Colorado to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Colorado to California

ConsColorado

• Harsh winter weather
• Sparse entertainment
• Higher altitude issues

ProsCalifornia

• Milder climate
• Vibrant nightlife
• Sea level living

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California

• Expensive housing
• Higher taxes
• Traffic congestion

Colorado

• Rocky Mountain access
• Lower cost of living
• Outdoor activities

Pros of moving from Colorado to California

• Say goodbye to harsh winter weather and hello to a milder climate
• Look forward to moving away from sparse entertainment and moving to California with vibrant nightlife
• Swap the higher altitude issues of Colorado for sea level living in California

Cons of moving from Colorado to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from Rocky Mountain access in Colorado to live with expensive housing in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of a lower cost of living and have to settle for the con of higher taxes
• Time to bid farewell to outdoor activities and get used to traffic congestion in California

Colorado vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Colorado to California, you will be trading the iconic Rocky Mountain Oysters of Colorado for the equally delicious California Roll of California. And while the locals in Colorado rave about their flavorful Bison Burgers and sumptuous Green Chili Burritos, California residents know they have tasty Tri-tip BBQ and Fish 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 Avocado Toast of California. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Colorado eateries like The Buckhorn Exchange, Casa Bonita, and The Sink. After the boxes are unpacked in California, don't wait too long before making your way to California's acclaimed eateries like Chez Panisse, The French Laundry, and In-N-Out Burger.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Colorado and California

• The Mountain Modern architecture that Colorado is known for will be replaced with the Spanish Revival architecture typical of California.
• Compared to Colorado's real estate listings that commonly reference mountain views and outdoor spaces, California real estate listings often highlight features like ocean views and eco-friendly features.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. California is more walkable than Colorado.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. California is less bike-friendly than Colorado.
• California has more of an urban feel than Colorado.
• California housing costs are 43% more expensive than they are in Colorado, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to Colorado’s $549,126.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased by 42% compared to a 40% increase in Colorado.
• Rent in California is 34.53% more expensive than in Colorado.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Colorado to California. California gets 16% more sunshine days than Colorado.
• California has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Colorado.
• Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and wildfires in Colorado, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and wildfires in California.
• The average summer high temperature in California is the same as Colorado.
• The average winter lows are 33 degrees warmer than they are in Colorado.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in California as it receives 6.4 more inches of rain compared to Colorado.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Colorado and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 3% more than in Colorado
• The COLI in California will be 39% higher than what you are used to living in Colorado
• The state income tax in CA is 1% to 13.3% compared to 4.55% in CO
• The affluence in California is high compared to moderate affluence in Colorado
• The poverty level is moderate in California compared to low in Colorado
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Colorado and high in California

Political and Religious Climate in Colorado vs. California

• Colorado tends to lean slightly Democratic in its political climate
• California, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
• California's religious environment can be described as very diverse, with a large number of Non-Religious and Catholic residents
• Colorado's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse, with a Protestant majority

Education Guide When Moving from Colorado to California

How Much Do Colorado to California Movers Cost?

Moving 1,123 miles from Colorado to California 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.