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Pennsylvania to Colorado Moving Guide

Updated June 6, 2025

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Planning a 1,656 mile interstate move from Pennsylvania to Colorado? This moving guide will help you compare living in Pennsylvania vs Colorado across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs sunny high-altitude climate), food & health (like Philly Cheesesteak vs Rocky Mountain Oysters), real estate & housing (colonial, dutch vs mountain, modern), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Colorado), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Philly Cheesesteak and Pork and Sauerkraut, but get your taste buds ready for Rocky Mountain Oysters & Bison Burgers
  • Colorado housing costs are 110% more expensive than they are in Pennsylvania
  • Rent in Colorado is 36.57% more expensive than in Pennsylvania
  • Moving from Pennsylvania to Colorado will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,500
  • Our top recommended Pennsylvania to Colorado movers is Pittsburgh Moving

Pennsylvania to Colorado Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Pennsylvania to Colorado

ConsPennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Harsh winters
  • High humidity
  • Limited outdoor activities
  • Traffic congestion
ProsColorado iconColorado
  • Sunny high-altitude climate
  • Low humidity
  • Mountain sports abundance
  • Efficient public transportation

Colorado iconColorado
  • Higher cost of living
  • Less cultural history
  • Fewer food options
  • Unpredictable mountain weather
Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Close-knit communities
  • Historical landmarks
  • Rich dining scene
  • Four distinct seasons

Pros of moving from Pennsylvania to Colorado

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a sunny high-altitude climate
  • Look forward to moving away from high humidity and moving to Colorado with low humidity
  • Swap the limited outdoor activities of Pennsylvania for an abundance of mountain sports in Colorado
  • Get ready for efficient public transportation in Colorado

Cons of moving from Pennsylvania to Colorado

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from close-knit communities in Pennsylvania to live with a higher cost of living in Colorado
  • You'll lose out on the pro of historical landmarks and have to settle with the con of less cultural history
  • Time to bid farewell to a rich dining scene and get used to fewer food options in Colorado
  • Swap four distinct seasons for unpredictable mountain weather

Pennsylvania vs. Colorado: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonPennsylvaniaColorado
Most iconic local food itemPhilly CheesesteakRocky Mountain Oysters
Most popular meat dishPork and SauerkrautBison Burgers
Most popular street food itemPretzelsTacos
Most popular vegan foodMushroom CheesesteakQuinoa Salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Zahav
  • Primanti Bros.
  • Reading Terminal Market
  • Frasca Food and Wine
  • Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
  • Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse
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 Pennsylvania to Colorado, you will be trading the iconic Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania for the equally delicious Rocky Mountain Oysters of Colorado. And while the locals in Pennsylvania rave about their flavorful Pork and Sauerkraut and sumptuous Pretzels, Colorado residents know they have tasty Bison Burgers and Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Mushroom Cheesesteak they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Quinoa Salad of Colorado. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Pennsylvania eateries like Zahav, Primanti Bros., and Reading Terminal Market. After the boxes are unpacked in Colorado, don't wait too long before making your way to Colorado's acclaimed eateries like Frasca Food and Wine, Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, and Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Pennsylvania and Colorado

ComparisonPennsylvaniaColorado
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, DutchMountain, Modern
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 listingHistoric charm, Wooded lotsMountain views, Open floor plans
  • The Colonial and Dutch architecture that Pennsylvania is known for will be replaced with the Mountain and Modern architecture typical of Colorado.
  • Compared to Pennsylvania's real estate listings that commonly reference historic charm and wooded lots, Colorado real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and open floor plans.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Colorado is less walkable than Pennsylvania.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Colorado is more bike-friendly than Pennsylvania.
  • Colorado has less of an urban feel than Pennsylvania.
  • Colorado housing costs are 110% more expensive than they are in Pennsylvania, with a median home price of $549,126 compared to Pennsylvania’s $261,312.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Colorado have increased by 40% compared to a 43% increase in Pennsylvania.
  • Rent in Colorado is 36.57% more expensive than in Pennsylvania.

