Cost of living -

7 things to do and know before moving to Colorado from Texas

If you’re planning a move to Colorado from Texas, there’s a lot that needs to be done. From hiring professional movers to changing your address, the list never ends. With its strong economy, popular skiing attractions and overall picturesque scenery, Colorado has a lot to offer. 

Out of the many reasons that attract people towards Colorado, some include its good healthcare system, a number of recreational activities, a booming job market, the best neighborhoods, and a great economy. Not only this, but you will get to enjoy all four seasons in Colorado. 

In Colorado, you’ll have easy access to all the amenities and some breathtaking mountains. If you’re a sports fan, Colorado is a great place for you. The most important thing is that the public school system is higher than average in Colorado.

We have everything that you need to know if you’re moving to Colorado from Texas. Keep reading to find out. 

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1. First steps before moving to Colorado

Finding a job 

Colorado’s allure as a destination for employment is intricately tied to the breathtaking natural landscapes that envelop residents. This unique feature often prompts individuals to relish refreshing walks during their work breaks, embracing the picturesque surroundings. Colorado boasts an illustrious reputation as it has maintained one of the most robust and steady job markets since the mid-1990s.

Within this flourishing job market, certain professions remain particularly sought after. Registered nurses, customer service representatives, accountants, auditors, and construction workers find themselves in high demand. The availability of such positions and the chance to revel in Colorado’s stunning scenery make it a compelling choice for those seeking both career opportunities and a deep connection with nature.

Getting there 

How Far Is Colorado From Texas?

If you’ve finally decided to move to Colorado from Texas, you need to analyze your travel options. If you wish to travel by plane, the cheapest month to travel from Texas to Colorado is August, whereas November and December will cost you the highest. If you’re looking for a road trip, traveling by bus or car is also another option to go to Colorado. The bus timings might include a layover time of two hours. 

The time difference between Colorado and Texas is 1 hour. The distance between Texas and Colorado is 730 miles. Driving from Texas to Colorado will take you 12 hours whereas the flight time is around 2 hours. The flight from Texas to Colorado will cost you around $200

If you’re taking a flight for your move from Texas to Colorado and don’t know how to transport your belongings, check out the best long-distance moving companies

Must dos before your arrival

  • Update Your Address: Changing your address is a crucial step when relocating. You can easily set up mail forwarding either online or in person before your move. Remember to update your address with various organizations, including the SSA, DMV, and home services. To ensure you don’t miss any important notifications, refer to our comprehensive change of address checklist, which covers all the places you need to update when moving.
  • Weather Preparedness: Be ready for Colorado’s diverse weather like the heavy snowfall in the winter. Check local forecasts and pack accordingly, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the region’s climate variations.
  • Apartment Hunting: Plan ahead by researching and scheduling apartment visits before your arrival. This proactive approach will help streamline your housing search process and ensure a smoother transition.

2.Upon your arrival in Colorado

Must dos right upon your arrival

  • Get familiar with your neighborhood, and make sure to take note of the important emergency numbers. 
  • Locate the essential facilities like the nearest hospital, police station, and fire department for your safety and in case of emergency.
  • Roaming around the city for work or just simply checking on it, it would be great to purchase a daily transit pass to save money.

How much does local transportation cost 

Public transport in Colorado is widely available. For example, Colorado’s Regional Transportation District (RTD) offers bus, rail, and light rail services to Denver, Boulder, and nearby cities.

Type of fare

Rate

Single ticket

$3.00

10-Ride Ticket Book

$28.00

Weekly pass

$47.00

Monthly pass

$114.00

RTD Denver (Sept 2023)

Exchanging your driver’s license

Colorado DMV Change of Address

It’s important to notify the Colorado DMV of your change of address so that you can legally drive a vehicle in Colorado. When moving to Colorado from Texas, you’ll have 30 days to apply for a new driver’s license and 90 days to register your vehicle at the Colorado DMV.

  • You don’t have to notify the Texas DMV of your move. Your Texas license and vehicle registration are valid until you get Colorado ones. 
  • You can only apply for a driver’s license and register your vehicle in-person at a Colorado DMV office.
  • Bring your ID number, date of birth and SSN.
  • A vision test may be required.
  • You’ll pay a fee of around $30.
  • You’ll need to surrender your Texas driver’s license to the Colorado DMV.

