The Ultimate Guide to Moving from California to Colorado

Last Updated: February 2026

Moving from California to Colorado is one of the most popular interstate relocations in the country — and for good reason. Colorado offers a 28% lower cost of living, a flat 4.4% state income tax (vs. California's top rate of 13.3%), and a median home price roughly $200,000 less than California's statewide median. In 2025, California was the #1 outbound state in the U.S. for the sixth consecutive year according to U-Haul data, and Colorado remains a top destination for those California exits. I help California families land in Broomfield and the North Denver metro every month, and this guide covers everything I tell them.

Between 2021 and 2022, Broomfield County alone received 144 tax returns from California households, carrying an average adjusted gross income of $125,764 per return (Source: IRS Statistics of Income, County-to-County Migration Data, 2021-2022). That's not random migration — it's high-income professionals and families making a calculated move. The data confirms what I see on the ground: California transplants are some of the most financially prepared, research-driven buyers in our market.

Why Are So Many Californians Moving to Colorado?

The exodus from California has accelerated over the past six years, driven by a combination of housing costs, taxes, remote work flexibility, and quality-of-life factors. Between June 2024 and May 2025, California accounted for 11.67% of all out-of-state moves into Colorado — the second-largest origin state behind Texas (Source: Hire A Helper/PGM Migration Data, 2025). Roughly 102,498 adults moved to Colorado from other states during that 12-month window.

The reasons aren't abstract. A family earning $200,000 in Los Angeles pays up to $18,000+ in California state income tax. That same family in Broomfield pays $8,800 in Colorado state income tax — a savings of roughly $9,200 per year just on state taxes. Layer in lower housing costs, lower property taxes, and no crazy-high gas prices, and the financial case practically makes itself.

But it's not just money. Colorado offers 300+ days of sunshine per year, immediate access to world-class skiing, hiking, and mountain biking, a thriving tech and startup ecosystem, and some of the best public schools in the region. Broomfield specifically sits at the intersection of Boulder and Denver — you get the outdoor lifestyle of Boulder and the career infrastructure of Denver, without paying Boulder prices.

How Does the Cost of Living Compare?

The overall cost of living in Colorado is approximately 28% lower than California when including rent, and 17% lower excluding rent (Source: LivingCostIndex.com, 2025). Here's how the major categories break down:

CategoryCaliforniaColoradoSavingsMedian Home Price~$840,000~$640,000 (Denver metro)~$200,000Median Rent (2BR)~$2,500-$3,500~$1,700-$2,20030-40%State Income Tax1%-13.3% (progressive)4.4% (flat)Significant for $150K+ earnersProperty Tax Rate~0.73%~0.49-0.62% (Broomfield)Lower effective rateGroceries~8% above national avg~National average~8% savingsGas (per gallon)~$4.50-$5.50~$3.00-$3.50~$1.50/gallonHealthcareAbove national avg~28% lower than CASignificant

For a family relocating from Los Angeles to Broomfield, the combined annual savings on taxes, housing, and daily expenses typically range from $20,000 to $60,000 depending on income level and housing situation. The Californians I work with often describe it as getting a "silent raise" — same job, same salary, dramatically lower expenses.

How Do Taxes Compare Between California and Colorado?

Colorado's tax structure is one of the biggest draws for California relocators. The differences are stark across every major tax category.

Income tax is the headline number. California uses a progressive system with rates from 1% to 13.3%. Colorado uses a flat 4.4% rate. If your household earns $250,000, you're looking at roughly $17,000+ in California state income tax vs. $11,000 in Colorado — an immediate savings of $6,000+. At $400,000 in household income, the savings climb above $15,000 annually.

Property taxes are also lower. Broomfield's effective property tax rate ranges from 0.49% to about 0.62% depending on the specific neighborhood and metro district. California's effective rate averages around 0.73%. On a $650,000 home in Broomfield, you're paying roughly $3,200-$4,000 annually in property tax. That said, be aware of metro district taxes in some newer communities — these can add an additional 0.5% to 2.5% to your tax bill. I always walk my clients through the exact tax structure for each neighborhood they're considering.

Sales tax is one area where Colorado can surprise you. Broomfield's combined sales tax rate is approximately 7.86%, which is competitive with California's range of 7.25%-10.25%. No major sticker shock here.

What Does the Housing Market Look Like in Colorado?

The Colorado housing market is more accessible than California's, but it's not the bargain it was five years ago. The Broomfield median home price sits at approximately $647,000 as of early 2026 (Source: Zillow Home Value Index). Homes in Broomfield go pending in roughly 12-36 days depending on the season and price point.