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

ComparisonPennsylvaniaColorado
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, FloodingWildfires, Snowstorms
Air QualityModerateGood to Moderate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β° / 62Β°86Β° / 56Β°
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)40Β° / 20Β°45Β° / 18Β°
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4215-20
Annual Snowfall (Inches)3860-100
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Pennsylvania to Colorado. Colorado gets 37% more sunshine days than Pennsylvania.
  • Colorado has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Pennsylvania.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and flooding in Pennsylvania, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and snowstorms in Colorado.
  • The average summer high temperature in Colorado is 1 degree warmer than in Pennsylvania.
  • The average winter lows in Colorado are 2 degrees colder than they are in Pennsylvania.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Colorado. Colorado receives 27 fewer inches of rain compared to Pennsylvania.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Pennsylvania and Colorado

ComparisonPennsylvaniaColorado
Avg. Household Income$71,798$89,302
Cost of Living Index99.798.3
State Income Tax3.07%4.55%
Avg. Property Tax1.35%0.53%
Avg. Sales Tax6.34%7.65%
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Education, ManufacturingAerospace, Technology, Tourism
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Colorado tend to earn about 24% more than in Pennsylvania
  • The COLI in Colorado will be 1% lower than what you are used to living in Pennsylvania
  • The state income tax in Colorado is 4.55% compared to 3.07% in Pennsylvania
  • The affluence in Colorado is high compared to moderate in Pennsylvania
  • The poverty level is low in Colorado compared to moderate in Pennsylvania
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Pennsylvania and moderate in Colorado

Political and Religious Climate in Pennsylvania vs. Colorado

ComparisonPennsylvaniaColorado
Political Make-upSlightly leaning DemocraticModerately leaning Democratic
Local PoliticsVaries, with urban areas more progressiveStrong environmental and libertarian influences
ReligionMix of Catholic and ProtestantLess religiously affiliated, diverse beliefs
  • Pennsylvania tends to lean slightly Democratic in its political climate
  • Colorado, on the other hand, is often described as moderately leaning Democratic
  • Colorado's religious environment can be described as less religiously affiliated with diverse beliefs
  • Pennsylvania's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a mix of Catholic and Protestant

Education Guide When Moving from Pennsylvania to Colorado

ComparisonPennsylvaniaColorado
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Penn State University
University of Pennsylvania
Temple University
University of Colorado Boulder
Colorado State University
University of Denver
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsMarshall Elementary School (Pittsburgh)
Whitemarsh Elementary (Conshohocken)
Hillendale Elementary School (Chadds Ford)
Bromwell Elementary (Denver)
Cory Elementary (Denver)
Parker Core Knowledge Charter School (Parker)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsJulia R. Masterman Secondary School (Philadelphia)
Radnor Middle School (Radnor)
Charles F. Patton Middle School (Kennett Square)
DSST: Byers Middle School (Denver)
Summit Middle Charter School (Boulder)
The Connect Charter School (Pueblo)
Top 3 High School SchoolsJulia R. Masterman Secondary School (Philadelphia)
Conestoga Senior High School (Berwyn)
Central High School (Philadelphia)
Peak to Peak Charter School (Lafayette)
D'Evelyn Junior/Senior High School (Denver)
Cherry Creek High School (Greenwood Village)
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Haverford School (Haverford)
Shady Side Academy (Pittsburgh)
Germantown Friends School (Philadelphia)
The Colorado Springs School (Colorado Springs)
Kent Denver School (Englewood)
Fountain Valley School of Colorado (Colorado Springs)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsFriends' Central School (Wynnewood)
Moravian Academy (Bethlehem)
Germantown Friends School (Philadelphia)
Colorado Academy (Denver)
Vail Mountain School (Vail)
The Colorado Springs School (Colorado Springs)
Top 3 School DistrictsTredyffrin/Easttown School District
Radnor Township School District
Lower Merion School District
Boulder Valley School District
Cherry Creek School District
Littleton Public Schools

How Much Do Pennsylvania to Colorado Movers Cost?

Moving 1,656 miles from Pennsylvania to Colorado 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$2,141300 ft3$7.14
1 Bedroom$3,189450 ft3$7.09
2 Bedrooms$5,278750 ft3$7.04
3 Bedrooms$7,6861100 ft3$6.99
4 Bedrooms$11,1001600 ft3$6.94
5+ Bedrooms$12,3981800 ft3$6.89

Top Pennsylvania to Colorado Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pittsburgh Moving featured image

Pittsburgh Moving

Best moving company overall for Pennsylvania to Colorado

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