Moving from Arvada, CO to El Paso, TX
A move from Arvada, CO to El Paso, TX covers 643 mi and around 12h 33m of driving through 3 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
643 mi · 12h 33m by car · TX → NM → CO
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → NM → CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 25, US 54, US 84 |
| Major cities en route | Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Centennial, Aurora, Denver |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Arvada | El Paso | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 89.912 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 82.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 71.248 | 100.0 |
El Paso is 15.0% cheaper than Arvada overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in El Paso is 15.0% below Arvada — $616,566 vs $234,775 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Arvada -2.5%, El Paso +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Arvada | El Paso |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 66°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 35°F |
| July avg high | 88°F | 96°F |
| Annual snowfall | 75.5" | 2.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 17.1" | 8.8" |
El Paso runs 15.9°F warmer on the annual average (50.3°F vs 66.2°F) — a climate shift you will feel in cooling bills and wardrobe alike.
El Paso averages 2.8 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WHEAT RIDGE 2, CO US, EL PASO INTL AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Arvada | El Paso |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 122,835 | 678,147 |
| Median household income | $113,396 | $58,734 |
| Median age | 40.2 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 31.7% | 18.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.8 |
Median household income in El Paso is 15.0% below Arvada ($113,396 vs $58,734, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in El Paso MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 44,500 | $35,550 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 34,790 | $23,150 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 32,160 | $33,850 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 31,050 | $28,800 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 23,040 | $61,670 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April — check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in El Paso average 96°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: El Paso sees only 8.8 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 (15.9°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Arvada to El Paso?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 643 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in El Paso compared to Arvada?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $234,775 in El Paso vs $616,566 in Arvada — a 61.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is El Paso, TX from Arvada, CO?
The driving distance is 643 mi and the route typically takes 12h 33m via I 25 and US 54. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Arvada vs El Paso?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,734 in El Paso vs $113,396 in Arvada — a 48.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in El Paso compare to Arvada?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $36,000 in the El Paso MSA vs $58,490 in the Arvada MSA, on total employment of 323,310 and 1,590,330 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Arvada and El Paso?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.2°F in El Paso vs 50.3°F in Arvada (15.9°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 2.8 in vs 75.5 in. Annual precipitation: 8.8 in vs 17.1 in.
Is El Paso more expensive than Arvada?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in El Paso is 15.0% lower than Arvada (89.912 vs 105.782, 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 Arvada.
City profiles: Arvada, CO · El Paso, TX.