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Moving from Colorado to District of Columbia

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Outdoor paradise, booming Denver metro, legal weed. vs. Federal-government nexus, museums, expensive urban living.

CO state flag
Living now

Colorado

Capital: Denver

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

Outdoor paradise, booming Denver metro, legal weed.

DC
Moving to

District of Columbia

Capital: Washington

Median household income $101,722 · winter low 28°F · 197 sunny days

Federal-government nexus, museums, expensive urban living.

District of Columbia has an overall price level 109.9 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Colorado
103.1
District of Columbia
109.9
District of Columbia has 6.6% higher overall price level
Housing index
Colorado
127.4
District of Columbia
155.0
District of Columbia has 22% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Colorado
100.8
District of Columbia
102.5
District of Columbia has 1.7% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Colorado
100.5
District of Columbia
101.5
District of Columbia has 1.0% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Colorado
16.7 ¢/kWh
District of Columbia
25 ¢/kWh
District of Columbia has 49% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Colorado
100.6
District of Columbia
102.0
District of Columbia has 1.4% higher transportation
Median home value
Colorado
$574,600
District of Columbia
$733,400
District of Columbia is 28% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Colorado
$1,627/mo
District of Columbia
$1,922/mo
District of Columbia is 18% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 88°F · Winter low 28°F · 197 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Colorado
86°F
District of Columbia
88°F
District of Columbia is 2.3% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Colorado
18°F
District of Columbia
28°F
District of Columbia is 56% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Colorado
46°F
District of Columbia
57°F
District of Columbia is 25% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Colorado
245
District of Columbia
197
District of Columbia has 20% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Colorado
17 in
District of Columbia
45 in
District of Columbia is 169% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Colorado
74
District of Columbia
47
District of Columbia has 36% lower AQI
Snow / year
Colorado
69 in
District of Columbia
11 in
District of Columbia is 84% less annual snowfall

Get the full ColoradoDistrict of Columbia report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in District of Columbia than Colorado?

District of Columbia's overall price level is roughly 117.4 (US avg = 100), vs about 103 for Colorado — 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?

Colorado tops out at 4.4% income tax. District of Columbia tops out at 10.75%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in District of Columbia?

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

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