Florida Local Expert
Vanessa Leikvoll
“I’ve moved so many times I basically have my own punch card — seventh move is free, right? After ping-ponging…”
Read more about me
Leaving Florida for Colorado: The Cultural Shift That Catches People Off Guard
Trading white sand beaches and year-round heat for mountain peaks and four distinct seasons is a bigger leap than most Florida residents anticipate. The two states share a few surface-level similarities, like no state income tax, but the climate, terrain, and daily routines could not be more different. Florida life revolves around coastal access, flat landscapes, and surviving brutal humidity, while Colorado rewards those who embrace altitude, outdoor adventure, and genuinely cold winters. Our Snappy Scout team (Vanessa & Heidi) broke down the costs, logistics, and lifestyle adjustments you should plan for before loading the moving truck.
Our Local Experts Guiding Your Move
The Moving Truck Drive from FL to CO: What to Expect
Average distance
1,950miles
Typical route
I-10 W, I-20 W, I-40 W, I-25 N
Popular moving routes (approx. driving distance):
Miami, FL → Denver, CO
~2050 miles
Orlando, FL → Denver, CO
~1950 miles
Jacksonville, FL → Denver, CO
~1850 miles
Tampa, FL → Colorado Springs, CO
~1950 miles
Tallahassee, FL → Denver, CO
~1750 miles
Should You Move From Florida to Colorado Quiz
Take this 10 question quiz to find out if the move to Colorado from Florida 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.
The Real Cost of Relocating to CO from FL
Moving 1,950 miles from Florida to Colorado 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
4–11days
Cost by home size
Studio
$1,270.00
1 Bedroom
$1,870.00
2 Bedrooms
$3,080.00
3 Bedrooms
$4,460.00
4 Bedrooms
$6,410.00
5+ Bedrooms
$7,120.00
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,270.00 | 300 | $4.23 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,870.00 | 450 | $4.16 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,080.00 | 750 | $4.11 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,460.00 | 1,100 | $4.05 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $6,410.00 | 1,600 | $4.01 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $7,120.00 | 1,800 | $3.96 |
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.
How Will Your Current FL Lifestyle Translate in CO?
Well, it depends. If you're a Tech Bro, CrossFit Regular, or Coffee Snob, you'll thrive in your move to Colorado. But if you're more of a Retired Snowbird, Cowboy, or PTA President, 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 Florida to Colorado.
Top 3 winners and losers moving from FL to CO
Tech Scene
Florida
3.5
/10
Colorado
7
/10
Florida
Giving up
Startup buzz is rising, but Silicon Valley still owns the crown.
Colorado
Gaining
Startup scene growing but lacks Silicon Valley's massive scale.
Recommended CO cities/areas for Tech Bros
BoulderDenver
Florida
3.5
/10
Colorado
7
/10
Fitness
Florida
7
/10
Colorado
9
/10
Florida
Giving up
Outdoor WODs and sweat-drenched gains all year long.
Colorado
Gaining
High altitude training and Olympic Training Center fuel gains.
Recommended CO cities/areas for CrossFit Regulars
DenverColorado Springs
Florida
7
/10
Colorado
9
/10
Coffee Culture
Florida
7
/10
Colorado
8.5
/10
Florida
Giving up
Cuban espresso rules, but the third-wave scene’s still brewing.
Colorado
Gaining
Corvus Coffee and third-wave roasters fuel the scene.
Recommended CO cities/areas for Coffee Snobs
DenverBoulderDurango
Florida
7
/10
Colorado
8.5
/10
Snowbirds
Florida
9.5
/10
Colorado
3
/10
Florida
Giving up
Golf carts, palm trees, and perpetual sunshine never get old.
Colorado
Gaining
Winters too harsh and snowy for those seeking sunshine.
Recommended CO cities/areas for Retired Snowbirds
Grand Junction
Florida
9.5
/10
Colorado
3
/10
Cowboys
Florida
6.5
/10
Colorado
3.5
/10
Florida
Giving up
Rodeos, cattle drives, and swampy boots meet tropical heat.
Colorado
Gaining
National Western Stock Show happens but ski culture dominates.
