mi Β· 10h 43m by car Β· CO β KS β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | CO β KS β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, KS 10 |
| Major cities en route | Lakewood, Arvada, Westminster, Boulder, Denver |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Thornton | Lee's Summit | 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 |
RPP moves from 105.782 to 92.543, putting Lee's Summit roughly 12.5% below Thornton on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Lee's Summit: 12.5% below Thornton on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Thornton -3.3%, Lee's Summit +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Thornton | Lee's Summit |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 44.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 14.5" | 38.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NORTHGLENN, CO US, LEES SUMMIT MUNI AP, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Thornton | Lee's Summit |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 142,878 | 102,583 |
| Median household income | $100,985 | $104,989 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 38.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.3% | 29.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.88 | 2.6 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Lee's Summit 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 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
- 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.
- Register to vote in Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Lee's Summit compared to Thornton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $390,166 in Lee's Summit vs $502,945 in Thornton β a 22.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Thornton to Lee's Summit?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 623 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 Thornton vs Lee's Summit?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $104,989 in Lee's Summit vs $100,985 in Thornton β a 4.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Lee's Summit, MO from Thornton, CO?
The driving distance is 623 mi and the route typically takes 10h 43m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Lee's Summit more expensive than Thornton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lee's Summit is 12.5% lower than Thornton (92.543 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Lee's Summit compare to Thornton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Lee's Summit MSA vs $58,490 in the Thornton 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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Thornton.
City profiles: Thornton, CO Β· Lee's Summit, MO.