Colorado to Pennsylvania Moving Guide
Updated June 5, 2025

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
- High altitude
- Limited public transit
- Dry climate
- Cost of living
- Lower altitude
- Extensive transit options
- Mild, humid climate
- More affordable
- Fewer mountain vistas
- Less diverse outdoors
- More overcast days
- Less tech presence
- 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
Comparison | Colorado | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Rocky Mountain Oysters | Philly Cheesesteak |
Most popular meat dish | Bison Burgers | Pittsburgh-style Steak |
Most popular street food item | Green Chili | Soft Pretzels |
Most popular vegan food | Quinoa Salad | Mushroom Cheesesteak |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
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
Comparison | Colorado | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Mountain Modern | Colonial Revival |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Mountain views, open plan | Historic 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 Coloradoβs $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
Comparison | Colorado | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Wildfires, Snowstorms | Flooding, Snowstorms |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 85Β°F / 55Β°F | 85Β°F / 62Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 45Β°F / 18Β°F | 40Β°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
Comparison | Colorado | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $89,302 | $71,798 |
Cost of Living Index | 98.3 | 99.7 |
State Income Tax | 4.55% | 3.07% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.55% | 1.58% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 2.90% | 6.34% |
Top 3 Industries | Aerospace, Technology, Tourism | Manufacturing, Finance, Education |
Affluence | Moderate | Above Average |
Poverty | Low | Moderate |
Homelessness | Noticeable | Less 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
Comparison | Colorado | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Moderately liberal | Swing state |
Local Politics | Liberal cities, conservative rural areas | Mix of conservative and liberal areas |
Religion | Less religiously affiliated | Higher 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
Comparison | Colorado | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
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 Schools | Bromwell Elementary - Denver Cory Elementary - Denver Parker Core Knowledge - Parker | Adlai Stevenson - Pittsburgh Fox Chapel - Pittsburgh Wayne Elementary - Wayne |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Kruse Elementary - Parker Challenge School - Denver Summit Middle Charter - Boulder | Radnor Middle - Wayne Welsh Valley - Narberth Julia R. Masterman - Philadelphia |
Top 3 High Schools | Cherry 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 schools | Kent 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 schools | Dawson 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 Districts | Cherry 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 SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,142 | 300 ft3 | $7.14 |
1 Bedroom | $3,191 | 450 ft3 | $7.09 |
2 Bedrooms | $5,281 | 750 ft3 | $7.04 |
3 Bedrooms | $7,691 | 1100 ft3 | $6.99 |
4 Bedrooms | $11,106 | 1600 ft3 | $6.94 |
5+ Bedrooms | $12,405 | 1800 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.

Pittsburgh Moving
Best moving company overall for Colorado to Pennsylvania