Moving from Sterling Heights, MI to Colorado Springs, CO
It is 1351 mi between Sterling Heights and Colorado Springs — roughly 24h 7m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 6 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.
1351 mi · 24h 7m by car · CO → NE → IA → IL → IN → MI
Distance & route
| Route through | CO → NE → IA → IL → IN → MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 76, I 94 |
| Major cities en route | Centennial, Lakewood, Aurora, Denver, Thornton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sterling Heights | Colorado Springs | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.298 | 100.707 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.988 | 83.195 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 98.817 | 96.052 | 100.0 |
| Services | 94.69 | 116.207 | 100.0 |
Sterling Heights and Colorado Springs sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP — the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $306,785 in Sterling Heights to $449,452 in Colorado Springs, a 0.4% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Sterling Heights +3.5%, Colorado Springs -2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Sterling Heights | Colorado Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49°F | 51°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 82°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.2" | 32.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.0" | 15.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 48.7°F vs 50.5°F 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: MT CLEMENS ANG BASE, MI US, COLORADO SPRINGS MUNI AP, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sterling Heights | Colorado Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 133,473 | 483,099 |
| Median household income | $78,429 | $83,198 |
| Median age | 41.5 | 35.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.5% | 25.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.44 |
Households in Colorado Springs earn about 0.4% more at the median — ACS 5-year 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 Michigan 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
- 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.
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Colorado Springs averages 32.5 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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
How far is Colorado Springs, CO from Sterling Heights, MI?
The driving distance is 1351 mi and the route typically takes 24h 7m via I 80 and I 76. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Sterling Heights and Colorado Springs?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.5°F in Colorado Springs vs 48.7°F in Sterling Heights (1.8°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 32.5 in vs 32.2 in. Annual precipitation: 15.9 in vs 35.0 in.
When is the best time to move from Sterling Heights 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 1351 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Colorado Springs compare to Sterling Heights?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,310 in the Colorado Springs MSA vs $48,950 in the Sterling Heights MSA, on total employment of 310,390 and 1,900,180 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Sterling Heights vs Colorado Springs?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $83,198 in Colorado Springs vs $78,429 in Sterling Heights — a 6.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Colorado Springs more expensive than Sterling Heights?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Colorado Springs is 0.4% higher than Sterling Heights (100.707 vs 100.298, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Colorado Springs compared to Sterling Heights?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $449,452 in Colorado Springs vs $306,785 in Sterling Heights — a 46.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Sterling Heights.
City profiles: Sterling Heights, MI · Colorado Springs, CO.