Colorado Local Expert
Heidi Lim
“She's a blossoming plant nerd.”
See full bio
JourneysMoving Journeys|From COMoving from Colorado|To MAMoving to Massachusetts|Colorado → Massachusetts
Moving to Massachusetts from CO: Biggest Mistakes to Avoid
Trading the Rockies for the Red Sox means more than swapping mountain views for ocean breezes. Colorado and Massachusetts sit on opposite ends of the country and carry very different costs, climates, and daily rhythms that can catch even the most prepared movers off guard. Colorado offers outdoor access at nearly every turn, with a relaxed Western pace and relatively affordable housing compared to the Northeast. Massachusetts counters with dense urban energy, world class universities, and a historic character that feels nothing like the wide open Front Range. Our Snappy Scout team (Heidi & Candice) broke down the costs, logistics, and lifestyle changes you need to understand before packing the first box.
Who's Behind This Guide
How Far Is the Move from Colorado to MA?
Average distance
2,050miles
Typical route
I-70 E, I-76 E, I-80 E, I-90 E
Popular moving routes (approx. driving distance):
Denver, CO → Boston, MA
~2000 miles
Colorado Springs, CO → Boston, MA
~2050 miles
Aurora, CO → Worcester, MA
~2000 miles
Fort Collins, CO → Springfield, MA
~2050 miles
Boulder, CO → Cambridge, MA
~2000 miles
Should You Move From Colorado to Massachusetts Quiz
Take this 10 question quiz to find out if the move to Massachusetts from Colorado is the right call for your lifestyle and preferences.
Progress1 of 10 questions
Question 1 of 10
What kind of weather makes you happiest?
0/10answered
Live score
Collecting your answers and forming an opinion. Answer another question to see the results.
Decoding the Cost of a Colorado to MA Cross-State Move
Moving 2,050 miles from Colorado to Massachusetts will typically cost between $2,500.00 and $4,500.00 to hire full service movers. See the breakdown below by home size.
Expected Range
$2,500.00–$4,500.00
Expected Time
5–12days
Cost by home size
Studio
$1,260.00
1 Bedroom
$1,860.00
2 Bedrooms
$3,070.00
3 Bedrooms
$4,450.00
4 Bedrooms
$6,400.00
5+ Bedrooms
$7,110.00
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,260.00 | 300 | $4.2 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,860.00 | 450 | $4.13 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,070.00 | 750 | $4.09 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,450.00 | 1,100 | $4.05 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $6,400.00 | 1,600 | $4 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $7,110.00 | 1,800 | $3.95 |
How we calculated these numbers: We reached out to the owners and operators of more than a dozen nationwide moving companies to figure out how they factor in mileage, weight, volume, timing, origin & termination locations, and approximate home sizes to determine a moving estimate. The results above are what the data nerds at Snappy Scout created based on that info.
Who Should Avoid the Move from Colorado to MA?
Well, it depends. If you're a Retired Snowbird, Binge Shopper, or Tech Bro, you'll thrive in your move to Massachusetts. But if you're more of a CrossFit Regular, Adventure Junkie, or DIYer, settling into your new home state may be a bit of a challenge. We scored a variety of different “personalities” on a 10-point scale to show you what to expect from a lifestyle perspective with a relocation from Colorado to Massachusetts.
Top 3 winners and losers moving from CO to MA
Snowbirds
Colorado
3
/10
Massachusetts
5.5
/10
Colorado
Giving up
Winters too harsh and snowy for those seeking sunshine.
Massachusetts
Gaining
Summer paradise, but winters still freeze you out.
Recommended MA cities/areas for Retired Snowbirds
Cape CodMartha's Vineyard
Colorado
3
/10
Massachusetts
5.5
/10
Shopping
Colorado
4.5
/10
Massachusetts
6.5
/10
Colorado
Giving up
Cherry Creek Shopping Center works but lacks major fashion capitals.
Massachusetts
Gaining
Newbury Street boutiques and Burlington Mall sprees.
Recommended MA cities/areas for Binge Shoppers
BostonBurlington
Colorado
4.5
/10
Massachusetts
6.5
/10
Tech Scene
Colorado
7
/10
Massachusetts
9
/10
Colorado
Giving up
Startup scene growing but lacks Silicon Valley's massive scale.
Massachusetts
Gaining
Kendall Square software and biotech startups. A bit of a 'bro' vibe. Becoming more inclusive though.
Recommended MA cities/areas for Tech Bros
CambridgeBoston
Colorado
7
/10
Massachusetts
9
/10
Adventure Activities
Colorado
10
/10
Massachusetts
6.5
/10
Colorado
Giving up
Rocky Mountain peaks, endless trails, world-class skiing await.
Massachusetts
Gaining
Mount Greylock hikes, coastal kayaking adventures.
Recommended MA cities/areas for Adventure Junkies
BerkshiresCape Cod
Colorado
10
/10
Massachusetts
6.5
/10
Fitness
Colorado
9
/10
Massachusetts
7
/10
Colorado
Giving up
High altitude training and Olympic Training Center fuel gains.
