Moving to Colorado

2019 Moving to Colorado Relocation Guide

Welcome to 2019 Ultimate Moving to Colorado Relocation Guide! Before this big step, find out all important information about Colorado.

  • Basic information about the Colorado population, average yearly temperature and spoken languages.
  • Read about important cultural venues, the best places to live in and learn some fun facts about the state.
  • Check out the list of Pros and Cons of living in Colorado before deciding to actually move.
  • Most importantly, find out all about Colorado moving and living costs!

    Take a look at the list of housing, transportation and childcare costs, and learn about the living cost index in Colorado.

  • Read all about moving costs.
  • All information regarding costs and pricing is compared with average US pricing.

  • You will also find very detailed information about the average yearly salary in Colorado.
  • We prepared lists of moving to Colorado tips.

For moving tips in general check out our Moving Checklist and Paperwork page.


Colorado

Welcome to the state of colorful landscapes, the state of mountain peaks and nature. Welcome to the state of opportunities, the state of dog lovers and friendly folks, welcome to the centennial state, welcome to Colorado. Colorado is the state of breathtaking scenery and the state of outdoor activities.


Colorado is one of the fastest-growing states in America, and the state's economy is driven mostly by service industries including medical services. Education opportunities are great and you can thrive in almost any field. Tourism is also a big factor for the economy booming, especially mountain tourism and skiing opportunities. You will have the chance to enjoy all four seasons in Colorado, you will have the chance to explore diverse landscapes and enjoy one of the most interesting arts and culture scenes in the USA.


Moving to Colorado Pros & Cons


Colorado is constantly attracting new residents and many people are deciding to move to the state because of the job opportunities, great weather, breathtaking nature, outdoor activity options, and many other pros. But still, there are some cons that you should consider. Go ahead and read all about the pros and cons of moving to Colorado, get prepared for this step, the perks of living in Colorado are endless:


Moving to Colorado Pros


1. Affordable Living Costs

The overall cost of living index is 31% higher than the national average, but that is only because of the housing costs. If you take out the home prices Colorado offers reasonable everyday costs.

2. Medical Care

Colorado is ranked among the top 10 medical care providers by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Colorado is home to some of the world's best hospitals and it is ranked third in the United States for overall well-being.

3. Job Opportunities

Colorado boasts one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, less than 3%. It was ranked as the top 1 state for job opportunities and employment. Several industries are growing in this state and there are new job openings on a daily basis.

4. Taxes

Sales tax in Colorado is much lower than in other US states, the overall tax burden is also lower than the national average.

5. Healthy Lifestyle

Outdoor activity options, sports, fresh air, fresh food, and the great medical care system are the reasons why people in Colorado are generally living a healthy lifestyle. Local Colorado residents are among the healthiest in the USA.Colorado is also the last state in the rankings about obesity.

6. Weather

There are a lot of sunny days, and humidity is low in Colorado. You will be able to enjoy all 4 seasons here. The only problem is that the weather is unpredictable sometimes, but the number of sunny days will provide you with a great road trip opportunities.

7. Nature

Nature is one of the most amazing features of Colorado. There are a lot of diverse landscapes, but the most popular are the mountain ones. Mountains will provide you with numerous outdoor activity options, amazing views, and wildlife watching opportunities too.

8. Skiing Opportunities

Many would agree that there is no better place for skiing then Colorado. There are 26 active ski resorts across the state and the ski season lasts from November to July.

9. Recreational Marijuana

The state of Colorado legalized marijuana in 2014. The marijuana market earns several billion dollars that help to fund educational programs and infrastructure projects. Crime rates are lower since the legalization too.

10. Craft Beer

There are craft breweries all over the state, and they are great. You will have a lot of beer choices. There are over 230 breweries in Colorado. You will have the opportunity to taste some of the world's most popular brands and visit the annual festivals dedicated to beer.

Moving to Colorado Cons


1. Housing Costs

The housing market is really pricy. There are still some cities with relatively reasonable home prices but most parts of the state are expensive when it comes to housing. O the brighter side, living costs are close to the national average and tax rates are lower.

