Arizona to Colorado Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Arizona to Colorado

ConsArizona

• Unbearable summer heat
• Monsoon dust storms
• Desert dryness
• Limited water supply
• Scorpions and snakes
• Heat-driven power bills
• Flat desert scenery
• Summer outdoor limits
• Urban heat islands
• Long drive to ski

ProsColorado

• Cooler summer temps
• Cleaner mountain air
• Rivers and forests
• Snow-fed watersheds
• Fewer desert pests
• Lower summer AC use
• Dramatic mountain views
• Year-round recreation
• High-elevation breezes
• Ski resorts nearby

---

Colorado

• Colder, snowier winters
• Higher housing costs
• Higher state tax
• Seasonal course closures
• Short pool season
• Regular snow shoveling
• Icy, snowy roads
• Higher heating bills
• Altitude adjustment
• Winter trail closures

Arizona

• Mild winter temps
• More affordable housing
• Lower income tax
• Golf year-round
• Long pool season
• No snow shoveling
• Easy winter driving
• Lower heating bills
• Low altitude living
• Year-round hiking access

Pros of moving from Arizona to Colorado

• Say goodbye to unbearable summer heat and hello to cooler summer temps
• Look forward to moving away from monsoon dust storms and moving to Colorado with cleaner mountain air
• Swap the desert dryness of Arizona for rivers and forests in Colorado
• Get ready for snow-fed watersheds in Colorado

Cons of moving from Arizona to Colorado

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from mild winter temps in Arizona to live with colder, snowier winters in Colorado
• You'll lose out on the pro of more affordable housing and have to settle for the con of higher housing costs
• Time to bid farewell to lower income tax and get used to higher state tax in Colorado
• Swap golf year-round for seasonal course closures

Arizona vs. Colorado: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Arizona to Colorado, you will be trading the iconic Chimichanga of Arizona for the equally delicious Rocky Mountain Oysters of Colorado. And while the locals in Arizona rave about their flavorful Carne Asada and sumptuous Sonoran Hot Dog, Colorado residents know they have tasty Bison Burgers and Denver Omelette Burrito to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Cactus Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Quinoa Salad of Colorado. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Arizona eateries like Pizzeria Bianco, Elote Cafe, and Cowboy Ciao. After the boxes are unpacked in Colorado, don't wait too long before making your way to Colorado's acclaimed eateries like The Buckhorn Exchange, Beau Jo's Pizza, and Original Pancake House.

When comparing lifestyles, Colorado shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Arizona. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Colorado, compared to what you are used to in Arizona. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Colorado.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arizona and Colorado

• The Spanish Colonial and Pueblo Revival architecture that Arizona is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Mountain Rustic architecture typical of Colorado.
• Compared to Arizona's real estate listings that commonly reference swimming pools and desert landscaping, Colorado real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and proximity to nature trails.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Colorado is more walkable than Arizona.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Colorado is more bike-friendly than Arizona.
• Colorado has more of an urban feel than Arizona.
• Colorado housing costs are 27% more expensive than they are in Arizona, with a median home price of $549,126 compared to Arizona’s $430,827.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Colorado have increased by 40% compared to a 63% increase in Arizona.
• Rent in Colorado is 5.90% more expensive than in Arizona.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Arizona and Colorado

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Arizona to Colorado. Colorado gets 14% fewer sunshine days than Arizona.
• Colorado has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Arizona.
• Say goodbye to the possible heatwaves and dust storms in Arizona, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and wildfires in Colorado.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Colorado is 19 degrees colder than in Arizona.
• The average winter lows are 28 degrees colder than they are in Arizona.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Colorado. Colorado receives 2.6 more inches of rain compared to Arizona.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Arizona and Colorado

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Colorado tend to earn about 20% more than those in Arizona
• The COLI in Colorado is 3% lower than what you are used to living in Arizona
• The state income tax in Colorado is 4.55% compared to 2.59-4.5% in Arizona
• The affluence in Colorado is high compared to moderate in Arizona
• The poverty level is low in Colorado compared to moderate in Arizona
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Arizona and moderate in Colorado

Political and Religious Climate in Arizona vs. Colorado

• Arizona tends to lean mixed with a slight Republican lean in its political climate
• Colorado, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democrat, especially in urban areas
• Colorado's religious environment can be described as less religiously affiliated with notable Buddhist and Hindu communities
• Arizona's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity being predominant, but with a significant number of non-religious residents

How Much Do Arizona to Colorado Movers Cost?

Moving 635 miles from Arizona to Colorado will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.