Moving to Colorado? 2023 Living Costs & Relocation Tips

Colorado is a state located in the western United States and is known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. From the towering Rocky Mountains to the sweeping plains of the eastern part of the state, Colorado is a diverse and dynamic place to live or visit.

If you are considering moving to Colorado, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved.

Quick Colorado Facts:

1. Population: 5.812 million (2021)
2. Official Language: English
3. GDP Per Capita: $63,776 (2021)
4. Random Fact: Colorado’s capital, Denver, is nicknamed the mile-high city because it is 5,280 feet above sea level, making it the state with the highest average elevation of any US state.
5. Currency: US Dollar (US$). As of early 2023, £1 = $1.20, €1 = $1.07, $1 CAD = $0.74, $1 AUD = $0.68 

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Colorado

From State	Approx. Moving Cost ($)
California	2300
Florida	2200
New York	2800
Pennsylvania	2500
Illinois	2400
Ohio	2300
Georgia	2100
North Carolina	2200
Michigan	2250
New Jersey	2700

This table lists the state of origin and an estimated moving cost in US dollars to Colorado. Remember that these costs are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the specific locations within the states, the volume of goods being moved, and the timing of the move.

You can also find international moving companies in Colorado here.

2. Colorado Housing Costs

The range of rental/house purchase prices in Colorado varies greatly between uptown and downtown areas.

Monthly Rental Prices in Colorado:

• 1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: $1,900+
• 1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $1,600+
• 3 bedroom flat in City Centre: $3,500+
• 3 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $2,600+ 

Colorado Home Purchase Prices:

• Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: $4,800+
• Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: $3,500+

Colorado Housing Cost Comparison:

This is how rents in Colorado compare with other cities around the globe.

• London is 19.9% more expensive
• New York is 44.8% more expensive 
• Los Angeles is 23.8% more expensive 
• Toronto is 11.9% cheaper
• Sydney is 3.1% more expensive 
• Paris is 26.6% cheaper
• Dubai is 13.3% cheaper

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs:

• Share a Flat or House: Sharing a house or a flat is a way to save on living expenses. You may have to share a bathroom but you will save at the end of the day. A cheaper option is to share a room. Have a look at the following site to find your perfect room or flatmate: Roomies, iRoommates.
• Different Areas – Different Prices: The range of property prices in Colorado varies greatly between uptown and downtown areas, with uptown areas having higher prices. Some of the best places to stay in Colorado include the ski resort towns of Aspen, Vail, and Breckenridge, as well as the cities of Denver and Boulder.
  

3. Colorado Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

Colorado has a vibrant food and drink scene with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and craft beverages. Some of the popular food trends in Colorado include farm-to-table cuisine, food trucks, and microbreweries. Famous foods to be aware of include Rocky Mountain oysters, green chilli, and craft beers from local breweries such as New Belgium and Odell.

• Inexpensive Restaurant: $15.00
•  Takeout Coffee: $5.10
•  Bottle of Coke: $2.50
•  1L of Milk: $1.00
•  Loaf of Bread: $4.00
•  12 Eggs: $5.80
•  1kg Chicken: $13.70
•  1kg Beef: $14.50
•  1kg Apples: $5.20
•  1kg White Rice: $5.60

This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.

• London restaurants are 15.9% more expensive and groceries are 39.3% cheaper than Colorado.
• New York restaurants are 28.1% more expensive and groceries are 19.4% more expensive than Colorado.
• Los Angeles restaurants are 23.3% more expensive and groceries are 2.3 cheaper than Colorado.
• Toronto restaurants are 4.7% more expensive and groceries are 16.8% cheaper than Colorado.
• Sydney restaurants are 3.9% more expensive and groceries are 2.2% cheaper than Colorado. 
• Paris restaurants are 0.9% cheaper and groceries are 3.9% cheaper than Colorado. 
• Dubai restaurants are 0.6% cheaper and groceries are 63.9% cheaper than Colorado. 

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries:

• Know Your Supermarkets: Farmers’ markets are popular in Colorado, with many towns and cities hosting weekly markets during the summer months where local vendors sell fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal products. In terms of supermarkets, there is a range of options in Colorado, from budget-friendly chains like Walmart and King Soopers to more expensive speciality stores like Whole Foods and Sprouts.
• Find Cheap Eats: Colorado has a good selection of restaurants which offer food at affordable prices. Have a look at Trip Advisor.

4. Colorado Alcohol Costs

Colorado, like all cities in the United States, has plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, whether you want a quick beer after work or a cocktail before dinner.

• Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: $6.00
• Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: $7.50
• Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: $2.50
• Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: $3.80
• Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: $16.00

How To Drink For Less in Colorado:

• Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials over weekends and public holidays.
• Take a look at Visit Colorado Springs and Eater.

5. Colorado Transportation Fares

Public transportation in Colorado varies by city, but in general, it is not as extensive as in other major U.S. cities. Denver has the most extensive public transportation system in the state, with buses and light rail trains, while other cities may only have limited bus service. Many residents in Colorado rely on cars for transportation due to the lack of public transit options.

Here are some sample ticket costs:

• Adult single – $3.00
• One-day ticket – $5.00
• Monthly season ticket, unlimited – $114.00

How To Save Money on Public Transport:

• Buy a bike. Depending on where you live and work, cycling around the city is certainly a viable option.
• Walk. If you live relatively close to where you work, you can walk to work.