2. Traffic

Traffic in Colorado is famous for being bad. Rush hour is 24/7 and the drivers make their own rules. You have to drive very carefully, and you need to prepare yourself for being stuck in traffic on a daily basis. Weekends are bad too because people are taking a lot of road trips to the mountains.

3. Tornadoes

You need to prepare yourself if you have a problem with thunder, lightning, and tornadoes.

4. Crime Rates

Violent crime rates in Colorado are lower than the national average, but other crime rates are mostly higher. Property crime is 3% higher than the national average one.

5. Swimming Options

There are several lakes and rivers that will provide you with water-related activities, but there are only a few spots where the water is warm enough for swimming. Most of the lakes and rivers are better for boating, rafting or fishing.

Colorado Pros and Cons
Colorado Fun Facts

Moving to Colorado Tips


Moving to Colorado is a big, challenging step and the state offers so many different opportunities. Whether you are moving for work or for pleasure you will find our tips useful. Here are 10 TIPS about moving to Colorado, 10 facts that will help you prepare for this step.

  • Drive Carefully - Coloradans love to drive fast and they don't follow the rules that much. Traffic in Colorado is famous for being bad, and everyone drives fast, even when there is snow on the roads.
  • Take Your Time to Get Used to the High Altitude - Denver one mile above sea level and your body will need time to adjust to the thin air. The sun burns hard in Colorado, and you will get drunk faster here.
  • Marijuana is Legal, but There Are Some Rules - Colorado is the perfect state if you are a dog owner. Colorado is an extremely pet-friendly state and dogs are always welcome.
  • Dogs Are Everywhere and Everyone Likes Them - for 25 years the Sears Tower was the tallest building in the world. Don't call it the Willis Tower.
  • Colorado is a Swing State - Skiing is a big deal in Colorado, everyone loves it and there are numerous perfect ski spots that you will enjoy.
  • If You Don't Know How to Ski, You Will Learn - A lot of people will tell you that they are from Chicago even if they live an hour away from the city.
  • Colorado is Casual, You Don't Need a Lot of Money for Fancy Clothes, but You Will Spend a Lot on Gear - Colorado is filled with great skiing, camping, fishing, and hiking opportunities, and you will find yourself spending a lot on outdoor gear.
  • You Will Need a Camera - There is a perfect view everywhere you look. Nature is breathtaking in Colorado, and you will have the need to take a lot of pictures.
  • Embrace the Casual Style - You don't have to worry about dressing up in Colorado, it is a sporty casual state.
  • Enjoy the Overall Happiness - Colorado is the second happiest state in the country according to the satisfaction of the residents.

Check out our printable Stage-by-Stage MOVING CHECKLIST.

This ultimate moving checklist will help you complete your moving without stress.


Moving Checklist

Best Places to Live in Colorado

You know you want to live in The Centennial State but you don't know which city to choose? Take a look at the list of top 6 best places to live in Colorado according to niche. Every city in Colorado has its pros and cons and you should choose wisely, there are a lot of factors that you should consider.

Boulder

Boulder

Fort Collins

Fort Collins

Denver

Denver

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs

Lakewood

Lakewood

Aurora

Aurora


Colorado Moving Costs


There are certain costs associated with moving that most people tend to neglect. Even if you have opted for a self-moving job that does not involve hiring a professional moving company, you will have to pay extra for certain things. Here is a list of moving and packing costs you may have forgotten.


  • Packing Supplies

    If you plan to move on a budget and want to fo the packing yourself, you must know that you will need to invest in packing supplies like boxes, tape or bubble wrap.

  • Moving Insurance

    During the move something almost always brake. Getting moving insurance is always recommended. Most of the moving companies offer insurance and you can decide how much to get, considering how valuable your things are.

  • Moving Start-up Costs

    For renting new space start-up costs include things like your first and last month’s rent, a security deposit, a pet deposit or an application fee.

    If you are buying start-up costs are much bigger. They include closing costs for your new mortgage which is often measured in thousands of dollars. Average closing costs typically range from 2% to 5% of the cost of your home. These costs include things like a fee for running your credit report, a loan origination fee, attorney’s fees, the cost of a home inspection, a title search, an appraisal fee, and a survey fee, etc.

