In 2025, Colorado’s cost of living score is 120.5 based on Best Places’ data. Colorado is way more expensive today than it was in 2010, making where you move in this state super important.

If you live in one of Colorado’s best cities or want to live in one but feel an economic squeeze, you may consider moving to a different state. You don’t have to leave Colorado to find an affordable life. Follow along as we explore the cost of living in Colorado’s top places.

We will examine the high cost of living in Denver, Boulder, and Aspen, and highlight a few affordable options. We also share our best tips for cutting local and intrastate move costs, so the move makes more sense.

Are the Best Cities in Colorado Out of Reach? The Cost of Living in Denver, Boulder & Aspen

Denver, Boulder, and Aspen are out of reach for most Coloradans. If you live there, you already know that these places are crazy expensive.

Denver’s Cost of Living: The Expense Isn’t Worth the Hype

Can You Afford Boulder’s Cost of Living? Why Most Coloradans Can’t

Boulder is one of Colorado’s iconic cities. The city’s appeal also increases its living costs.

The High Cost of Mountain Living in Aspen Is Out of Reach for Most Coloradans

Aspen is an enviable place to live but comes with a steep price tag.

Relocating out of state isn’t the only solution if you live in an expensive city. You will only need a local or intrastate move for these alternatives.

Where Are Affordable Options to Colorado’s Most Popular & Expensive Cities?

These places offer city life, college-town vibes, or mountain community living at a lower cost.

Affordable Boulder Alternatives: Where to Live College-Town Life in Colorado for Less

Consider this Boulder alternative.

Denver Alternatives with City Vibes & a Better Cost of Living

If you can’t afford to live in Denver, consider a local or intrastate move to one of these alternatives.

Affordable Options That Give Aspen’s Mountain Town Feel for Less Cost

Here are better options for Coloradans who don’t want the mile-high cost of living.

Our 2025 Local Moving Guide has more popular cities and neighborhoods in Colorado.

More people are moving out of an expensive area into a more affordable one. Unfortunately, moving is expensive, too. We know how to cut moving costs and still have a less stressful move and share how with you.

Local vs. Intrastate Moves: Their Biggest Differences & Why They Matter for Cutting Costs

Distance and weight affect moving costs, which is why local moves are the cheapest, and intrastate can be more expensive. Let’s go over these and other details.

For more on local, intrastate, and interstate moving, read “Three Key Differences Between Local, Intrastate, and Interstate Moving.”

How Much Does a Local or Intrastate Move Cost?

Here are average price ranges based on Bailey’s Moving & Storage’s 2025 numbers:

Hire a Mover or DIY: Our Best Tips for a More Affordable Local or Intrastate Move

Moving costs a lot, whether you hire a mover for all the work or DIY. That’s why our customers ask us how to save money. Read our list of the best ways to save money if you’re hiring a mover for everything or doing some of it yourself.

Easy Ways to Cut Costs If You Hire a Mover to Handle Everything

The amount and weight of what you move dictate most of your costs. So, moving less stuff costs less.

Plan well and be 100% ready on moving day to avoid last-minute packing services and expenses.

#1. Donate, Sell, or Throw Everything You Don’t Need or Really Want & Move Less

Know before you meet with the estimator what you don’t want to move and get rid of the items before moving day. You’ll move and spend less.

#2. Avoid Larger and Smaller Last-Minute Items to Reduce Moving Expenses

Double-check every room and storage space, so you find and document everything you need to move on your inventory list. Loading a couple of smaller, lighter last-minute items might not increase your final price, but several will.

Selling unwanted items is a great way to declutter. But sometimes a sale falls through, and you’re stuck with a washer and dryer to move. Adding an extra item on moving day is costly.

Have a Less Expensive and Easier Move - Hire a Mover for the Toughest Parts & DIY the Rest

Moving used to be all-or-nothing. You either moved yourself or hired a mover to handle everything — and paid full-service pricing. Thank goodness, things have changed.

Mix and match services, whether it’s a local or intrastate move within Colorado, or an interstate one.

Try These Cost Reducing Strategies If You Plan to DIY & Hire a Mover

• You pack it - a mover brings the truck, loads, and unloads
• A mover packs it - you load and unload it.
• You rent the truck – a mover loads and unloads.
• A mover packs and unpacks – you do everything else.
• You rent the truck, pack and load the boxes – a mover loads the heavy stuff.

Do you have questions about calculating moving costs? Read “Weighing vs. Measuring Your Move Shipment,” to learn more.

Can’t pay it all at once? Ask your mover if they offer financing options and avoid paying for everything on moving day. Learn about Bailey’s Moving’s financing before booking your move.

Potential Costs to Know Before You Move

Read “Full-Service on a DIY Budget” for more moving cost-cutting tips.

Affordable CO Cities & Lower Local Moving Costs: Takeaways & Conclusion

Colorado’s Expensive Cities & Affordable Local/Intrastate Move Options

Tips & Strategies to Pay Less for a Mover

• Donate, sell, or throw unnecessary items to move and pay less.
• Add storage stops to your moving day schedule to avoid last-minute costs.
• Have everything packed by moving day and eliminate costly moving-day services.

The Best Flexible Moving Strategies

• We Pack & You DIY Load and Unload
• You DIY Pack & We Load and Unload
• You DIY Pack, Load and Unload, & We Unpack

If you’re moving to a new home in Colorado this year, make it the best area for you. We know that it better be worth the move, so we did research for you to give you an idea of what area fits your life and budget.

We found the up-and-coming places that let you ditch the higher costs but keep the quality of life. We’ll help you find a city that matches your lifestyle and budget.