Here's how the major Broomfield communities compare for California relocators:

CommunityMedian PriceStyleBest ForAnthem~$1,027,000Luxury master-planned, mountain viewsHigh-income tech relocators, executive familiesAnthem Highlands~$615,000Modern, open space, trailsRemote workers, families wanting value + lifestyleBaseline~$566,000Newer construction, mixed-useBudget-conscious CA families, young professionalsBroadlands~$650,000Established, golf course, poolsFamilies wanting established communityInterlocken~$500,000-$700,000Urban-suburban, near employersProfessionals commuting to Flatiron/Interlocken tech corridor

The biggest mindset shift for California buyers: your dollar goes dramatically further here. A $1.2M home in a good LA suburb buys you a 4,500+ sq ft home in Anthem with mountain views, a finished basement, and a three-car garage. I've walked California families through this comparison dozens of times, and the reaction is always the same — genuine disbelief at the space and quality they can afford.

Where Should I Live? Best Denver Suburbs for California Transplants

Having helped dozens of California families land in the right neighborhood, I can tell you the "best" suburb depends entirely on your priorities. Here's my honest assessment of where California transplants tend to be happiest:

If you want the closest thing to a California lifestyle: Boulder has the vibe — organic groceries, yoga studios, trails out your back door. But you'll pay Boulder prices ($800K+ median). A smarter play is Broomfield, which sits 15 minutes south of Boulder and offers similar access to the mountains and open space at a significantly lower price point.

If remote work is your main asset: Communities like Anthem and Anthem Highlands in Broomfield are built for this. 54.8% of Anthem residents work from home (Source: Census ACS Data). The community infrastructure — fast internet, home office-friendly floor plans, walking trails for mid-day breaks — is designed around remote professionals.

If schools are your top priority: Broomfield's schools consistently rate 7-8+ out of 10 on GreatSchools. The Boulder Valley School District (which serves parts of Broomfield) and Adams 12 Five Star Schools both have strong reputations. Louisville and Lafayette are also strong school districts, though with higher price points.

If you want urban energy with suburban space: Arvada and Lakewood put you closer to Denver's food and culture scene while still offering single-family homes with yards. For a detailed comparison, send me an Email.

What Are the Biggest Adjustments Moving from California to Colorado?

I'm going to be straight with you — there are real adjustments. No guide that glosses over them is doing you any favors.

Altitude is real. Denver sits at 5,280 feet. Broomfield is at about 5,400 feet. You'll notice it the first week — shortness of breath during exercise, faster alcohol effects, and potential headaches. Drink significantly more water than you're used to. Most people acclimate within 2-4 weeks, but aggressive hikers should take it slow for the first month.

The dryness will surprise you. Colorado's average humidity is roughly 30-40%, compared to 60-70% on the California coast. Your skin will crack. Your sinuses will dry out. Invest in a whole-home humidifier — this is not optional advice, it's a survival tip. Most California transplants tell me the dry air was a bigger adjustment than the cold.

Winter is not a joke, but it's not what you think. Yes, it snows. But Colorado gets 300+ days of sunshine, so most snow melts within 24-48 hours at lower elevations. The real challenge isn't snow accumulation — it's ice. Black ice on morning commutes in November through March requires all-season or winter tires. Budget $800-$1,200 for a good set of winter tires.

You'll need to hydrate like an athlete. At altitude, you lose moisture faster through breathing and sweat. Most transplants underestimate this. I tell every California client: double your water intake for the first month.

The sun is more intense. Higher altitude means stronger UV exposure. Sunscreen is year-round here, not just summer.

What's the Home Buying Process Like in Colorado?

Colorado's home buying process has some key differences from California that catch transplants off guard. Here's what you need to know:

Earnest money is more significant. In Colorado, earnest money deposits are typically 1-3% of the purchase price, held in an escrow account. This is non-refundable after certain deadlines pass, so understanding the contract timeline is critical.

Colorado uses a different contract form. The state-approved Contract to Buy and Sell (CBS) form is different from California's CAR forms. Colorado also requires sellers to complete an SPD-19 disclosure form — the state's version of a property disclosure.

Title insurance works differently. In Colorado, the seller typically pays for the owner's title insurance policy (the opposite of many California transactions). This can save you $1,500-$3,000 at closing.

Radon testing is essential. Colorado has some of the highest radon levels in the country due to the geology. Every home purchase should include a radon test during inspection. Mitigation systems cost $800-$1,500 and are highly effective.

Expansive soils (bentonite clay) are a Colorado-specific issue. Many areas in the Denver metro sit on expansive clay soils that swell when wet and shrink when dry. This can cause foundation issues. A structural inspection is something I always recommend for my California clients who aren't familiar with this risk.