Recommended CO cities/areas for Cowboys
Steamboat SpringsGreeley
Florida
6.5
/10
Colorado
3.5
/10
PTA Life
Florida
8
/10
Colorado
6
/10
Florida
Giving up
Sunshine schools and suburban perfection make volunteering easy.
Colorado
Gaining
Good schools exist but housing costs strain family finances.
Recommended CO cities/areas for PTA Presidents
Castle RockBoulderLittleton
Florida
8
/10
Colorado
6
/10
Local Perspective
What moment, smell, or ritual captures the soul of Colorado?
It’s the first breath when I get back from traveling. Colorado air is thin and dry, but it somehow feels lighter and cleaner. Everywhere else feels heavier, and coming home makes it feel easier to breathe again.
– Heidi Lim
Colorado Local
Lifestyle differences between living in Florida and living in Colorado
FloridaColorado
The Unspoken Eating Rules in FL and CO
Eating Like a Local in Florida
This really varies by where in Florida you are. But, generally, Cuban and Latin-inspired food here is very popular, as well as what I refer to as "beach bar food:" coconut shrimp, grouper bites, crab cakes, gator bites, fish tacos, and of course, margaritas (especially spicy ones with a Tajin rim).
I don't think there are any unspoken rules here, per se, except that you always want to get the freshest fish available, such as mahi mahi or grouper, and skip the conventional white fish.
Vanessa LeikvollFlorida Local ExpertEating 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 ExpertIs CO a Worse State for Your Tax Wallet?
Florida
Colorado
FloridavsColorado
State Income Tax
State Income TaxNone. Sunshine is free, and so is your paycheck.
Flat 4.4% on all income
Florida
None. Sunshine is free, and so is your paycheck.
VS
Colorado
Flat 4.4% on all income
Property Taxes
Property TaxesModerate overall; Miami-Dade higher, Panhandle pleasantly lower.
Broomfield and Boulder areas higher, rural counties lower
Florida
Moderate overall; Miami-Dade higher, Panhandle pleasantly lower.
VS
Colorado
Broomfield and Boulder areas higher, rural counties lower
Moving from FL to CO: The Values, Beliefs, & Politics Change
Florida
Colorado
FloridavsColorado
People
PeopleFriendly but eccentric; equal parts laid-back, loud, and lightning-fast with opinions.
Casual and low-key, friendly but hands-off, and deeply appreciative of sunshine and flexible plans
Florida
Friendly but eccentric; equal parts laid-back, loud, and lightning-fast with opinions.
VS
Colorado
Casual and low-key, friendly but hands-off, and deeply appreciative of sunshine and flexible plans
Politics
A wild beach party of red and blue—expect flip-flops and fiery debates.
Purple turned blue, Front Range liberal, Western Slope conservative
Florida
A wild beach party of red and blue—expect flip-flops and fiery debates.
VS
Colorado
Purple turned blue, Front Range liberal, Western Slope conservative
Religion
ReligionMostly Christian, with Catholic and evangelical strongholds; growing Jewish and nonreligious communities.
Mostly Christian with large unaffiliated population, growing secular
Florida
Mostly Christian, with Catholic and evangelical strongholds; growing Jewish and nonreligious communities.
VS
Colorado
Mostly Christian with large unaffiliated population, growing secular
Climate in FL vs CO: A Local's Honest Perspective
SUMMER
Florida
Just plain hot (triple digits and 98% humidity in Miami)
Colorado
crispy mornings, scorching afternoons (90s on the Front Range)
WINTER
Florida
Sweater optional (unless you're in the Panhandle, then it's gloves and regret)
Colorado
bluebird perfection interrupted by arctic blasts (mountains stay frozen)
My Favorite Thing About Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall in Colorado
The transition from summer to fall is one of my favorite times of year. The leaves turn, the air cools just enough, and driving through the mountains for leaf peeping feels like a warm, cozy hug before winter settles in.
Heidi LimColorado Local ExpertNext Steps
Learn More About Moving to Colorado
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 Florida, take a deeper dive into the specifics of moving to Colorado. No boring census stats... we promise! Just practical real advice from Colorado local experts.
Moving toAurora
Pack Your Subaru and Learn to Love Havana Street
Moving toLoveland
Prepare for Sculpture Parks and Wind
