Moving from Colorado to Vermont
Moving from Colorado to Vermont is a long-haul, cross-country move of about 2,102 miles. At that distance most people hire professional movers and fly to their new home — this checklist covers every step of a long-distance relocation.
Generate My ChecklistCO vs VT at a Glance
Income Tax
Sales Tax
Time Zone
You'll be changing time zones
Distance
Moving Cost
Professional move, 2–3 BR home. Summer +20–30%.
What This Move Means for You
Modest cost-of-living shift
Overall costs in Vermont are about 11% higher than in Colorado — enough to notice on housing, but not a dramatic change.
Higher income tax
Vermont's top income tax rate (~8.75%) is higher than Colorado's (~4.4%). The difference shows up in every paycheck.
Higher property taxes
Vermont's effective property tax rate (1.51%) is higher than Colorado's (0.5%). If you plan to buy, weigh the extra annual cost into your budget.
Wetter climate
Vermont gets about 20" more precipitation a year than Colorado. Waterproof gear and covered parking are worth having on arrival.
Before You Leave Colorado
File Form DR 0104 with Schedule DR 0104PN
You are a part-year resident if you move out of Colorado to make your home somewhere else. Colorado taxes the income you earned while you lived here. It also taxes income from Colorado sources after you leave. File a part-year return if you must file a federal return or you owe Colorado tax. Attach the DR 0104PN to the DR 0104. The rate for tax year 2025 is a flat 4.4 percent.
Source: Colorado Department of Revenue, Individual Income Tax Guide (January 2026)Plan for 2 percent withholding if you sell a house after you move out
If you sell Colorado real property for more than $100,000 as a nonresident, the closing agent may withhold tax. The amount is 2 percent of the sales price or the net proceeds, whichever is less. There is an exception for a house that was your principal residence just before the sale and could qualify for the federal home sale exclusion. To use it, sign that affirmation on form DR 1083.
Source: Colorado Department of Revenue, Form DR 1083 (2025)Return or recycle your Colorado plates
When you no longer need the Colorado plates, return them to your county motor vehicle office. You can also recycle them with a service that takes metal. You may be able to use personalized plates on another vehicle. Ask your county motor vehicle office.
Source: Colorado DMV, License PlatesComplete a release of liability if you sell the vehicle
If you sell your vehicle before the move, complete a Release of Liability. You can do it through Colorado DMV online services.
Source: Colorado DMV, Vehicle RegistrationExpect mail ballots until your county knows you moved
Your county clerk mails you a ballot until it receives information that you moved out of state. You can have only one residence for voting. Withdraw your Colorado registration on the Secretary of State website. You can also mail the withdrawal form to your county clerk. Then register to vote in your new state.
Source: Colorado Secretary of State, Voter Registration FAQsYour Moving Timeline
8 Weeks Before
At about 2,102 miles (~38 hours of driving), most people book professional long-distance movers and fly rather than drive. Reserve movers 6–8 weeks out, especially in summer.
4 Weeks Before
Notify your utility providers, update your address with USPS, and begin packing non-essential items.
1 Week Before
Confirm with your movers, finish packing, clean your home, and prepare a moving day essentials bag.
Moving Day
Supervise loading, do a final walkthrough of your old home, and hand over the keys.
After the Move
Update your driver's license at the Vermont DMV, register to vote in VT, and set up your new utilities.
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Climate Comparison
Colorado
Semi-arid and alpine with cold winters, abundant sunshine, and warm summers.
Vermont
Humid continental with cold, snowy winters and mild summers.
Utilities & Cost of Living
Colorado
Vermont
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is it from Colorado to Vermont?
The driving distance from Colorado to Vermont is approximately 2,102 miles — about 38 hours of driving at highway speeds.
How much does it cost to move from Colorado to Vermont?
A professional interstate move from Colorado to Vermont typically costs between $5,500 and $10,000, depending on the size of your home and time of year.
- Summer moves (May–September) tend to cost 20–30% more.
What is the cost of living difference between Colorado and Vermont?
Colorado has a cost of living index of 101.8 versus 113 for Vermont (US average = 100).
- Overall, Vermont is about 11% higher than Colorado.
How do property taxes compare between Colorado and Vermont?
Colorado's effective property tax rate is about 0.5%, versus 1.51% in Vermont.
- On a typical home that difference raises your annual holding costs, so factor it in if you plan to buy.
How soon do I need to update my driver's license after moving to Vermont?
After establishing residency in Vermont, you have 60 days to update your driver's license at a Vermont DMV office.
- Vehicle registration is a separate transaction with its own deadline, which in most states differs from the license deadline — confirm both with the Vermont DMV before you go.
What is the climate like in Vermont?
Vermont has humid continental with cold, snowy winters and mild summers.
- The annual average temperature is 43°F, with about 37 inches of precipitation per year.
- Average monthly electricity bills run around $126.