For more information, check out our article on how to notify the Colorado DMV of an address change.

Car Insurance in Texas vs Colorado

If you’re planning to move to Colorado from Texas, you might want to think about the big expenses and costs involved. You can expect to pay less for car insurance in Colorado than in Texas. The average yearly car insurance in Texas is $2125 whereas in Colorado it is $1416.

Setting up a bank account 

When moving to Colorado from Texas, it’s essential to establish a local presence by setting up a bank account. This state follows the same procedures and regulations as in other states. Wells Fargo Bank has more than 100 branch locations in Colorado, and it is convenient for every local because it is accessible.

Getting health insurance

Getting health insurance is an excellent way to get peace of mind when it comes to your health. With health insurance, you will not have to worry about spending a ton of money in case of a health-related emergency. Healthcare is regulated by the state in the US and so the state of Colorado proposes a website to help you with your health insurance search. Simply choose Colorado as your state and create an account.

3.Best places to live in Colorado

Best places to live in Colorado

Choosing to move to Colorado often means considering Denver. It is the fourth-best city in the United States for business and careers with a vibrant economy. It has so many high-paying jobs and a low unemployment rate. 

The city has something for everyone to enjoy, from arts and entertainment to sports and food. As one of the most livable cities in Colorado, Denver features unique neighborhoods offering exceptional qualities such as a low crime rate, affordable housing, top-notch education, and access to public transit. If you are planning to live in Denver, here are the 8 best neighborhoods in Denver.

Neighborhood

Characteristics 

Capitol Hill

Best for walkability

City Park

80% of the area is a park

North Park Hill

Best for families

Wellshire

Best for safety

Washington Park

Best for the outdoorsy families

Cherry Creek

Best for a sophisticated & luxurious lifestyle

South Park Hill

Best for large families

LoDo (Lower Downtown)

Best for downtown living

Denver vs Houston

Houston and Denver are both great cities with some noticeable differences. Houston is actually 4 times bigger than Denver in terms of land. The high altitude in Denver makes it colder than in Houston. Denver has a very strong and booming job market whereas Houston has a regular job market. 

Denver vs Austin

Denver and Austin share some similarities such as fantastic weather, a strong economy, and a vibrant lifestyle. Denver is a great place if you’re someone who loves outdoor activities. In addition, Denver has a lot of diversity. If we talk about the cost of living, Denver is more expensive as compared to Austin. Austin has a low cost of living comparatively. The cost of transportation is almost the same for both Austin and Denver. 

Setting up home services 

To set up electricity, you can either contact or visit the website of Xcel Energy. It’s a reliable option for setting up electricity when you move to Colorado. To set up a water supply, you can contact Tri-County Water. For natural gas supply, you can contact Colorado Natural Gas by submitting a request on their website.

The best internet providers in Colorado will have bundling options, various speeds, and multiple package options at reasonable prices.

Should you rent or buy?

In Colorado, the cost of owning a house averages around $562,400. When it comes to renting, a 1-bedroom apartment typically goes for approximately $1,645.50 in the state. Colorado has more than 2.5 million housing units, so the state offers plenty of options. For the beauty that Colorado offers, the housing costs are relatively fair. The property tax rate in Colorado is 6.765% of market value in 2024.

Learn more below.

Cost of rent in Colorado

Area/Neighborhood

1-bed apartment

3-bed apartment

Denver (Outside of Center)

$1,645.50

$2,964.00

Numbeo (Sept 2023)

Cost of buying a property in Colorado

Area/Neighborhood

Average home price 

Colorado

$562,400

Zillow (Sept 2023)

Home Insurance in Colorado

When getting a home insurance plan, the main thing that you need to check is coverage for natural disasters. In Colorado, tornadoes, avalanches and flooding can cause damage to a home. So, it is crucial to obtain an insurance plan which will cover the costs of any damage. Also, people who buy a home in Colorado may be required by their mortgage lender to acquire home insurance.