6. Cost of Internet in Colorado

Internet prices in the States are expensive compared with many other countries in the world. Here are some sample broadband internet prices from early 2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:

• Sprint: $50 a month (Unlimited high speed except for streaming gaming up to 8mb)
• AT & T: $20 a month (50mb fibre)
• Verizon: $80 a month 

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.

• Pair of Jeans: $57.00
• Summer Dress: $40.00
• Running Shoes (Trainers): $85.00 
• Business Shoes: $120.00
• Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): $150.00
• Deodorant: $4.00
• Shampoo: $5.40
• Toilet Paper (4 rolls): $4.00
• Gym Membership: $70.00
• Movie (cinema) Ticket: $14.00

Source: Numbeo, Expatistan

7. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Colorado

Everyone in the US drives on the right. Many people use their cars for work in Colorado. The rush hour is nowhere near as long as bad as other cities around the world. If you’re moving to Colorado from within the US, you’ll be able to keep your license but need to update your address to your new one.

You can drive on a foreign license for up to 12 months as a tourist but after that, you will need to get an American license. If you are working or studying in the US, you can drive on your foreign license for 30 days. If you want to exchange your foreign driver’s license you have to follow the process here. 

Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Colorado:

• Volkswagen Golf: $30,500+
• 1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): $1.05
  

Source: Numbeo, Expatistan

Ways To Save Money on Driving in Colorado:

• Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try Zipcar.
• Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uber or Lyft.

9. Taxes in Colorado

No matter where you live in the State, you will pay federal tax. To learn more about the different taxes in the States go to Immihelp and USA taxes.

In Colorado, the state sales tax rate is currently 2.9%. However, local jurisdictions (cities, counties, and special districts) can add their own sales tax on top of the state rate. This can vary widely depending on the location, with some areas having a total sales tax rate of less than 3%, while others can be as high as 11.2%. The average total sales tax rate in Colorado is around 7.5%. It’s important to note that certain items, such as groceries, prescription drugs, and medical devices, are exempt from state sales tax in Colorado.

Whether you own or rent your home, you will be subject to property tax based on the area in which you live and the size of the property you live in. Learn more about property tax in Fresno at Property Tax.

Finally, if you decide to buy a flat or house in Colorado you’ll have to pay real estate transfer tax.  

10. Flight Costs from Colorado

If you do make the move to Colorado, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of early 2023:

• London: $380
• New York: $80
• Los Angeles: $90
• Toronto: $150
• Vancouver: $150
• Dubai: $730
• Sydney: $720
• Melbourne: $565
• Cape Town: $650
• Hong Kong: $700

Other Tips on Moving to Colorado:

The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Colorado but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Moving to Colorado Alone

Moving anywhere can be a lonely experience, but moving to a new city can be especially daunting. Here are a few tips about settling in Colorado.

• Meetups: There are many Meetup groups to choose from. You will definitely find something to join which will help you to settle in.
• Attend Local Events: Colorado always has something going on. Have a look at Colorado and Uncover Colorado.

12. Moving to Colorado with a Family

Colorado is generally considered a family-friendly location, with many outdoor activities and attractions that are suitable for all ages, such as hiking, skiing, and visiting national parks. The overall crime rate in Colorado is lower than the national average, but certain areas and cities may have higher crime rates than others.

• New Parents (or parents to be): There are free and paid antenatal classes and courses. Have a look at Colorado Women’s Health.
• Live in a Family-friendly Area: There are also many family-friendly neighbourhoods and communities throughout the state, with good schools and amenities. Located south of Denver, Highlands Ranch is known for its excellent schools, parks, and community events, and Boulder, home to the University of Colorado, is a vibrant and eclectic city with excellent schools, outdoor activities, and a strong sense of community.
• Find Things To Do With The Kids: There are many activities for families living in Colorado. Have a look at the following sites to be inspired – Colorado and Trip Advisor.

13. Moving to Colorado for Work

While it is possible to move to Colorado without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move. Colorado has a diverse economy with a variety of industries, including aerospace, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, and technology. Tourism and outdoor recreation are also important industries, with the state’s natural beauty and outdoor activities drawing millions of visitors each year.

As of March 2023, the unemployment rate in Colorado is 3.3%, which is lower than the national average and has been trending downward in recent years.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

• Salary: Salaries vary enormously depending on which industry you are in. The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Pay Scale.
• How To Find Work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Fresno, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Monster and Indeed. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to Colorado from Australia

There’s a small group of Australians living and working in Colorado, if you are thinking of joining them, here are a few things to consider.

• Size Comparison: Colorado is similar in size to Tasmania.
• Join Expat Groups: Start your own Australian Meetup group.

15. Moving to Colorado from Canada

There’s a small group of Canadians living in Colorado. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.

• Size: Colorado is roughly the same size as New Brunswick.
• Expat Groups: Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process.  Start a Canadian Meetup group.

16. Moving to Colorado from the United Kingdom

There’s a small number of Brits living in Colorado. If you are thinking of making the move from the UK to join them, then here are a few things to consider.

• Size: Colorado is similar in size to Wales.
• Expat Groups: If you want to join up with fellow Brits in Colorado, then start your own British Meetup group.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Colorado you can start by comparing moving quotes here.