  • Boarding Your Pets

    You can expect extra costs for boarding your pets. Often enough, people tend to move their pets overnight, that way pets are not exposed to the stress.

  • Stair Fees

    Some of the moving companies will ask you to pay a stair fee.

  • Moving Large Items Fees

    It is always best to check with moving companies about extra fees and inform them about your large items, like piano or pool table, in advance. That way you will avoid surprises on a moving day.

  • Valuable Artworks or Decorative Pieces Are Often Handled by Specialised Movers

    There are professionals who are trained to handle valuable items. Packing and moving valuable items is more complex than regular moving. So you can expect to pay extra on moving those kinds of pieces.

  • Storage Space Renting

    Sometimes, you don't want to bring all of your things to your new home, but you don't want to throw them either. If you find yourself in this situation you will have to find storage space for those things. Having to store items could mean an additional monthly expense.

  • Re-buying Items Once You've Moved In

    While you shouldn't get rid of everything before a move, there are going to be some items that you're not going to want to bring to your new space.

  • Tips For Your Movers

    Your movers are doing a lot of hard work and heavy lifting, and they deserve to be compensated. Just note, that tips are always expected by your movers.


Moving to Colorado


Here you can find a list of shipping costs. Please note that the cost of international shipping (calculated with reallymoving) is solely the cost of shipping itself. Costs are calculated for moving entire two bedroom home, in the next three monts.


Moving From Cost
Vancouver (Canada) $5,500 - $7,600
Sydney (Australia) $6,600 - $8,900
Auckland (New Zealand) $6,600 - $8,900
Beijing (China) $6,600 - $8,900
Tokyo (Japan) $6,300 - $8,500
Dubai (United Arab Emirates) $6,000 - $9,900
Mexico City (Mexico) $5,700 - $9,300
London (United Kingdom) $6,800 - $9,100
Dublin (Ireland) $6,700 - $9,100
Singapore $6,700 - $9,000

Cultural Venues in Colorado

Colorado is filled with numerous art and culture venues, music and art festivals and it attracts art lovers from all around the world. Whether you are a fan of visual arts, performance, music or dance you will enjoy living in Colorado. There are a lot of important historical spots around the state that you should visit. Take a look at our list of top 6 cultural venues in Colorado.

Museum of Contemporary Art

Museum of Contemporary Art

Museum of Contemporary Art

  • City: Denver
  • Adress: 1485 Delgany St, 80202
  • Admission Fee: $0 - $10
Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

History and Science Museum

  • City: Fort Collins
  • Adress: 408 Mason Ct, 80524
  • Admission Fee: $0 - $9.5
Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art

Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art

Museum of Contemporary Art

  • City: Boulder
  • Adress: 1750 13th St, 80302
  • Admission Fee: $0 - $2
Museum of Outdoor Arts

Museum of Outdoor Arts

Outdoor Sculpture Garden

  • City: Englewood
  • Adress: 1000 Englewood Pkwy #-230, 80110
  • Admission Fee: $0 - $20
Aspen Historical Society

Aspen Historical Society

History Museum

  • City: Aspen
  • Adress: 620 W Bleeker St, 81611
  • Admission Fee: -
Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra

Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra

Outdoor Sculpture Museum

  • City: Loveland
  • Adress: Sky Pond Dr, 80538
  • Admission Fee: Free

Colorado Living Costs


Costs of living in colorado are close to the national averages, only housing costs are higher. Living costs vary throughout the state and Denver is more expensive than other cities. Tax rates are lower than the national averages, both sales and property tax, and utilities are lower too. Everyday costs including food, leisure, and clothes are close to the national average. Moving to a new state is always challenging and you need to learn all about the costs. For more information about living costs visit numbeo or BestPlaces.


