Movers

Montana to Colorado Moving Guide

Updated June 21, 2025

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Planning a 779 mile interstate move from Montana to Colorado? This moving guide will help you compare living in Montana vs Colorado across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like long, harsh winters vs milder winters), food & health (like Bison Steak vs Rocky Mountain Oysters), real estate & housing (ranch and craftsman vs mountain modern and craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Colorado), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Bison Steak and Elk Burgers, but get your taste buds ready for Rocky Mountain Oysters & Lamb Chops
  • Colorado housing costs are 20% more expensive than they are in Montana
  • Rent in Colorado is 43.80% more expensive than in Montana
  • Moving from Montana to Colorado will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended Montana to Colorado movers is Movemasters, Inc.

Montana to Colorado Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Montana to Colorado

ConsMontana iconMontana
  • Long, harsh winters
  • Limited job market
  • Remote locations
  • Fewer cultural events
  • High car dependency
ProsColorado iconColorado
  • Milder winters
  • Thriving tech industry
  • Vibrant cities
  • Abundant cultural activities
  • Biking and public transit options

Colorado iconColorado
  • Crowded tourist areas
  • Higher living costs
  • Noisy urban centers
  • Fast-paced lifestyle
  • Homogenized urban culture
Montana iconMontana
  • Pristine natural beauty
  • Low cost of living
  • Quiet communities
  • Simple lifestyle
  • Strong local culture

Pros of moving from Montana to Colorado

  • Say goodbye to long, harsh winters and hello to milder winters
  • Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Colorado with a thriving tech industry
  • Swap the remote locations of Montana for vibrant cities in Colorado
  • Get ready for abundant cultural activities in Colorado

Cons of moving from Montana to Colorado

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the pristine natural beauty in Montana to live with crowded tourist areas in Colorado
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a low cost of living and have to settle with the con of higher living costs
  • Time to bid farewell to quiet communities and get used to noisy urban centers in Colorado
  • Swap a simple lifestyle for a fast-paced lifestyle

Montana vs. Colorado: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMontanaColorado
Most iconic local food itemBison SteakRocky Mountain Oysters
Most popular meat dishElk BurgersLamb Chops
Most popular street food itemHuckleberry Hand PiesGreen Chili Burritos
Most popular vegan foodLentil DahlQuinoa Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Linger
  • Root Down
  • OAK at fourteenth
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 Montana to Colorado, you will be trading the iconic Bison Steak of Montana for the equally delicious Rocky Mountain Oysters of Colorado. And while the locals in Montana rave about their flavorful Elk Burgers and sumptuous Huckleberry Hand Pies, Colorado residents know they have tasty Lamb Chops and Green Chili Burritos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Lentil Dahl they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Quinoa Tacos of Colorado. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Montana eateries like The Buckhorn Inn, Lantana Grill, and Mountain Berry Bowls. After the boxes are unpacked in Colorado, don't wait too long before making your way to Colorado's acclaimed eateries like Linger, Root Down, and OAK at Fourteenth.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Montana and Colorado

ComparisonMontanaColorado
Typical Architecture StyleRanch and CraftsmanMountain Modern and Craftsman
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 listingBig Sky views, PrivacyMountain views, Proximity to outdoor activities
  • The Ranch and Craftsman architecture that Montana is known for will be replaced with the Mountain Modern and Craftsman architecture typical of Colorado.
  • Compared to Montana's real estate listings that commonly reference big sky views and privacy, Colorado real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and proximity to outdoor activities.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Colorado is more walkable than Montana.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Colorado is more bike-friendly than Montana.
  • Colorado has more of an urban feel than Montana.
  • Colorado housing costs are 20% more expensive than they are in Montana, with a median home price of $549,126 compared to Montana’s $456,199.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Colorado have increased by 40% compared to a 71% increase in Montana.
  • Rent in Colorado is 43.80% more expensive than in Montana.

