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Colorado to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Updated June 5, 2025

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Planning a 1,658 mile interstate move from Colorado to Pennsylvania? This moving guide will help you compare living in Colorado vs Pennsylvania across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high altitude vs lower altitude), food & health (like Rocky Mountain Oysters vs Philly Cheesesteak), real estate & housing (mountain modern vs colonial revival), 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 Philly Cheesesteak & Pittsburgh-style Steak
  • Pennsylvania housing costs are 52% less expensive than they are in Colorado
  • Rent in Pennsylvania is 26.78% more affordable than in Colorado
  • Moving from Colorado to Pennsylvania will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,500
  • Our top recommended Colorado to Pennsylvania movers is Pittsburgh Moving

Colorado to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Colorado to Pennsylvania

ConsColorado iconColorado
  • High altitude
  • Limited public transit
  • Dry climate
  • Cost of living
ProsPennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Lower altitude
  • Extensive transit options
  • Mild, humid climate
  • More affordable

Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Fewer mountain vistas
  • Less diverse outdoors
  • More overcast days
  • Less tech presence
Colorado iconColorado
  • Scenic mountain views
  • Outdoor activities
  • Sunny days
  • Thriving tech industry

Pros of moving from Colorado to Pennsylvania

  • Say goodbye to high altitude and hello to lower altitude
  • Look forward to moving away from limited public transit and moving to Pennsylvania with extensive transit options
  • Swap the dry climate of Colorado for a mild, humid climate in Pennsylvania
  • Get ready for more affordability in Pennsylvania

Cons of moving from Colorado to Pennsylvania

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from scenic mountain views in Colorado to live with fewer mountain vistas in Pennsylvania
  • You'll lose out on the pro of outdoor activities and have to settle for the con of less diverse outdoors
  • Time to bid farewell to sunny days and get used to more overcast days in Pennsylvania
  • Swap a thriving tech industry for a less tech presence

Colorado vs. Pennsylvania: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonColoradoPennsylvania
Most iconic local food itemRocky Mountain OystersPhilly Cheesesteak
Most popular meat dishBison BurgersPittsburgh-style Steak
Most popular street food itemGreen ChiliSoft Pretzels
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa SaladMushroom Cheesesteak
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Pat's King of Steaks
  • Geno's Steaks
  • Primanti Bros.
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 Pennsylvania, you will be trading the iconic Rocky Mountain Oysters of Colorado for the equally delicious Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. And while the locals in Colorado rave about their flavorful Bison Burgers and sumptuous Green Chili, Pennsylvania residents know they have tasty Pittsburgh-style Steak and Soft Pretzels 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 Mushroom Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Colorado eateries like Frasca Food and Wine, Root Down, and Beast and Bottle. After the boxes are unpacked in Pennsylvania, don't wait too long before making your way to Pennsylvania's acclaimed eateries like Pat's King of Steaks, Geno's Steaks, and Primanti Bros.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Colorado and Pennsylvania

ComparisonColoradoPennsylvania
Typical Architecture StyleMountain ModernColonial Revival
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, open planHistoric details, proximity to amenities
  • The Mountain Modern architecture that Colorado is known for will be replaced with the Colonial Revival architecture typical of Pennsylvania.
  • Compared to Colorado's real estate listings that commonly reference mountain views and open plans, Pennsylvania real estate listings often highlight features like historic details and proximity to amenities.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Pennsylvania is more walkable than Colorado.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Pennsylvania is less bike-friendly than Colorado.
  • Pennsylvania has less of an urban feel than Colorado.
  • Pennsylvania housing costs are 52% less expensive than they are in Colorado, with a median home price of $261,312 compared to Colorado’s $549,126.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Pennsylvania have increased 43% compared to a 40% increase in Colorado.
  • Rent in Pennsylvania is 26.78% more affordable than in Colorado.

