PA to CO Moving Specialists

Pennsylvania to Colorado Moving Guide

Want help with the heavy lifting?

Updated August 20, 2025

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 humid summer heat vs cooler drier summers), 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 featured image

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

9.64/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
Movemasters, Inc. featured image

Movemasters, Inc.

9.59/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
Smooth Movers featured image

Smooth Movers

9.53/10
Exceptional

Pennsylvania to Colorado Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Pennsylvania to Colorado

ConsPennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Humid summer heat
  • Cloudy winter skies
  • Limited mountain access
  • Fewer ski areas
  • High property taxes
  • Lower elevation trails
  • Heavier wet snow
  • Less outdoor culture
  • Muggy spring weather
  • Less public land
ProsColorado iconColorado
  • Cooler drier summers
  • Sunnier winter days
  • Rocky Mountain backyard
  • World class skiing
  • Lower property taxes
  • High elevation trails
  • Light powder snow
  • Strong outdoor lifestyle
  • Crisp dry air
  • Vast public lands

Colorado iconColorado
  • Higher income tax
  • Costly housing markets
  • Shorter fall season
  • High altitude adjustment
  • Drier water restrictions
  • Less colonial history
  • Limited rail transit
  • Farther from coastline
  • Wildfire smoke risk
  • Stronger UV exposure
Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Lower income tax
  • Lower housing costs
  • Iconic fall foliage
  • Easy breathing altitude
  • Abundant water supply
  • Rich colonial history
  • Established public transit
  • Closer to East Coast
  • Shorter wildfire season
  • Lower sun intensity

Pros of moving from Pennsylvania to Colorado

  • Say goodbye to humid summer heat and hello to cooler, drier summers
  • Look forward to moving away from cloudy winter skies and moving to Colorado with sunnier winter days
  • Swap the limited mountain access of Pennsylvania for a Rocky Mountain backyard in Colorado
  • Get ready for world-class skiing in Colorado

Cons of moving from Pennsylvania to Colorado

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from lower income tax in Pennsylvania to live with higher income tax in Colorado
  • You'll lose out on the pro of lower housing costs and have to settle for the con of costly housing markets
  • Time to bid farewell to iconic fall foliage and get used to a shorter fall season in Colorado
  • Swap easy breathing at lower altitude for high altitude adjustment

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 Park; University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh; Temple University
Philadelphia
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder; Colorado State University
Fort Collins; University of Denver
Denver
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsNew Hope-Solebury Elementary School
New Hope; Gladwyne Elementary School
Gladwyne; Shady Side Academy Junior School
Point Breeze
Cheyenne Mountain Elementary School
Colorado Springs; Cherry Hills Village Elementary School
Cherry Hills Village; High Peaks Elementary School
Boulder
Top 3 Middle SchoolsShady Side Academy Middle School
Fox Chapel; Radnor Middle School
Wayne; Bala Cynwyd Middle School
Bala Cynwyd
Summit Middle Charter School
Boulder; Cheyenne Mountain Junior High School
Colorado Springs; Littleton Preparatory Charter School
Littleton
Top 3 High SchoolsJulia R. Masterman Secondary School
Philadelphia; Conestoga High School
Berwyn; Radnor High School
Radnor
Peak to Peak Charter School
Lafayette; Cherry Creek High School
Greenwood Village; Fairview High School
Boulder
Top 3 private high schoolsGermantown Friends School
Philadelphia; The Episcopal Academy
Newtown Square; Mercersburg Academy
Mercersburg
Colorado Academy
Denver; Kent Denver School
Englewood; St. Mary's Academy
Englewood
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Haverford School
Haverford; Friends' Central School
Wynnewood; Agnes Irwin School
Bryn Mawr
Colorado Academy
Denver; Kent Denver School
Englewood; Alexander Dawson School
Lafayette
Top 3 School DistrictsRadnor Township School District
Radnor; Tredyffrin-Easttown School District
Tredyffrin; Lower Merion School District
Ardmore
Cherry Creek School District
Greenwood Village; Boulder Valley School District
Boulder; Littleton Public Schools
Littleton

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