Mississippi Local Expert
Katherine Mines
“She’s a devoted Disney gal, happily enduring long lines, hot pavement, and goofy mouse ears.”
Read more about me
JourneysMoving Journeys|From MSMoving from Mississippi|To COMoving to Colorado|Mississippi → Colorado
Moving from MS to Colorado: How Different Life Actually Is on the Other Side
Trading the humid lowlands of Mississippi for the mile-high air of Colorado is a bigger leap than many people realize. These two states sit on opposite ends of the American experience, from landscape and climate to culture and cost of living. The bayous and pine forests give way to alpine peaks and high desert plains, and the slower, community-rooted pace of the Deep South meets the outdoor-obsessed, fast-growing energy of the Mountain West. Our Snappy Scout team (Katherine & Heidi) dug into the real costs, logistics, and lifestyle shifts you should expect before you load up the truck and head northwest.
Our Local Experts Guiding Your Move
Considering a DIY Move from MS to Colorado?
Average distance
1,400miles
Typical route
The drive from Mississippi to Colorado typically takes you along I-20 West, I-30 West, and I-40 West, connecting through Arkansas, Oklahoma or Texas, before heading north into Colorado.
Popular moving routes (approx. driving distance):
Jackson, MS → Denver, CO
~1400 miles
Biloxi, MS → Denver, CO
~1550 miles
Gulfport, MS → Colorado Springs, CO
~1500 miles
Hattiesburg, MS → Denver, CO
~1450 miles
Tupelo, MS → Denver, CO
~1300 miles
Should You Move From Mississippi to Colorado Quiz
Take this 10 question quiz to find out if the move to Colorado from Mississippi 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.
How Much Do Reputable Movers Charge from MS to Colorado?
Moving 1,400 miles from Mississippi 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.
The Vibe Fit: MS vs Colorado
Well, it depends. If you're a Minimalist, Adventure Junkie, or Craft Beer Fan, you'll thrive in your move to Colorado. But if you're more of a Garden Club Lifetime Member, Homesteader, or Stay at Home Mom, 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 Mississippi to Colorado.
Top 3 winners and losers moving from MS to CO
Minimalism
Mississippi
5
/10
Colorado
8.5
/10
Mississippi
Giving up
Oxford micro lofts exist, but cluttered antique vibes dominate Mississippi charm.
Colorado
Gaining
Tiny homes meet mountain living simplicity and purpose.
Recommended CO cities/areas for Minimalists
BoulderSteamboat Springs
Mississippi
5
/10
Colorado
8.5
/10
Adventure Activities
Mississippi
7.5
/10
Colorado
10
/10
Mississippi
Giving up
Sandstone bluffs, Clark Creek falls, Mississippi Gulf breezes.
Colorado
Gaining
Rocky Mountain peaks, endless trails, world-class skiing await.
Recommended CO cities/areas for Adventure Junkies
BoulderBreckenridgeCrested Butte
Mississippi
7.5
/10
Colorado
10
/10
Craft Beer Culture
Mississippi
7.5
/10
Colorado
9.5
/10
Mississippi
Giving up
Lazy Magnolia, Southern Prohibition, and Chandeleur Island pints.
Colorado
Gaining
Great American Beer Festival and New Belgium Brewing reign.
Recommended CO cities/areas for Craft Beer Fans
DenverFort CollinsBoulder
Mississippi
7.5
/10
Colorado
9.5
/10
Gardener
Mississippi
9
/10
Colorado
5.5
/10
Mississippi
Giving up
Natchez Pilgrimage blooms, Madison azaleas, porch gossip.
Colorado
Gaining
Denver Botanic Gardens inspire but short season and altitude challenge.
Recommended CO cities/areas for Garden Club Lifetime Members
Fort CollinsDurango
Mississippi
9
/10
Colorado
5.5
/10
Homesteading
Mississippi
9.5
/10
Colorado
7
/10
Mississippi
Giving up
Acreage, chicken coops, Homochitto National Forest weekends.
Colorado
Gaining
Land available but high prices and altitude challenge newcomers.
Recommended CO cities/areas for Homesteaders
San Luis Valleyrural Western Slopes
Mississippi
9.5
/10
Colorado
7
/10
Stay At Home Moms
Mississippi
8.5
/10
Colorado
6.5
/10
Mississippi
Giving up
Top schools, Ross Barnett Reservoir parks, Saturday SEC fun.
Colorado
Gaining
Family suburbs thrive but expensive housing squeezes budgets tight.
Recommended CO cities/areas for Stay at Home Moms
Castle RockHighlands RanchFort Collins
Mississippi
8.5
/10
Colorado
6.5
/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 Mississippi and living in Colorado
MississippiColorado
How the Way Locals Eat Compares Between MS and Colorado
Eating Like a Local in Mississippi
When you're in Mississippi, it's essential that you "get in a pinch" and suck some guts out of a crawfish at least once. Wear a shirt you can get messy, and don't even think about donning one of those plastic bibs--the locals will definitely lose respect for you.
Katherine MinesMississippi 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 Colorado a More Tax-Friendly State for Your Tax Life?
Mississippi
Colorado
MississippivsColorado
State Income Tax
State Income TaxFlat 5% phasing toward 4% by 2026
Flat 4.4% on all income
Mississippi
Flat 5% phasing toward 4% by 2026
VS
Colorado
Flat 4.4% on all income
Property Taxes
Property TaxesJackson millage higher, Madison and Rankin moderate, Gulf Coast manageable, rural counties lower
Broomfield and Boulder areas higher, rural counties lower
Mississippi
Jackson millage higher, Madison and Rankin moderate, Gulf Coast manageable, rural counties lower
VS
Colorado
Broomfield and Boulder areas higher, rural counties lower
The Honest People, Politics, & Religion Comparison: MS vs Colorado
Mississippi
Colorado
MississippivsColorado
People
PeopleIn no hurry, deeply hospitable, church supper devotees, porch chat pros, generous to neighbors and newcomers alike
Casual and low-key, friendly but hands-off, and deeply appreciative of sunshine and flexible plans
Mississippi
In no hurry, deeply hospitable, church supper devotees, porch chat pros, generous to neighbors and newcomers alike
VS
Colorado
Casual and low-key, friendly but hands-off, and deeply appreciative of sunshine and flexible plans
Politics
Solidly conservative statewide, with blue pockets in Jackson, the Delta, Oxford, Starkville
Purple turned blue, Front Range liberal, Western Slope conservative
Mississippi
Solidly conservative statewide, with blue pockets in Jackson, the Delta, Oxford, Starkville
VS
Colorado
Purple turned blue, Front Range liberal, Western Slope conservative
Religion
ReligionMostly Protestant Baptist and nondenominational, strong Black churches, more Catholic and Pentecostal presence on Coast
Mostly Christian with large unaffiliated population, growing secular
Mississippi
Mostly Protestant Baptist and nondenominational, strong Black churches, more Catholic and Pentecostal presence on Coast
VS
Colorado
Mostly Christian with large unaffiliated population, growing secular
Leaving MS Summers Behind: What Colorado Climate Actually Looks Like
SUMMER
Mississippi
swamp sauna deluxe (Delta sizzles, Biloxi breathes through a wet towel)
Colorado
crispy mornings, scorching afternoons (90s on the Front Range)
WINTER
Mississippi
light-medium jacket weather, long pants optional (Tupelo gets surprise ice, the Coast freaks out when temps dip below 60)
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 Mississippi, 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
