Moving to Colorado Springs: A Complete Guide

Thinking about moving to Colorado Springs? Colorado’s second largest city is so much more than Denver’s neighbor to the south. Called “The Springs” by locals, Colorado Springs has endless outdoor adventures, stunning views, and big city convenience.

With over 75 years of moving expertise, U-Haul knows what it takes to relocate to Colorado. This complete guide covers everything you need to know about life in Colorado Springs and how to get there. 

Cost of Living in COS

Colorado Springs has a slightly higher cost of living than the U.S. overall, but it’s more affordable than most large cities. Additionally, the median salary in COS is 7% higher than the national median. 

Housing

Colorado Springs’ median rent is $1,648. The median home value is $460,900, but keep in mind that real estate prices vary greatly depending on the neighborhood. 

Utilities & Food

Monthly utilities for a single adult cost around $130, while monthly food expenses are about $360 per person.

Transportation

With spread out geography and unpredictable weather, most COS residents choose to drive. The lack of walkability and public transportation in the area also influence people to drive. Luckily, gas prices are typically lower than the national average, and the standard commute time is just under 25 minutes.

Transportation Tips: 

• You’ll probably want AWD or 4WD if you’re planning on lots of outdoor adventures. 
• Be prepared to drive in various weather conditions. Winter ice is hard on the roads and requires careful driving.

Picking your COS Neighborhood

Young professionals: Check out the neighborhoods bordering downtown Colorado Springs. Both Old North End and Shooks Run have historical charm and easy access to downtown, but Shooks Run is more affordable. Old Colorado City (OCC) on the westside is a vibrant neighborhood with beautiful parks and a quaint downtown of its own.

‘Keep Manitou Weird’: The Manitou Springs neighborhood stands out for its proximity to the great outdoors, particularly Pike’s Peak. The area is also known for its creative, laid-back vibes, and funky houses. 

Families and Retirees: Monument and Black Forest (aka. The Forest) are great for families and retirees alike. For parents, both neighborhoods have highly-rated public schools. Black forest offers a more rural feel with large lots, rolling hills, and pine trees. Monument, on the other hand, is a quaint suburban area located near several lakes.

How to Prepare for Your Move to Colorado Springs

Timeline: 

• Visiting Colorado Springs 1-2 months before your move is a great way to get to know the neighborhoods and look at potential homes. This is also a good time to go through your belongings and declutter.
• Start sorting out the details of your move a few weeks in advance. This includes:
• Reserving moving rentals like a U-Haul truck or U-Box containers. 
• Ordering packing supplies online, or picking them up at a local U-Haul center.
• Notifying your current property manager, and transferring utilities.
• Setting up mail forwarding with the postal service, and changing your address with your bank, employer, etc.

What U-Haul Equipment Should You Use? 

• Studios & 1 Bedrooms: A 10ft moving truck is a good fit.
• Larger Apartments: Use a 15ft or 20ft moving truck.
• Homes (2-3 bedrooms): Get extra room with a 26’ truck. 
• Easily transport your vehicle with Auto Transport services.
• If you need storage during your move: try U-Box Containers for a stress-free alternative.

Tips for Your Move to Colorado Springs: 

• You’ll get better deals on rentals and home purchases in the winter. Moving in the winter will be more difficult than in the warmer months, due to ice and cold weather–but with this guide, it’s doable. 
• We recommend moving with a job lined up, since the Colorado Springs job market can be difficult depending on what field you’re in. 
• Be prepared for spotty cell service. No matter which carrier you have, cell service coverage is limited due to the landscape. 

Life in COS

Once a humble resort town, The Springs has grown into a big city—but it still retains its down-to-earth atmosphere. 

The COS Environment 

Colorado Springs is truly the outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. There is no shortage of natural wonders from Pike’s Peak, which overlooks the city, to Garden of the Gods. The area provides world class hiking, rock climbing, rafting, mountain biking, and more–all within reach of the city. 

COS is renowned for its near perfect seasons and 300 annual days of sunshine. Summers aren’t overly hot and winters have limited snowfall–with easy access to snowier areas. Additionally, the dry, high-elevation air keeps bugs at bay year round. 

COS Culture

Aside from the great outdoors, COS offers trendy craft breweries, diverse cuisine options, and old west history. The city also known for being very pet-friendly. 

Military Presence 

Defense and Military is one of COS’ main industries. The area has 5 military installations, including the Air Force Academy. 

If you’re relocating to Colorado Springs as an active duty service member, U-Haul Military Moves is here to support you and your family. Military Moves provides affordable, nationwide moving and storage solutions for service members.

Make Moving Easier with U-Haul

Whether you're a nature lover, a military service member, a family seeking a fresh start—or all three, U-Haul is here to make your move easy!

Moving Truck Rentals: With different truck sizes and convenient pickup locations throughout the Denver area, U-Haul moving trucks make moving on your own easy. 

Self-Storage: Need extra space during or after the move? Our self-storage facilities allow you to store items short or long-term.

U-Box Containers: Simplify your move even more with U-Box portable moving containers. We deliver, you load at your own pace, and then we ship it to your new address or store it until you're ready.

Moving Supplies: From moving boxes to mattress bags – we’ve got everything you need. Order online or visit a nearby U-Haul center.

Moving Help: Save your back and your time with Moving Help, which connects you with local labor services to help load and unload your stuff.