Pros and Cons of Living in Colorado

Pros

Cons

  • You can enjoy all four seasons in Colorado.
  • Colorado is a great place for hiking, skiing, and many other activities.
  • Colorado is known to have better weather than other states.
  • Colorado offers more high-quality medical care facilities than other states.
  • You can enjoy tasty food in Colorado.
  • Colorado has a strong economy and a booming job market.
  • Colorado has some breathtaking mountain views.
  • Colorado has a higher cost of living than many other states.
  • Expect traffic jams if you live in the suburbs but work in the city.
  • If you’re someone who likes swimming, Colorado doesn’t have much to offer.
  • You can easily find a job but the pay may not be the best.
  • Winters are cold and harsh.
  • The crime rate in Colorado is higher as compared to some other states.
  • The cost of housing is high in Colorado.

Why people regret moving to Colorado

While Colorado is great for its breathtaking sceneries and booming economy, some people actually regret moving there for the following reasons.

Regret #1

Homes are built too close to each other. The lack of space is the cause of smaller homes built too close to each other.

Regret #2

It mostly looks brown. While there are amazing views, there isn’t much greenery.

Regret #3

Many people who have moved to Colorado complain about the effects of high elevation. Indeed, Colorado is the highest American state, therefore some residents deal with altitude sickness. 

Regret #4

Some people just can’t afford it anymore. With the cost of living in Colorado going up every year, some people have to leave because it’s not affordable anymore.#

4.Cost of living in Colorado vs Texas

Cost of living in Denver, Colorado

Category

Monthly cost

1 bed apt rent outside city center

$1,645.50

Groceries

Numbeo’s grocery list ($69.28 multiplied by 4)

$277.12

Utilities

Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage

$183.72

Internet with 60 Mbps

$77.34

Transit pass

$114.00

Entertainment 

Meal, taxi, movie

$77.75

Gym membership 

$57.00

Total

$2,432.43

Numbeo (Oct 2023)

Cost of living in Houston, Texas

Category

Monthly cost

1 bed apt rent outside city center

$1,418.88

Groceries

Numbeo’s grocery list ($66.38 multiplied by 4)

$265.52

Utilities

Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage

$237.45

Internet with 60 Mbps

$84.70

Transit pass

$80.00

Entertainment 

Meal, taxi, movie

$105.00

Gym membership 

$71.28

Total

$2,262.83

Numbeo (Oct 2023)

5. The weather in Colorado

On average, there are 300 sunny days per year in Denver, Colorado.

  • Summer High: the July high is around 86°F
  • Winter Low: the January low is around 16°F
  • Precipitation: averages at 8-15 inches per year.

Denver.org (Oct 2023)

6. What to do as a local in Colorado

The breathtaking landscapes of Colorado offer a myriad of outdoor activities that cater to the diverse interests of its residents. From skiing and hiking the majestic 14,000-foot peaks to rock climbing and fishing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this picturesque state. Mountain biking is a common pastime among the locals, allowing them to embrace the serene beauty of the mountains.

For the more adventurous spirits, hunting and camping are easily accessible, providing ample opportunities to embrace the great outdoors. Additionally, the people of Colorado are passionate sports enthusiasts, particularly when it comes to supporting the Broncos.

7. Fun facts about Colorado

Fun Fact #1

The mountainous areas in Colorado are so vast that they are six times the size of Switzerland.

Fun Fact #2

Colorado is given the nickname “Centennial State” because it became a state after 100 years of independence.

Fun Fact #3

You can find the largest flat-top mountain in the world in Colorado.

Conclusion

Transitioning from Texas to Colorado holds numerous opportunities. Colorado’s thriving job market, captivating landscapes, and a wealth of outdoor activities make it an enticing prospect. Nonetheless, be ready for Colorado’s variable weather, including heavy winter snowfall. 

Denver, with its strong economy and diverse neighborhoods, often ranks as a prime choice. While Colorado’s cost of living may slightly surpass that of Texas, the state’s advantages, like its scenic beauty and active lifestyle, render it an appealing destination. Notably, Colorado’s sales tax stands at a modest 2.9%, a notable contrast to Texas’s higher 6.25%. 

Moving soon? Discover the best movers for your move from Texas to Colorado.

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Selina Cifelli

The author

Selina is a motivated marketing intern with a keen interest in developing engaging content related to moving experiences and city life. With a passion for fashion and traveling, she brings a fresh perspective to our readers. Her talent for crafting innovative written material effectively positions MovingWaldo as a trusted resource for hassle-free and efficient moves.
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