Moving from Colorado Springs, CO to Sunnyvale, CA
Relocating 1351 mi from Colorado Springs to Sunnyvale is a 23h 25m drive through 5 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.
1351 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 | Sunnyvale | 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 |
Overall prices come in 9.6% above Colorado Springs β 100.707 β 110.423 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
9.6% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Colorado Springs -2.2%, Sunnyvale -0.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Colorado Springs | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 42Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 15.9" | 13.5" |
Expect 9.4Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: COLORADO SPRINGS MUNI AP, CO US, MOFFETT FEDERAL AIRFIELD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Colorado Springs | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 483,099 | 153,455 |
| Median household income | $83,198 | $181,862 |
| Median age | 35.6 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 30.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.61 |
Expect median household income to rise 9.6% β $83,198 β $181,862 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Sunnyvale 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: Sunnyvale sees only 13.5 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Sunnyvale compare to Colorado Springs?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $81,470 in the Sunnyvale 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.
Is Sunnyvale more expensive than Colorado Springs?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Sunnyvale 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.
How much do homes cost in Sunnyvale compared to Colorado Springs?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $2,168,909 in Sunnyvale vs $449,452 in Colorado Springs β a 382.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Colorado Springs vs Sunnyvale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $181,862 in Sunnyvale vs $83,198 in Colorado Springs β a 118.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Colorado Springs to Sunnyvale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1351 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Sunnyvale, CA from Colorado Springs, CO?
The driving distance is 1351 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.
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· Sunnyvale, CA.