Moving to Colorado: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 7, 2025
9 min read

If you’re thinking about moving to Colorado, you’re not alone. The Centennial State attracts newcomers for good reason! With bustling metropolitan areas like Denver and quiet rural towns, there’s a place to match your desired pace of life.

As much as there is to love about Colorado, it’s smart to weigh the good and the not-so-good before you buy a new home and pack up your belongings.

Here, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about moving to Colorado to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Jump to the Colorado information you are looking for:

Pros & cons
Attractions
Fun facts
Population & demographics
Weather
Income & cost of living
Top schools
Top movers to CO
Top car shippers to CO
FAQs

Pros & cons of living in Colorado

Moving to Colorado has its perks, but it also comes with a few challenges you’ll want to keep in mind.

Check out some of the main upsides and downsides of living in the Centennial State so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Pros of living in Colorado

✓Ample economic opportunity
✓Awesome snow recreational activities
✓Quality healthcare
✓High quality of life
✓Beautiful outdoors

Cons of living in Colorado

✖Extreme weather
✖High cost of living
✖Altitude sickness
✖Overcrowding
✖Bad traffic

Things to do in Colorado

Whether you’re moving to Colorado for work, family, or simply a fresh start, there’s so much to explore once you arrive. From vibrant attractions to hidden gems, Colorado offers something for everyone, making it easy to find your next adventure.

If you’re planning a family adventure or going out solo and hoping to make new friends, these spots have you covered. With such a wide variety, you’re bound to find a place that fits your vibe and instantly feels welcoming.

Popular Attractions in Colorado

Garden of the Gods
Mesa Verde National Park
Vail Ski Resort
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Maroon Bells
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Elitch Gardens Theme Park
Rocky Mountain National Park

Museums in Colorado

Denver Botanic Gardens
Argo Mill and Tunnel
Rosemount Museum
Benson Park Sculpture Garden
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Denver Art Museum
Colorado Model Railroad Museum
Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum
Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum
Walking Mountains Science Center

Parks in Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Mesa Verde National Park
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Dinosaur National Monument
Browns Canyon National Monument

Fun facts about Colorado

Every state has its own unique vibe shaped by its history, culture, and people. Getting to know local traditions and quirks is the best way to truly experience life in a new place.

Discovering these fun facts about Colorado highlights what sets the state apart—and might even inspire you to move there.

The United States Air Force Academy is located in Colorado Springs.
The world’s largest flat-top mountain is in Grand Mesa.
In Fruita, the town folk celebrate ‘Mike the Headless Chicken Day’. Seems that a farmer named L.A. Olsen cut off Mike’s head on September 10, 1945 in anticipation of a chicken dinner – and Mike lived for another 4 years without a head.
The LoDo region of Denver stands for Lower Downtown.
Denver, lays claim to the invention of the cheeseburger. The trademark for the name Cheeseburger was awarded in 1935 to Louis Ballast.
The highest paved road in North America is the Road to Mt. Evans off of I-70 from Idaho Springs. The Road climbs up to 14,258 Ft. above sea level.
Colorado means Colored red and is known as the Centennial State.
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad continues to provide year round train service operating a historical train with rolling stock indigenous to the line. The line was constructed primarily to haul mine ores, both gold and silver, from the San Juan Mountains.
The United States federal government owns more than 1/3 of the land in Colorado.
Colorado contains 75% of the land area of the U.S. with an altitude over 10,000 feet.
Colorado has 222 state wildlife areas.
Colfax Avenue in Denver is the longest continuous street in America.
The 13th step of the state capital building in Denver is exactly 1 mile high above sea level.

Colorado population and demographics

Thinking about moving to Colorado? Here’s what life in the Centennial State really feels like—beyond just the numbers.

Opting for a more populous state means you’ll have more job opportunities, vibrant nightlife, and top-notch infrastructure. On the flip side, settling in a less crowded state offers quieter living and the chance to become part of a tight-knit community.

Looking at average education levels can help you gauge local job prospects and see how easy it is to access schools or colleges in the area. At the same time, understanding a state’s political climate gives you insight into the values and priorities most important to its residents.

Getting to know the people, lifestyle, and values in Colorado is a great way to figure out if it’s a place where you’ll feel right at home.

Metric	Colorado
Population	5,877,610
Female	49.4%
Male	50.6%
College graduation rate	44.42%
Political leaning	Democrat 54-46
Crime index	36.4

Colorado weather

Climate plays a huge role in shaping your day-to-day life, so it’s an important factor to consider when deciding whether Colorado is right for you. Looking at seasonal highs and lows and average rain and snowfall can help you imagine how much time you’ll be spending outdoors, preparing for storms, and adjusting to temperature extremes.

