Moving from Arizona to Colorado

Moving from Arizona to Colorado

Colorado is a stunning state, filled with some of the best hiking trails, mountain ranges, and outdoor activities the United States has to offer. It's no wonder many individuals are deciding to move from the East or West Coast. One state in particular is Arizona!

There are many benefits to moving from Arizona to Colorado. Whether you're tired of the desert summers or want to commit to an outdoor lifestyle, you'll find that Colorado has everything you need. We're here to walk you through what you can expect from the switch so you can plan and prepare for the journey ahead. Here's everything you need to know. 

Moving to Colorado Springs

Cost of Living Difference

Before you move from Arizona to Colorado, it's important to note that the cost of living is significantly higher. According to My Life Elsewhere, the cost of living in Colorado is 16% higher than in Arizona. You can expect to pay more for necessities like housing and restaurants. But if you’re moving from Phoenix, Arizona, to Denver, Colorado, you may find the cost of living slightly comparable. Knowing the difference in the cost of living before you go will help you prepare for the journey.

The cost of living will also vary by city. Denver is much more expensive than towns like Pueblo, La Junta and Brush. So, if you're looking to buy a home, you may find that other places outside the major cities are more affordable and accommodating to your budget. 

While the cost of living may be higher, there are different tax advantages to moving to Colorado from Arizona. Colorado has one of the lowest property taxes in the country and a flat income tax rate.

Benefits of Moving from Arizona to Colorado

Tired of the scorching hot summer? Constantly worried about small desert critters crawling into your home? 

Maybe you're ready to trade in your desert winters for snow-covered mountains. Even though the cost of living is significantly higher, you'll find many advantages to moving to Colorado.

Some of the benefits of moving from Arizona to Colorado include:

Vibrant Beer Culture

Love craft brews? Colorado may be the state for you! Colorado has a vibrant beer culture. There are over 423 different craft breweries throughout the state, so you'll never run out of new beers to try. The most popular breweries include New Belgium, Coors, Broken Compass, and Breckenridge Brewery. 

There are also many craft beer festivals, beer tours, and more. So grab your friends and get ready to enjoy the taste of different craft brews every weekend!

Pleasant Year-Round Weather

Did you know that Colorado gets over 300 days of sun a year? While you may be used to the desert sun in Arizona, you'll find that the Colorado heat is much more manageable throughout the year. The coldest month of the year is January, often the best time to head to the ski resorts. Meanwhile, July tends to be the warmest time of the year.

Beautiful Views

You can't deny the breathtaking beauty of living in Colorado. There are over four national parks and 42 state parks. Some of the best outdoor recreation destinations to continue exploring once you make the move from Arizona to Colorado include:

  • Rocky Mountain National Park
  • Steamboat Springs
  • Mesa Verde National Park
  • Great Sand Dunes National Park
  • Aspen
  • Vail


Once you move to Colorado from Arizona, you'll find beauty everywhere you turn. From the snow-covered mountains to warm summers at Blue Mesa Reservoir. Colorado is the perfect spot. 

Active Outdoor Lifestyle

Whether you're into winter activities or summer attractions. Colorado is the perfect state for committing to an active lifestyle. You'll find many outdoor activities you can enjoy throughout the year. During the summer, you can enjoy hiking, kayaking or biking. Some of the best hiking spots in Colorado are:

  • Cascade Creek Trail
  • Hanging Lake Trail
  • Emerald Lake
  • Yankee Boy Basin


When the winter months roll in, spend the weekends snowboarding and skiing at one of the famous ski resorts. Some of the best ski resorts in Colorado include:

  • Crested Butte Mountain Resort
  • Winter Park
  • Breckenridge
  • Beaver Creek
  • Vail Ski Resort


Best Cities to Live in Colorado

Choosing where to live is one of the most significant decisions you'll make when moving from Arizona to Colorado. Whether you're looking for a quaint neighborhood or a bustling city. Colorado has a ton to offer. Each has a different culture, cost of living and job market. So, it's important to take some time to weigh the pros and cons before you move.

Here are four of the top places to consider moving:

  • Boulder: Nestled on the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, this vibrant community has some of the best views in Colorado. It's a relatively walkable city with many great restaurants, outdoor activities and more. 
  • Colorado Springs: A city filled with stunning sightseeing and outdoor attractions. Colorado Springs is known for its strong job market, fun-filled nightlife and pleasant views.
  • Ft. Collins: Known as the home of Colorado State University, Ft. Collins is a vibrant college town with many job and housing opportunities. 
  • Denver: Looking for big-city life in the mountains? Denver is the place for you. Denver is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. Its growing job market, fun-filled neighborhoods, and affordable suburbs make it a very desirable place to live in Colorado.


Cost of Moving From Arizona to Colorado

Before you move from Arizona to Colorado, you'll want to consider the moving costs. Arizona is approximately 648 miles away from Colorado, so moving from Arizona to Colorado would take 12-17 hours. This is a big task, especially if you have kids or pets. 

The average linehaul moving cost from Arizona to Colorado with North American Van Lines is $5,400. The actual price will be dependent on other variables such as the number of items being moved, the exact distance of the move, and any additional moving services such as packing and unpacking. The best way to get an accurate quote is by using our Quote on Demand tool above or calling our customer service representatives.

The average linehaul moving cost from California to North Carolina with North American is $5,400.

Instead of self-moving yourself and your family, consider hiring a long-distance moving company. A long-distance moving company like North American Van Lines will help you plan and prepare for the journey. We create custom moving plans for every customer we work with. So you only need to pay for what you need. 

If you're ready to wave goodbye to the desert lifestyle to fully commit to mountain living, North American Van Lines is here to help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote to get started!

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