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Colorado to Arizona Moving Guide

Updated June 22, 2025

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Planning a 635 mile interstate move from Colorado to Arizona? This moving guide will help you compare living in Colorado vs Arizona across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs mild winters), food & health (like Rocky Mountain Oysters vs Sonoran Hot Dog), real estate & housing (mountain and modern vs spanish colonial and ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Colorado), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Rocky Mountain Oysters and Bison Burgers, but get your taste buds ready for Sonoran Hot Dog & Carne Asada
  • Arizona housing costs are 22% less expensive than they are in Colorado
  • Rent in Arizona is 5.57% more affordable than in Colorado
  • Moving from Colorado to Arizona will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended Colorado to Arizona movers is Sterling Interstate LLC

Colorado to Arizona Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Colorado to Arizona

ConsColorado iconColorado
  • Harsh winters
  • High cost of living
  • Traffic congestion
  • Can be crowded
  • Limited desert scenery
ProsArizona iconArizona
  • Mild winters
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less traffic
  • Spacious environment
  • Beautiful desert landscapes

Arizona iconArizona
  • Hot summers
  • Fewer local breweries
  • No skiing options
  • Less diversity in climate
  • Lack of lush greenery
Colorado iconColorado
  • Cool summers
  • Rich in craft breweries
  • Famous ski resorts
  • Diverse climactic regions
  • Dense pine forests

Pros of moving from Colorado to Arizona

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild winters
  • Look forward to moving away from the high cost of living and moving to Arizona with a lower cost of living
  • Swap the traffic congestion of Colorado for less traffic in Arizona
  • Get ready for a spacious environment in Arizona

Cons of moving from Colorado to Arizona

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the cool summers in Colorado to live with the hot summers in Arizona
  • You'll lose out on the pro of being rich in craft breweries and have to settle with the con of fewer local breweries
  • Time to bid farewell to the famous ski resorts and get used to no skiing options in Arizona
  • Swap the diverse climactic regions for less diversity in climate

Colorado vs. Arizona: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonColoradoArizona
Most iconic local food itemRocky Mountain OystersSonoran Hot Dog
Most popular meat dishBison BurgersCarne Asada
Most popular street food itemBreakfast BurritoTacos
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa SaladJackfruit Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Casa Bonita
  • Frasca Food and Wine
  • The Buckhorn Exchange
  • Pizzeria Bianco
  • El Charro CafΓ©
  • Durant’s
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Colorado to Arizona, you will be trading the iconic Rocky Mountain Oysters of Colorado for the equally delicious Sonoran Hot Dog of Arizona. And while the locals in Colorado rave about their flavorful Bison Burgers and sumptuous Breakfast Burrito, Arizona residents know they have tasty Carne Asada and Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Quinoa Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Jackfruit Tacos of Arizona. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Colorado eateries like Casa Bonita, Frasca Food and Wine, and The Buckhorn Exchange. After the boxes are unpacked in Arizona, don't wait too long before making your way to Arizona's acclaimed eateries like Pizzeria Bianco, El Charro CafΓ©, and Durant’s.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Colorado and Arizona

ComparisonColoradoArizona
Typical Architecture StyleMountain and ModernSpanish Colonial and Ranch
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingMountain views, sustainable featuresDesert landscapes, solar panels
  • The Mountain and Modern architecture that Colorado is known for will be replaced with the Spanish Colonial and Ranch architecture typical of Arizona.
  • Compared to Colorado's real estate listings that commonly reference mountain views and sustainable features, Arizona real estate listings often highlight features like desert landscapes and solar panels.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Arizona is less walkable than Colorado.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Arizona is less bike-friendly than Colorado.
  • Arizona has less of an urban feel than Colorado.
  • Arizona housing costs are 22% less expensive than they are in Colorado, with a median home price of $430,827 compared to Colorado’s $549,126.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arizona have increased by 63% compared to a 40% increase in Colorado.
  • Rent in Arizona is 5.57% more affordable than in Colorado.

