California to Colorado Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Colorado

ConsCalifornia

• Sky-high housing costs
• Heavy traffic congestion
• Higher income taxes
• Expensive electricity rates
• Coastal summer fog
• Earthquake risk
• Parking headaches
• Higher sales taxes
• Crowded popular spots
• Complex regulations

ProsColorado

• More affordable homes
• Easier commutes
• Lower flat tax
• Cheaper energy bills
• Sunny summer skies
• Lower seismic risk
• Easier parking
• Lower sales taxes
• Less crowded outdoors
• Simpler red tape

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Colorado

• Landlocked state
• Colder, snowier winters
• Lower pay scales
• Fewer international routes
• No ocean beaches
• Shorter growing season
• Smaller arts scene
• High-altitude adjustment
• Limited transit coverage
• Fewer dining options
• No surfing coastline
• Smaller job market

California

• Ocean access
• Mild coastal climate
• Higher salaries
• Global flight options
• Iconic beaches
• Year-round produce
• Major entertainment hubs
• Sea-level altitude
• Extensive public transit
• Broad international cuisine
• Surfing and sailing
• Big-city job networks

Pros of moving from California to Colorado

• Say goodbye to sky-high housing costs and hello to more affordable homes
• Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic congestion and moving to Colorado with easier commutes
• Swap the higher income taxes of California for a lower flat tax in Colorado
• Get ready for cheaper energy bills in Colorado

Cons of moving from California to Colorado

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from ocean access in California to live with a landlocked state in Colorado
• You'll lose out on the pro of a mild coastal climate and have to settle for the con of colder, snowier winters
• Time to bid farewell to higher salaries and get used to lower pay scales in Colorado
• Swap global flight options for fewer international routes

California vs. Colorado: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to Colorado, you will be trading the iconic Fish Tacos of California for the equally delicious Rocky Mountain Oysters of Colorado. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tri-Tip Steak and sumptuous Tacos, Colorado residents know they have tasty Bison Burgers and Green Chili to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Avocado Toast they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Quinoa Salads of Colorado. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like Chez Panisse, The French Laundry, and n/naka. After the boxes are unpacked in Colorado, don't wait too long before making your way to Colorado's acclaimed eateries like Frasca Food and Wine, Beast + Bottle, and Panzano.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and Colorado

• The Spanish and Modern architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Ranch architecture typical of Colorado.
• Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference ocean views and sustainable features, Colorado real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and outdoor living spaces.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Colorado is more walkable than California.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Colorado is more bike-friendly than California.
• Colorado has less of an urban feel than California.
• Colorado housing costs are 30% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $549,126 compared to California’s $783,666.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Colorado have increased by 40% compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in Colorado is 25.67% more affordable than in California.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to Colorado. Colorado gets 14% fewer sunshine days than California.
• Colorado has lower humidity and a similar average UV index compared to California.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in California, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and wildfires in Colorado.
• The average summer high temperature in Colorado is 1 degree warmer than in California.
• The average winter lows are 30 degrees colder than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Colorado. Colorado receives 5 fewer inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and Colorado

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Colorado tend to earn about 2% less than in California
• The COLI in Colorado is 28% lower than what you are used to living in California
• The state income tax in CO is 4.55% compared to 13.3% in CA
• The affluence in Colorado is moderate compared to high in California
• The poverty level is low in Colorado compared to moderate in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is significant in California and moderate in Colorado

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. Colorado

• California tends to lean primarily Democratic in its political climate
• Colorado, on the other hand, is often described as moderately Democratic
• Colorado's religious environment can be described as Christianity dominant but diverse in its religious presence
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as more varied with a larger non-religious population

Education Guide When Moving from California to Colorado

How Much Do California to Colorado Movers Cost?

Moving 1,123 miles from California to Colorado will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.