Planning your move to the Centennial State? You’re not alone! More than 229,876 people are moving to Colorado, making it one of the top states for relocation. With this growth, Colorado’s population has hit 5.9 million in 2024.
Colorado hosts 9 Fortune 500 companies—Arrow Electronics and DaVita—and offers a strong job market. The average living cost in CO is 6.3% lower than the national average, with a single person’s monthly expenses averaging $4,467. Additionally, the state’s pleasant climate appeals to potential movers too.
3 Reasons to Move to Colorado
Colorado is one of the favorite relocation destinations for Americans. Here are three reasons to move to CO:
| # | Reasons to Move to CO | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cost of Living | The average cost of living in Colorado is 6% higher than the national average. |
| 2. | Employment | The Centennial State has the 7th best job market in the nation. |
| 3. | Education | Colorado serves over 881,464 students across 179 school districts. |
1. Affordable Cost of Living
The cost of living in Colorado is just 6% higher than the national average. It’s an attractive option compared to popular states like California and New York, where living costs are 38% and 26% above the national average.
Here’s a breakdown of monthly expenses in Colorado’s popular cities:
| City | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Public Transport | Utilities | Food |
| Denver | $575,000 | $2,010 | $166 | $195.7 | $668 |
| Colorado Springs | $440,000 | $1,541 | $105 | $192.37 | $570 |
| Fort Collins | $551,500 | $2,049 | $48.2 | $183.99 | $575 |
| Boulder | $970,000 | $2,510 | $82.5 | $192.37 | $650 |
2. Employment Opportunities
Colorado has the 7th best job market in the nation. The Centennial State has a robust economy and offers employment opportunities across different sectors.
- Professional and Technical Services: This sector is expected to add 89,057 jobs. Major employers include Lockheed Martin, Ball Aerospace, and Deloitte, which focus on innovation, defense, and consulting services.
- Healthcare: Colorado’s growing population and aging demographics are driving demand in healthcare, with 76,810 new jobs expected by 2030. Leading employers include UCHealth, CommonSpirit Health, and Children’s Hospital Colorado.
- Accommodation and Food Services: Tourism remains a major economic driver in CO and is expected to have 46,377 new jobs by 2030. Leading employers include national and local hotel chains like Marriott International and Vail Resorts.
- Construction: The industry grew 5.2% faster than the national average last year. By 2032, it is projected to create 46,247 new jobs. Companies such as Mortenson Construction and Hensel Phelps are leading this growth.
3. Excellent Education System
Colorado ranks 5th in the nation for education. The state serves over 881,464 students across 179 school districts. Schooling options include:
- Public Schools: CO has than 1,927 public schools. The Vanguard School and Fairview High School are among the top public schools in the state.
- Specialized Magnet and Charter Schools: CO has 264 charter schools. They are tuition-free, and offer specialized programs in STEM and arts. Parker Core Knowledge Charter School and Liberty Common Charter School are the top schools in the state.
- Private Schools: The state is home to over 532 private schools. The average tuition for private schools in CO is $13,389 annually. Top-rated private schools include the Kent Denver School, Colorado Academy, and Fountain Valley School of Colorado.
- Higher Education: CO has a strong higher education system, with institutions like the University of Colorado and Colorado State University. The state is home to 13 public four-year universities, many of which offer in-state tuition advantages and specialized workforce programs.
Cost of Moving to Colorado 💲
There are additional costs involved in moving from one state to another. Here’s a breakdown of costs you may incur while relocating to CO:
1. Moving Costs ≈ $423 to $3,943
Moving to Colorado involves several costs, including the costs involved in moving your belongings.
- Movers in CO typically cost $120 per hour. However, this figure depends entirely on your belongings and the distance traveled.
- If you want to DIY your move, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day.
- 👉 Tip: Moving can be expensive, especially if you are selling your home before you move. In this case, you can use a Flat Fee MLS company to save on listing agent commissions. This way, you can have additional cash when you move to Colorado.
2. Utility Expenses ≈ $300 to $500 Per Month
Apart from moving and housing costs, you will have to incur utility expenses when migrating to Colorado.
- When relocating to Colorado, you must set up utilities like gas, electricity, water, etc. The average utility bill in CO is around $370/month.
- You will have to register your vehicle in Colorado. The first-time registration cost of a passenger vehicle in CO is $25. A standard title fee is $7.20.
3. Housing Costs
Housing costs in the Centennial State can vary depending on your location.
- In popular cities like Denver, Colorado Springs, and Boulder, the average rent ranges between $1,500 and $3,000.
- However, if you plan to buy, make sure you find cheap houses for sale in Colorado in your budget. Some cities like Ridgway have a median home price of $1.5M. In other cities, like Pueblo, the average cost of a home is $259K.
4 Tips for a Seamless Move to Colorado ✅
Moving to a new place can be tough. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition.
- Research Cities and Neighborhoods: It’s important to research the area you want to live in. You must know if your home is in the city or suburbs. Find out where the nearby schools, hospitals, coffee shops, or restaurants are.
- Find the Living Costs: Your living costs will change once you migrate. Before moving to CO, get an estimate of the basic living expenses in your desired location.
- Visit the Neighborhood: Once you’ve decided where you want to live. You must visit that Colorado neighborhood in person and see what you feel about the area.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Connect with your neighbors and socialize. Local Facebook groups can be the best way to meet your neighbors.