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

ComparisonColoradoArizona
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersSnowstorms, WildfiresHeatwaves, Dust Storms
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 56Β°F105Β°F / 84Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)45Β°F / 18Β°F67Β°F / 46Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)15.68.04
Annual Snowfall (Inches)60.50
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Colorado to Arizona. Arizona gets 22% more sunshine days than Colorado.
  • Arizona has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Colorado.
  • Say goodbye to possible snowstorms and wildfires in Colorado, but be on the lookout for potential heatwaves and dust storms in Arizona.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Arizona is 20 degrees warmer than in Colorado.
  • The average winter lows are 28 degrees warmer than they are in Colorado.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Arizona. Arizona receives 7.6 fewer inches of rain compared to Colorado.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Colorado and Arizona

ComparisonColoradoArizona
Avg. Household Income$89,302$74,568
Cost of Living Index98.3101.2
State Income Tax4.55%2.59% - 4.50%
Avg. Property Tax0.55%0.66%
Avg. Sales Tax2.90%5.60%
Top 3 IndustriesAerospace, Tech, AgricultureTech, Tourism, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateVaried
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessNoticeableGrowing
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arizona tend to earn about 16% less than in Colorado
  • The COLI in Arizona will be 3% higher than what you are used to living in Colorado
  • The state income tax in AZ is 2.59% to 4.50% compared to 4.55% in CO
  • The affluence in Arizona is varied compared to moderate affluence in Colorado
  • The poverty level is moderate in Arizona compared to low poverty in Colorado
  • In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Colorado and growing in Arizona

Political and Religious Climate in Colorado vs. Arizona

ComparisonColoradoArizona
Political Make-upPurple state, recently leaning more DemocraticTraditionally Republican, but becoming a battleground state
Local PoliticsLiberal cities like Boulder and Denver; conservative rural areasLiberal strongholds in Tucson and parts of Phoenix; conservative rural counties
ReligionLess religious overall; Christianity is predominant followed by non-affiliatedLargely Christian, with a significant Catholic presence; growing number of non-affiliated persons
  • Colorado tends to lean purple state, recently leaning more Democratic in its political climate
  • Arizona, on the other hand, is often described as traditionally Republican but is becoming a battleground state
  • Arizona's religious environment can be described as largely Christian with a significant Catholic presence and a growing number of non-affiliated persons
  • Colorado's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less religious overall; Christianity is predominant, followed by non-affiliated

Education Guide When Moving from Colorado to Arizona

ComparisonColoradoArizona
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Colorado Boulder
Colorado State University
University of Denver
University of Arizona
Arizona State University
Northern Arizona University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBromwell Elementary - Denver,
Steck Elementary - Denver,
Parker Core Knowledge Charter School - Parker
Basis Ahwatukee - Phoenix,
Knox Gifted Academy - Chandler,
Archway Classical Academy - Scottsdale
Top 3 Middle SchoolsKruse Elementary School - Fort Collins,
DSST: Stapleton Middle School - Denver,
Lesher Middle School - Fort Collins
Basis Chandler - Chandler,
Prep Digital Academy - Online,
Archway Veritas - Phoenix
Top 3 High SchoolsCherry Creek High School - Greenwood Village,
Grandview High School - Aurora,
Liberty Common Charter School - Fort Collins
Basis Scottsdale - Scottsdale,
Basis Tucson North - Tucson,
University High School - Tucson
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Colorado Springs School - Colorado Springs,
Colorado Academy - Denver,
St. Mary's Academy - Englewood
Brophy College Preparatory - Phoenix,
The Gregory School - Tucson,
Phoenix Country Day School - Paradise Valley
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsGraland Country Day School - Denver,
Vail Mountain School - Vail,
Fountain Valley School of Colorado - Colorado Springs
Rancho Solano Preparatory School - Scottsdale,
Tesseract School - Phoenix,
Veritas Preparatory Academy - Phoenix
Top 3 School DistrictsCherry Creek School District,
Douglas County School District,
Boulder Valley School District
Scottsdale Unified School District,
Chandler Unified School District,
Paradise Valley Unified School District

How Much Do Colorado to Arizona Movers Cost?

Moving 635 miles from Colorado to Arizona 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.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $5,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 3-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Sterling Interstate LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,562300 ft3$5.21
1 Bedroom$2,321450 ft3$5.16
2 Bedrooms$3,831750 ft3$5.11
3 Bedrooms$5,5641100 ft3$5.06
4 Bedrooms$8,0131600 ft3$5.01
5+ Bedrooms$8,9251800 ft3$4.96

Top Colorado to Arizona Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Colorado to Arizona movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Sterling Interstate LLC featured image

Sterling Interstate LLC

Best moving company overall for Colorado to Arizona

9.76/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Movemasters, Inc. featured image

Movemasters, Inc.

9.59/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Smooth Movers featured image

Smooth Movers

9.52/10
ExceptionalView details