Moving to Colorado: costs, checklist and what to know
Colorado at a glance for movers: West region · largest city Denver · capital Denver · Mountain time.
Quick facts for moving to Colorado
- Income tax: Colorado taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the Colorado Department of Revenue for the current year.
- Sales tax: Colorado's statewide sales tax rate is 2.9%. Counties, cities and special districts add their own, so totals vary a lot by address.
- Driver's license: New residents should get a Colorado driver's license within 30 days, according to the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles.
- Moving cost example: a 2-bedroom move from Dallas to Denver (about 790 road miles) runs roughly $1,210–$2,310 with a rental truck or $2,660–$6,140 with full-service movers, by our estimate.
What to know before moving to Colorado
- Denver sits at about 5,280 feet. Give yourself and anyone helping you time to adjust, and drink more water than usual for the first few days.
- In winter Colorado enforces traction laws on I-70 in the mountains, and closures on the passes can delay moving trucks.
- Colorado has a flat state income tax, but sales tax stacks up from several local layers.
Main cities and metros include Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins, Boulder. Colorado borders Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Utah.
How much does it cost to move to Colorado?
Estimated costs to move a typical 2-bedroom home (4,000–6,000 lbs) to Denver, the largest city in Colorado. Distances are approximate road miles (straight-line distance × 1.2). Packing service, car shipping and storage are not included.
| Moving from | ≈ Miles | Rent a truck | Full-service movers |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | 1,950 | $2,850–$5,400 | $4,520–$10,320 |
| Los Angeles | 1,000 | $1,570–$3,010 | $3,000–$6,900 |
| Chicago | 1,100 | $1,680–$3,200 | $3,160–$7,260 |
| Dallas | 790 | $1,210–$2,310 | $2,660–$6,140 |
| Atlanta | 1,450 | $2,190–$4,160 | $3,720–$8,520 |
These ranges come from Foyeric's moving cost model, not from quotes or a survey of Colorado moves. Your real price depends on the mover, the season, your exact addresses and how much you ship. Tap a city to open it in the moving cost calculator and adjust it for your home.
Best time to move to Colorado
Late spring through early fall for mountain routes. Front Range cities can see snow from October to May, though it usually melts quickly.
Across the U.S., summer is the busiest and priciest moving season. Mid-month and mid-week dates are usually easier to book.
Colorado new-resident checklist
For the full timeline, from booking movers to unpacking, use our moving day countdown checklist.
Moving to Colorado: FAQ
How much does it cost to move to Colorado?
It depends mostly on distance and how much you own. By our model, moving a 2-bedroom home about 790 miles from Dallas to Denver costs roughly $1,210–$2,310 if you rent a truck or $2,660–$6,140 with full-service movers. These are planning ranges, not quotes.
Does Colorado have a state income tax?
Yes. Colorado taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the Colorado Department of Revenue for the current year.
What is the sales tax in Colorado?
Colorado's statewide sales tax rate is 2.9%. Counties, cities and special districts add their own, so totals vary a lot by address.
How long do I have to get a Colorado driver's license after moving?
30 days, according to the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles. Bring proof of identity, your Social Security number and proof of your new address, and check the agency's site for the exact list.
When is the best time to move to Colorado?
Late spring through early fall for mountain routes. Front Range cities can see snow from October to May, though it usually melts quickly.
Sources and accuracy
Tax and license facts on this page should be confirmed with the Colorado Department of Revenue and the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, which publish the current rules. Rules change, and some cities and counties add their own taxes. Cost figures are model estimates explained on our methodology page. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.