Moving from El Paso, TX to Colorado Springs, CO
It is 560 mi between El Paso and Colorado Springs — roughly 11h 1m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 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.
560 mi · 11h 1m 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 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| El Paso | Colorado Springs | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.912 | 100.707 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.585 | 83.195 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 96.052 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.248 | 116.207 | 100.0 |
Colorado Springs runs about 12.0% more expensive overall than El Paso — RPP 89.912 → 100.707.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $234,775 in El Paso to $449,452 in Colorado Springs, a 12.0% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: El Paso +1.4%, Colorado Springs -2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | El Paso | Colorado Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 35°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 96°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.8" | 32.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.8" | 15.9" |
Annual average temperature drops 15.7°F — 66.2°F in El Paso vs 50.5°F in Colorado Springs, per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Colorado Springs sees 32.5 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: EL PASO INTL AP, TX US, COLORADO SPRINGS MUNI AP, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | El Paso | Colorado Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 678,147 | 483,099 |
| Median household income | $58,734 | $83,198 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 35.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.3% | 25.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.8 | 2.44 |
Colorado Springs households earn about 12.0% more than El Paso at the median — $58,734 → $83,198 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Colorado Springs MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 36,150 | $44,860 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 31,520 | $34,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 30,370 | $38,520 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 26,830 | $79,240 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 21,400 | $37,380 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Colorado Springs averages 32.5 in annually vs 2.8 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (15.7°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Colorado Springs more expensive than El Paso?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Colorado Springs is 12.0% higher than El Paso (100.707 vs 89.912, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in El Paso vs Colorado Springs?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $83,198 in Colorado Springs vs $58,734 in El Paso — a 41.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from El Paso to Colorado Springs?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 560 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between El Paso and Colorado Springs?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.5°F in Colorado Springs vs 66.2°F in El Paso (15.7°F colder). Annual snowfall: 32.5 in vs 2.8 in. Annual precipitation: 15.9 in vs 8.8 in.
How does the job market in Colorado Springs compare to El Paso?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,310 in the Colorado Springs MSA vs $36,000 in the El Paso MSA, on total employment of 310,390 and 323,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Colorado Springs, CO from El Paso, TX?
The driving distance is 560 mi and the route typically takes 11h 1m via I 25 and US 54. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Colorado Springs compared to El Paso?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $449,452 in Colorado Springs vs $234,775 in El Paso — a 91.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from El Paso.
City profiles: El Paso, TX · Colorado Springs, CO.