How much are utilities in Denver


  • 85m2 Apartment Monthly Utilities, Basic (Electricity, Water, Cooling, Heating, Garbage):

    $133.89

  • 1 Min. Of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans):

    $0.22

  • Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/adsl):

    $55.11

  • Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), for 20 Years Fixed-rate, Yearly:

    4.40

Austin VS US Average

Average Living Costs in Colorado

Cost of Living Colorado United States
Housing 166.1 100
Transportation 106.7 100
Utilities 98.4 100
Grocery 100.7 100
Health 95.8 100
Other 100.2 100
Housing Buy per Sq Ft Monthly Rent
Denver $413.94 $1,673.22
Colorado Springs $226.88 $1,080.17
Aurora $257.64 $1,608.53
Fort Collins $280.09 $1,341.88
Lakewood $413.94 $1,673.22
Thornton $287.50 $1,300.00
US Average $242.48 $1,294.88
Transportation One Way Ticket Monthly Pass
Denver $3.00 $114.00
Colorado Springs $1.75 $62.50
Aurora $2.85 $99.00
Fort Collins $1.25 $25.00
Lakewood $3.00 $114.00
Thornton $2.00 $100.00
US Average $2.25 $70.00
Child Care Preschool Primary School
Denver $1,114.17 $16,989.33
Colorado Springs $954.29 ?
Aurora $400.00 $35,000.00
Fort Collins $1,114.17 $4,500.00
Lakewood $1,114.17 $16,989.33
Thornton $300.00 ?
US Average $896.05 $16,125.51

Work and Salary


Average Yearly Salary in Colorado is $66,000

Currently, most popular and best-paid jobs in Colorado are:

  • Software Engineer - $79,000/yr
  • Operations Manager - $63,000/yr
  • Project Manager - $74,000/yr
  • Mechanical Engineer - $70,000/yr
  • Office Manager - $46,000/yr
  • Senior Software Engineer - $110,000/yr
  • Marketing Manager - $61,000/yr

All the information is provided by Glassdoor and Payscale where you can get more detailed information about the job of interest. If you don't have a specific job in mind, you can also check this list of 10 common jobs and professions in the United States with an average salary for each of them.

Job Colorado US Average
Cashier $12.12/h $10.57/h
Receptionist $14.05/h $13.34/h
Repair Technician $17.56/h $16.24/h
Actor $11.06/h $11.06/h
Registered Nurse $33.97/h $33.87/h
Secretary $15.33/h $13.96/h
Preschool Teacher $14.86/h $12.52/h
High School Teacher $18.88/h $19.20/h
Lawyer $68.86/h $65.62/h

Top 6 Universities in Colorado

Colorado is home to several best school districts in the USA as well as several top-rated universities and colleges. There are a lot of primary and secondary school options to choose from throughout the whole state. The most notable universities are the University of Colorado Boulder and Colorado State University. Take a look at the list of top 6 universities in Colorado, according to UniRank.

University of Colorado Boulder

University of Colorado Boulder

Acronuym: CU Boulder

  • City: Boulder
  • Address: Regent Drive at Broadway, 80309-0017
  • Founded: 1876
Colorado State University

Colorado State University

Acronuym: CSU

  • City: Fort Collins
  • Address: 102 Administration Building, 80523-0100
  • Founded: 1870
University of Denver

University of Denver

Acronuym: DU

  • City: Denver
  • Address: 2199 S. University Boulevard, 80208
  • Founded: 1864
University of Colorado Denver

University of Colorado Denver

Acronuym: UCD

  • City: Denver
  • Address: 1380 Lawrence Street, 80217-3364
  • Founded: 1912
United States Air Force Academy

United States Air Force Academy

Acronuym: USAFA

  • City: Colorado Springs
  • Address: 2304 Cadet Drive, 80840-5002
  • Founded: 1954
University of Colorado Colorado Springs

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Acronuym: UCCS

  • City: Colorado Springs
  • Address: 1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway, 80918
  • Founded: 1965

Colorado - Important Information


State of Colorado

Colorado Seal

Colorado is the 8th most extensive and 21st most populous U.S. state. The estimated population of Colorado was 5,695,564 on July 1, 2018. The state was named for the Colorado River, which early Spanish explorers named the Río Colorado ("Red River"). Denver is the capital and most populous city of Colorado. Colorado is nicknamed the "Centennial State" because it became a state one century after the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence.

