Moving from Colorado Springs, CO to Mesa, AZ
Relocating 786 mi from Colorado Springs to Mesa is a 14h 16m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
786 mi Β· 14h 16m by car Β· AZ β NM β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 25, AZ 77, I 40 |
| Major cities en route | Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Phoenix, Glendale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Colorado Springs | Mesa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.707 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.195 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 116.207 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 100.707 vs 103.316 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $449,452 vs $435,134.
YoY change: Colorado Springs -2.2%, Mesa -1.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Colorado Springs | Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 72Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 41Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 106Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 15.9" | 10.8" |
Expect 21.8Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: COLORADO SPRINGS MUNI AP, CO US, E MESA, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Colorado Springs | Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 483,099 | 507,478 |
| Median household income | $83,198 | $78,779 |
| Median age | 35.6 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 20.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.59 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 2.6% lower in Mesa than Colorado Springs.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Mesa MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- 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 β 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 Mesa average 106Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Mesa sees only 10.8 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 (21.8Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Colorado Springs vs Mesa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $78,779 in Mesa vs $83,198 in Colorado Springs β a 5.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Mesa more expensive than Colorado Springs?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mesa is 2.6% higher than Colorado Springs (103.316 vs 100.707, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Colorado Springs to Mesa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 786 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Mesa compared to Colorado Springs?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $435,134 in Mesa vs $449,452 in Colorado Springs β a 3.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Mesa compare to Colorado Springs?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Mesa MSA vs $49,310 in the Colorado Springs MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 310,390 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Mesa, AZ from Colorado Springs, CO?
The driving distance is 786 mi and the route typically takes 14h 16m via I 25 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
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· Mesa, AZ.