Massachusetts
Gaining
Gyms packed with competitive fitness junkies.
Recommended MA cities/areas for CrossFit Regulars
BostonCambridge
Colorado
9
/10
Massachusetts
7
/10
DIYers
Colorado
7.5
/10
Massachusetts
6
/10
Colorado
Giving up
Mountain cabin fixer-uppers and craft culture inspire projects.
Massachusetts
Gaining
Affordable fixers, creative warehouse spaces available.
Recommended MA cities/areas for DIYers
WorcesterLowell
Colorado
7.5
/10
Massachusetts
6
/10
Local Perspective
What moment, smell, or ritual captures the soul of Massachusetts?
This is a tough one, but I have to fall back to the annual voyage to the Cape. This is a pretty standard trip for folks every summer. And no matter which route you choose, you'll be sure to sit in heavy traffic. But it's the quintessential road trip. Plenty of time to enjoy your best CDs and snacks along the way.
– Candice Hallsett
Massachusetts Local
Lifestyle differences between living in Colorado and living in Massachusetts
ColoradoMassachusetts
The Real Food Rules of Eating Like a Local in Colorado and MA
Eating Like a Local in Colorado
Order cautiously: Rocky Mountain Oysters are NOT oysters. They’re bull testicles. But they’re deep-fried, and let’s be honest, anything deep-fried has a fighting chance.
Heidi LimColorado Local ExpertEating Like a Local in Massachusetts
We have some really fabulous local ethnic restaurants. Any type of food you desire, you're sure to find it. From Cambodian, Ghanaian, to Brazilian, you'll find some excellent dishes to try. Grab a pupusa from a Salvadorean spot. It's cheap and delish!
Candice HallsettMassachusetts Local ExpertThe Straight Tax Change of Moving to MA from Colorado
Colorado
Massachusetts
ColoradovsMassachusetts
State Income Tax
State Income TaxFlat 4.4% on all income
Flat 5% on most income, 9% on short-term capital gains
Colorado
Flat 4.4% on all income
VS
Massachusetts
Flat 5% on most income, 9% on short-term capital gains
Property Taxes
Property TaxesBroomfield and Boulder areas higher, rural counties lower
Among highest nationally, Boston suburbs especially steep
Colorado
Broomfield and Boulder areas higher, rural counties lower
VS
Massachusetts
Among highest nationally, Boston suburbs especially steep
How Colorado and MA Differ on People, Politics, & Religion
Colorado
Massachusetts
ColoradovsMassachusetts
People
PeopleCasual and low-key, friendly but hands-off, and deeply appreciative of sunshine and flexible plans
Direct and blunt but loyal, wicked smart, passionate about sports
Colorado
Casual and low-key, friendly but hands-off, and deeply appreciative of sunshine and flexible plans
VS
Massachusetts
Direct and blunt but loyal, wicked smart, passionate about sports
Politics
Purple turned blue, Front Range liberal, Western Slope conservative
Solidly blue statewide, though fiscally moderate with Republican governors occasionally
Colorado
Purple turned blue, Front Range liberal, Western Slope conservative
VS
Massachusetts
Solidly blue statewide, though fiscally moderate with Republican governors occasionally
Religion
ReligionMostly Christian with large unaffiliated population, growing secular
Historically Catholic stronghold, growing secular population, diverse faith communities
Colorado
Mostly Christian with large unaffiliated population, growing secular
VS
Massachusetts
Historically Catholic stronghold, growing secular population, diverse faith communities
Leaving Colorado Summers Behind: What MA Climate Actually Feels Like
SUMMER
Colorado
crispy mornings, scorching afternoons (90s on the Front Range)
Massachusetts
sticky brick oven vibes (humid 90s along the coast)
WINTER
Colorado
bluebird perfection interrupted by arctic blasts (mountains stay frozen)
Massachusetts
layered like a human onion (single digits with windchill in January)
My Favorite Thing About Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall in Massachusetts
Winter: If I had to find something positive to say about our winters, I'd say official Snow Days! Otherwise, it's pretty bleak. I guess it also looks pretty before the snow plows get dirty snow everywhere.
Spring: Winter's over! And we have GORGEOUS weather.
Summer: The fact that we have the Cape. Everyone travels there (unless they already live there) in the summer.
Fall: No brainer...the foliage. Even on your everyday commute in town, it's breathtaking to witness.
Candice HallsettMassachusetts Local ExpertNext Steps
Learn More About Moving to Massachusetts
By now, you're hopefully fully aware that at Snappy Scout, our moving guides aren't like the rest! Now that you've compared the aspects of leaving behind Colorado, take a deeper dive into the specifics of moving to Massachusetts. No boring census stats... we promise! Just practical real advice from Massachusetts local experts.
Moving toBoston
Prep Your Wallet and Drop Your R's
