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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
Colorado
98.7
District of Columbia
106.5
District of Columbia has 7.9% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Colorado
100.5
District of Columbia
101.5
District of Columbia has 1.0% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Colorado
16.5 ¢/kWh
District of Columbia
25.4 ¢/kWh
District of Columbia has 54% 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
$1,822/mo
District of Columbia
$1,931/mo
District of Columbia is 6.0% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow · USGS (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
49
District of Columbia
53
District of Columbia has 8.2% higher AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Colorado
8
District of Columbia
0
District of Columbia has 100% lower felt earthquakes
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, and a 90-day move 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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