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Moving from Arizona to Colorado

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Sun-belt sprawl, growing tech hubs, retirees love it. vs. Outdoor paradise, booming Denver metro, legal weed.

AZ state flag
Living now

Arizona

Capital: Phoenix

Median household income $72,581 · winter low 43°F · 211 sunny days

Sun-belt sprawl, growing tech hubs, retirees love it.

CO state flag
Moving to

Colorado

Capital: Denver

Median household income $87,598 · winter low 18°F · 245 sunny days

Outdoor paradise, booming Denver metro, legal weed.

Colorado has an overall price level 103.1 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Arizona
100.7
Colorado
103.1
Colorado has 2.4% higher overall price level
Housing index
Arizona
106.8
Colorado
127.4
Colorado has 19% higher housing costs
Groceries index
Arizona
95.4
Colorado
98.7
Colorado has 3.5% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Arizona
100.1
Colorado
100.5
Electricity rate
Arizona
15.5 ¢/kWh
Colorado
16.5 ¢/kWh
Colorado has 6.8% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Arizona
100.1
Colorado
100.6
Median home value
Arizona
$426,000
Colorado
$574,600
Colorado is 35% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Arizona
$1,672/mo
Colorado
$1,822/mo
Colorado is 9.0% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow · USGS (live) state-level

Summer high 86°F · Winter low 18°F · 245 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Arizona
105°F
Colorado
86°F
Colorado is 18% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Arizona
43°F
Colorado
18°F
Colorado is 58% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Arizona
62°F
Colorado
46°F
Colorado is 26% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Arizona
211
Colorado
245
Colorado has 16% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Arizona
13 in
Colorado
17 in
Colorado is 24% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Arizona
43
Colorado
49
Colorado has 14% higher AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Arizona
1
Colorado
8
Colorado has 700% higher felt earthquakes
Snow / year
Arizona
10 in
Colorado
69 in
Colorado is 590% more annual snowfall

Get the full ArizonaColorado report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, and a 90-day move timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Colorado than Arizona?

Colorado's overall price level is roughly 103 (US avg = 100), vs about 100.7 for Arizona, based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Arizona tops out at 2.5% income tax. Colorado tops out at 4.4%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Colorado?

Most Colorado residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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