Moving from Colorado Springs, CO to Santa Clara, CA
It is 1350 mi between Colorado Springs and Santa Clara β roughly 23h 25m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1350 mi Β· 23h 25m by car Β· CO β WY β UT β NV β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CO β WY β UT β NV β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 25, I 680 |
| Major cities en route | Centennial, Aurora, Lakewood, Denver, Thornton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Colorado Springs | Santa Clara | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.707 | 110.423 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.195 | 156.659 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 116.207 | 211.901 | 100.0 |
Santa Clara runs about 9.6% more expensive overall than Colorado Springs β RPP 100.707 β 110.423.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $449,452 in Colorado Springs to $1,782,192 in Santa Clara, a 9.6% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Colorado Springs -2.2%, Santa Clara -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Colorado Springs | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 42Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 15.9" | 13.5" |
Annual temperature rises 10.2Β°F moving to Santa Clara per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: COLORADO SPRINGS MUNI AP, CO US, SAN JOSE, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Colorado Springs | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 483,099 | 129,239 |
| Median household income | $83,198 | $173,670 |
| Median age | 35.6 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.66 |
Santa Clara households earn about 9.6% more than Colorado Springs at the median β $83,198 β $173,670 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Santa Clara MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 161,790 | $175,110 |
| Management Occupations | 119,300 | $206,650 |
| Software Developers | 96,590 | $199,100 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 93,740 | $59,850 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 90,500 | $120,970 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Dry climate: Santa Clara sees only 13.5 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.2Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Santa Clara compare to Colorado Springs?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $81,470 in the Santa Clara MSA vs $49,310 in the Colorado Springs MSA, on total employment of 1,141,820 and 310,390 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Santa Clara, CA from Colorado Springs, CO?
The driving distance is 1350 mi and the route typically takes 23h 25m via I 80 and I 25. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Colorado Springs vs Santa Clara?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $173,670 in Santa Clara vs $83,198 in Colorado Springs β a 108.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Santa Clara compared to Colorado Springs?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,782,192 in Santa Clara vs $449,452 in Colorado Springs β a 296.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Colorado Springs to Santa Clara?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1350 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Santa Clara more expensive than Colorado Springs?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Santa Clara is 9.6% higher than Colorado Springs (110.423 vs 100.707, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Colorado Springs.
City profiles: Colorado Springs, CO Β· Santa Clara, CA.