How to Transfer Your California Home Equity to Colorado

If you're selling a California home and buying in Colorado, you're likely sitting on significant equity. The average California-to-Broomfield migrant arrives with a household AGI of $125,764 (Source: IRS Migration Data, 2021-2022). Here's the strategic approach I walk my clients through:

Step 1: Sell your California home first (if possible). Having a clean, cash-in-hand position makes you a dramatically stronger buyer in the Colorado market. All-cash or large-down-payment offers win in competitive situations.

Step 2: Understand the capital gains impact. If you've lived in your California home for 2+ of the last 5 years, you can exclude up to $250,000 (single) or $500,000 (married) in capital gains from federal taxes. Plan this with a CPA before listing.

Step 3: Your California equity buys more here. If you sell a $1.2M home in LA with $600,000 in equity, you can buy a $900,000+ home in Anthem outright or put a massive down payment on a $650,000 home and pocket the rest. This "equity arbitrage" is the #1 financial strategy I see California relocators use.

Your California-to-Colorado Moving Checklist

Here's the practical checklist I give every California client. Timing matters — start this process 3-6 months before your target move date.

3-6 months before: Research neighborhoods and schools. Get mortgage pre-approval from a Colorado-based lender. Start following the Broomfield market. Connect with me so I can set up a custom search.

1-3 months before: List your California home (if selling). Book a house-hunting trip to Colorado. Set up utility transfers. Start purging — moving costs are based on weight.

2-4 weeks before: Confirm moving company and dates. Forward mail through USPS. Notify California DMV and insurance companies.

First 30 days in Colorado: Get your Colorado driver's license (required within 30 days). Register your vehicle (required within 90 days). Register to vote. Find a local doctor, dentist, and vet. Buy a humidifier. Buy winter tires before October.

Ready to Make Your California-to-Colorado Move?

I've helped dozens of California families navigate this exact transition — from selling their Bay Area or SoCal home to landing in the right Broomfield neighborhood. I'll build you a custom relocation plan based on your budget, timeline, and priorities.

📧 Email Nick directly: nick@youranthemhome.com

🏠 Browse listings: https://www.zillow.com/profile/NickAhrensRealEstate

Nick Ahrens is a Broomfield real estate expert with the North Denver Report, specializing in Anthem, Anthem Highlands, Baseline, and the North Denver metro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to live in Colorado than California?

Yes. Colorado's overall cost of living is approximately 28% lower than California's when including rent. Housing is the single biggest difference — the median home price in the Denver metro is around $640,000-$650,000 compared to California's statewide median of approximately $840,000. Colorado also has a flat 4.4% state income tax, compared to California's progressive rates that top out at 13.3%. Groceries, healthcare, and transportation costs are also meaningfully lower.

How much money do I need to move from California to Colorado?

Budget $5,000-$15,000 for the physical move depending on household size and whether you use a full-service mover. A full-service move from LA to Denver averages $3,600-$8,000. Beyond moving costs, you'll need funds for a home down payment or rent deposit, plus 2-3 months of living expenses as a buffer. The average California household moving to Broomfield carries an AGI of $125,764, suggesting most are well-positioned financially for the transition (Source: IRS Migration Data, 2021-2022).

What is the best Denver suburb for California transplants?

Broomfield is the top pick for most California transplants I work with. It sits between Denver and Boulder, offers excellent schools (7-8+ GreatSchools ratings), has strong community infrastructure, and a median home price around $647,000 — roughly half of Bay Area prices. Within Broomfield, Anthem ($1M+ median) attracts high-income tech relocators, Anthem Highlands (~$615,000) offers the best value-to-lifestyle ratio, and Baseline (~$566,000) appeals to budget-conscious families.

What are the biggest adjustments moving from CA to CO?

The top five adjustments are: altitude acclimation at 5,280+ feet (drink extra water, expect 2-4 weeks to adjust), significantly drier air (buy a whole-home humidifier), real winters requiring winter tires ($800-$1,200), stronger UV radiation at altitude (year-round sunscreen), and understanding Colorado-specific home issues like radon and expansive clay soils. Most Californians adapt within 3-6 months and report higher overall satisfaction.

Do I need to change my driver's license when moving to Colorado?

Yes. Colorado requires new residents to obtain a state driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency. Vehicle registration must be completed within 90 days. Visit your local Broomfield County DMV with your California license, proof of Colorado address, and proof of legal presence. Colorado does not have vehicle safety inspections, but you will need an emissions test for vehicles registered in the Denver metro area.