For example, summer highs can affect everything from your energy bills to how much time you’ll want to spend away from the AC, while winter lows help you prepare for what kind of wardrobe (and heating system) you’ll need. Annual snowfall can mean anything from occasional flurries to full-on storms that impact travel and daily routines.

Whether you love sunshine, prefer cooler temps, or want to avoid snow altogether, knowing the climate can help you decide if Colorado aligns with your lifestyle and comfort level.

Metric	Colorado
Summer high	86ºF
Winter low	13ºF
Annual rain	16″
Annual snow	63″

Income and cost of living in Colorado

Checking out key industries, typical salaries, home prices, and overall living expenses helps you gauge how affordable and practical life can be in Colorado.

Understanding which industries power the local economy can give you valuable insight into job prospects and market stability in your field. And when it comes to deciding whether to rent or buy, housing costs will probably be one of the biggest factors shaping your move.

The cost of living index shows how much your money is really worth compared to the national average. If the index is lower, you can expect to spend less on essentials like groceries, transportation, and housing.

These figures aren’t just statistics—they’re useful tools to help you weigh your current lifestyle against what Colorado has to offer, so you can make your move with confidence and clarity.

The main economic industries in the state include:

Real estate and rental and leasing ($74.1 billion)
Professional and business services ($72.8 billion)
Manufacturing ($63.3 billion)
Finance and insurance ($47.8 billion)
Information ($46.2 billion)
Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($45.3 billion)
Wholesale trade ($45 billion)
Retail trade ($32 billion)
Transportation and warehousing ($25.3 billion)
Construction ($24.8 billion)

Metric	Colorado
Average rent cost	$1,594
Average home cost	$541,072
Average income (per capita)	$87,598
Cost of living index*	91
Unemployment rate	4.1%
Average sales tax	Not available
State income tax	5.49%

*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.

Top schools in Colorado

If great schools and universities matter to you, checking out a state’s education scene can tell you a lot about its job market and community atmosphere.

Whether you’re planning to go back to school, have kids close to graduating, or just want to be in a place with top-notch educational options, Colorado should be high on your list.

Here are some of the top schools in Colorado:

University of Colorado Boulder
Colorado State University
University of Denver
United States Air Force Academy
University of Colorado Denver
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Colorado School of Mines
University of Northern Colorado
Colorado College
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Regis University
Colorado Technical University

Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Colorado

We combed through 2,756 moving companies nationwide—including 75 right here in Colorado—and got insights straight from movers and people just like you to uncover the top picks in the industry.

Getting ready to move to the Centennial State? Check out the top moving companies that will get your stuff to your new place safely, no matter where you’re starting from.

Cost of moving to Colorado

Planning your move to Colorado? Be sure to budget ahead. Professional movers typically charge about $136 per hour, though your total bill depends on how much you’re hauling and how far you’re going—long-distance moves usually come with a higher price tag than local ones.

The way you move can have a major impact on your overall costs.

Looking to save on your move? Consider one of the top moving container companies. You can pack and load your stuff on your own schedule, and the company handles all the driving for you. It’s a great way to get the best of both worlds—flexibility and savings—without going completely DIY or splurging on a pricey full-service move.

Trying to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is your most budget-friendly option. You’ll be in charge of packing, loading, driving, and unloading everything on your own.

Ready to ditch the hassle of moving by yourself? Professional interstate movers can take care of it all. Just keep in mind, this convenience typically costs more—so be sure to compare quotes and find an option that fits both your needs and your budget.

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
BLVD Moving	Get A Quote	4.3 / 5
PODS	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Cost to bring your car to Colorado

Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Colorado.

Colorado car insurance requirements

To drive in Colorado, you need insurance with at least 25/50/10 liability limits. This covers $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage. Although this meets the state’s minimum requirements, you should think about other factors to find the best coverage levels for you.

Colorado drivers license requirements

New residents need to go to a Colorado DMV office in person to get a Colorado driver’s license. You can’t do this online or by phone. You must have a valid out-of-state license with no suspensions, revocations, or cancellations. It should also not be deemed unfit to drive by the CO DMV or a court.

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to Colorado?

Moving to Colorado is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if Colorado is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to Colorado?

On the cost of living index, Colorado has a score of 91. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Colorado?

The average income in CO is $87,598, and the an unemployment rate is 4.1. Home prices are $541,072, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $1,594.

What is the downside of living in Colorado?

Like any place, Colorado has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in Centennial State include:

Extreme weather
High cost of living
Altitude sickness
Overcrowding
Bad traffic

Colorado Moving Resources

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