  • State Capital:

    Denver

  • Largest City (By Population):

    Denver

  • Official State Website:

    www.colorado.gov

  • Official Language:

    English

  • Spoken Languages:

    Spanish, German, French, Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese and other.

  • Dimensions:

    Length - 380 mi (610 km)

    Width - 280 mi (450 km)

Colorado Population:


  • According to the last census (2010): 5,029,196
  • According to the latest estimate (2018): 5,770,545
Colorado Demographics by Race
White 4,576,201 84.18%
Asian 164,771 3.03%
Other Race 225,497 4.15%
Black or African American 221,155 4.07%
Two or More Races 188,909 3.47%
Native American 51,406 0.95%
Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander 8,580 0.16%

Colorado - Average Yearly Temperature

Temperature Annual High Annual Low Average
Denver 18.3°C 2.4°C 10.35°C
Colorado Springs 16.7°C 2.1°C 9.4°C
Aurora 18.3°C 2.4°C 10.35°C
Fort Collins 17.6°C 2.7°C 10.15°C
Lakewood 18.3°C 2.4°C 10.35°C
Thornton 18.3°C 2.4°C 10.35°C

Colorado - Crime rates

Very low: 0 - 20, Low: 20 - 40, Moderate: 40 - 60, High: 60 - 80, Very high: 80 - 100. By numbeo.

City Crime Index Safety Index Level of crime
Denver 40.60 59.40 44.91
Colorado Springs 34.13 65.87 37.00
Aurora 61.52 38.48 75.00
Fort Collins 26.60 73.40 26.67
Lakewood 40.60 59.40 44.91
Thornton 40.60 59.40 44.91

Famous National Parks in Colorado

Colorado is notable for its diverse geography, which includes alpine mountains, high plains, deserts with huge sand dunes, and deep canyons. Nature in colorado is mostly defined by a major mountain range known as The Rocky Mountains. Of the 100 highest peaks in the Rocky Mountains, 78, including the 30 highest are located in Colorado. Explore the state parks and natural wonders in Colorado, you don't want to miss out on anything. State parks are one of the most amazing Colorado features.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the nation, it is divided into five regions. Each region has its own spectacular feature and some of them are meadows, tundras, scenic views, wilderness or outdoor activities.

  • Nearest city: Estes Park
  • Nearest big city: Boulder
  • Visitors per year: 4,590,493 (in 2018)
State Forest State Park

State Forest State Park

State Forest State Park is a perfect escape to the wilderness. The park is famous for lodgepole pines and many other flora species. The park is also home to many animal species such as black bears, moose, mule deer, and many others.

  • Nearest city: Walden
  • Nearest big city: Fort Collins
  • Visitors per year: -
Navajo State Park

Navajo State Park

Navajo State Park is a state park located on the shore of Navajo Lake and it has 150 miles of shoreline in two states. It is famous for water-related outdoor activities and it is an important habitat for many animals, including some rare birds.

  • Nearest city: Arboles
  • Nearest big city: Durango
  • Visitors per year: -
North Sterling State Park

North Sterling State Park

North Sterling State Park is a famous boating, fishing and camping spot. It is centered around North Sterling Reservoir and it is an important habitat for many fish and bird species. It is one of the most popular wildlife destinations in Colorado.

  • Nearest city: Sterling
  • Nearest big city: Fort Collins
  • Visitors per year: -
Cherry Creek State Park

Cherry Creek State Park

Cherry Creek State Park includes natural prairie, wetland, and reservoir. It is important camping, bird-watching, skiing and fishing destination with several facilities such as bars or boat houses. The park is also home to more than 40 mammal species.

  • Nearest city: Aurora
  • Nearest big city: Aurora
  • Visitors per year: -
Eldorado Canyon State Park

Eldorado Canyon State Park

Eldorado Canyon State Park consists of two areas, the Inner Canyon (developed area) and Crescent Meadows (undeveloped area). The park provides numerous recreation opportunities and it is home to one of the world's most accessible rock climbing areas.

  • Nearest city: Boulder
  • Nearest big city: Boulder
  • Visitors per year: -