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

ComparisonMontanaColorado
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, WildfiresWildfires, Tornadoes
Air QualityFairGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)65Β°F/40Β°F85Β°F/60Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)28Β°F/10Β°F45Β°F/15Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)1517
Annual Snowfall (Inches)9060
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Montana to Colorado. Colorado gets 30% more sunshine days than Montana.
  • Colorado has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Montana.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and wildfires in Montana, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and tornadoes in Colorado.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Colorado is 20 degrees warmer than in Montana.
  • The average winter lows in Colorado are 5 degrees warmer than those in Montana.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Colorado. Colorado receives 2 more inches of rain compared to Montana.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Montana and Colorado

ComparisonMontanaColorado
Avg. Household Income$67,631$89,302
Cost of Living Index99.498.3
State Income Tax6.75%4.63%
Avg. Property Tax0.83%0.50%
Avg. Sales Tax0%2.9% - 11.2%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Tourism, MiningAerospace, Biotechnology, Agriculture
AffluenceModestProsperous
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessLowConcerning
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Colorado tend to earn about 32% more than in Montana
  • The COLI in Colorado will be 1% lower than what you are used to living in Montana
  • The state income tax in Colorado is 4.63% compared to 6.75% in Montana
  • The affluence in Colorado is prosperous compared to modest in Montana
  • The poverty level is low in Colorado compared to moderate in Montana
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Montana and concerning in Colorado

Political and Religious Climate in Montana vs. Colorado

ComparisonMontanaColorado
Political Make-upLean ConservativeSwing State, recently leaning Liberal
Local PoliticsStrong local governance with community involvementHighly active local politics with emphasis on environmental and social policies
ReligionChristian majority, with a notable presence of non-religious residentsMore religiously diverse, with a growing number of non-affiliated individuals
  • Montana tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
  • Colorado, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state, recently leaning Liberal
  • Colorado's religious environment can be described as more religiously diverse, with a growing number of non-affiliated individuals
  • Montana's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority, with a notable presence of non-religious residents

Education Guide When Moving from Montana to Colorado

ComparisonMontanaColorado
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)1. University of Montana (Missoula)
2. Montana State University (Bozeman)
3. Montana Tech (Butte)
1. University of Colorado Boulder
2. Colorado State University (Fort Collins)
3. University of Denver
Top 3 Elementary Schools1. Hawthorne School (Bozeman)
2. Cold Springs School (Missoula)
3. Arrowhead School (Pray)
1. Cory Elementary (Denver)
2. Bear Creek Elementary (Boulder)
3. Dry Creek Elementary (Centennial)
Top 3 Middle Schools1. Sacajawea Middle School (Bozeman)
2. Chief Joseph Middle School (Bozeman)
3. Washington Middle School (Missoula)
1. Summit Middle Charter School (Boulder)
2. Mountain Ridge Middle School (Highlands Ranch)
3. Denver School of the Arts (Denver)
Top 3 High Schools1. Bozeman High School (Bozeman)
2. Hellgate High School (Missoula)
3. Sentinel High School (Missoula)
1. Cherry Creek High School (Greenwood Village)
2. Fairview High School (Boulder)
3. Denver School of Science and Technology: Stapleton High School (Denver)
Top 3 private high schools1. Carroll College High School (Helena)
2. Montana School for the Deaf & Blind (Great Falls)
3. Missoula International School (Missoula)
1. Colorado Academy (Denver)
2. Kent Denver School (Englewood)
3. The Colorado Springs School (Colorado Springs)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsData not available1. Graland Country Day School (Denver)
2. St. Mary's Academy (Englewood)
3. Fountain Valley School of Colorado (Colorado Springs)
Top 3 School Districts1. Bozeman School District
2. Missoula County Public Schools
3. Billings Public Schools
1. Cherry Creek School District
2. Boulder Valley School District
3. Douglas County School District

How Much Do Montana to Colorado Movers Cost?

Moving 779 miles from Montana to Colorado will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: The Move Caddies
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,644300 ft3$5.48
1 Bedroom$2,444450 ft3$5.43
2 Bedrooms$4,035750 ft3$5.38
3 Bedrooms$5,8631100 ft3$5.33
4 Bedrooms$8,4491600 ft3$5.28
5+ Bedrooms$9,4151800 ft3$5.23

Top Montana to Colorado Movers

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

TOP PICK
Movemasters, Inc. featured image

Movemasters, Inc.

Best moving company overall for Montana to Colorado

9.59/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Smooth Movers featured image

Smooth Movers

9.52/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Moving On Up

Moving On Up

8.79/10