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

ComparisonColoradoPennsylvania
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 DisastersWildfires, SnowstormsFlooding, Snowstorms
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 55Β°F85Β°F / 62Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)45Β°F / 18Β°F40Β°F / 20Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)15.6"42"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)60.3"38"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Colorado to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania gets 27% fewer sunshine days than Colorado.
  • Pennsylvania has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Colorado.
  • Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and snowstorms in Colorado, but be on the lookout for potential flooding and snowstorms in Pennsylvania.
  • The average summer high temperature in Pennsylvania is the same as in Colorado.
  • The average winter lows are 2 degrees warmer than they are in Colorado.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania receives 26.4 more inches of rain compared to Colorado.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Colorado and Pennsylvania

ComparisonColoradoPennsylvania
Avg. Household Income$89,302$71,798
Cost of Living Index98.399.7
State Income Tax4.55%3.07%
Avg. Property Tax0.55%1.58%
Avg. Sales Tax2.90%6.34%
Top 3 IndustriesAerospace, Technology, TourismManufacturing, Finance, Education
AffluenceModerateAbove Average
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessNoticeableLess Noticeable
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Pennsylvania tend to earn about 20% less than in Colorado
  • The COLI in Pennsylvania will be 1% higher than what you are used to living in Colorado
  • The state income tax in PA is 3.07% compared to 4.55% in CO
  • The affluence in Pennsylvania is above average compared to moderate in Colorado
  • The poverty level is moderate in Pennsylvania compared to low in Colorado
  • In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Colorado and less noticeable in Pennsylvania

Political and Religious Climate in Colorado vs. Pennsylvania

ComparisonColoradoPennsylvania
Political Make-upModerately liberalSwing state
Local PoliticsLiberal cities, conservative rural areasMix of conservative and liberal areas
ReligionLess religiously affiliatedHigher religious affiliation
  • Colorado tends to lean moderately liberal in its political climate
  • Pennsylvania, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state
  • Pennsylvania's religious environment can be described as having a higher religious affiliation
  • Colorado's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less religiously affiliated

Education Guide When Moving from Colorado to Pennsylvania

ComparisonColoradoPennsylvania
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Colorado
Colorado State University
University of Denver
University of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State University
Carnegie Mellon University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBromwell Elementary - Denver
Cory Elementary - Denver
Parker Core Knowledge - Parker
Adlai Stevenson - Pittsburgh
Fox Chapel - Pittsburgh
Wayne Elementary - Wayne
Top 3 Middle SchoolsKruse Elementary - Parker
Challenge School - Denver
Summit Middle Charter - Boulder
Radnor Middle - Wayne
Welsh Valley - Narberth
Julia R. Masterman - Philadelphia
Top 3 High SchoolsCherry Creek High - Greenwood Village
Fairview High - Boulder
Grandview High - Aurora
Conestoga Senior High - Berwyn
Penncrest High - Media
Lower Merion High - Ardmore
Top 3 private high schoolsKent Denver School - Englewood
Colorado Academy - Denver
Fountain Valley School - Colorado Springs
The Haverford School - Haverford
The Hill School - Pottstown
Mercersburg Academy - Mercersburg
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsDawson School - Lafayette
Vail Mountain School - Vail
Colorado Rocky Mountain School - Carbondale
Germantown Friends School - Philadelphia
Friends Central School - Wynnewood
Shady Side Academy - Pittsburgh
Top 3 School DistrictsCherry Creek School District
Boulder Valley School District
Douglas County School District
Tredyffrin-Easttown School District
Lower Merion School District
Radnor Township School District

How Much Do Colorado to Pennsylvania Movers Cost?

Moving 1,658 miles from Colorado to Pennsylvania will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-7 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: U-Relax Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,142300 ft3$7.14
1 Bedroom$3,191450 ft3$7.09
2 Bedrooms$5,281750 ft3$7.04
3 Bedrooms$7,6911100 ft3$6.99
4 Bedrooms$11,1061600 ft3$6.94
5+ Bedrooms$12,4051800 ft3$6.89

Top Colorado to Pennsylvania Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pittsburgh Moving featured image

Pittsburgh Moving

Best moving company overall for Colorado to Pennsylvania

9.63/10
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