Moving from San Francisco, CA, to Denver, CO

Adjust to the higher elevation in Denver

Moving from San Francisco to Denver will bring lifestyle changes, including adjusting to a higher elevation, as the city is one mile above sea level.

Denver has around 716,000 people living within city limits, fewer than San Francisco, which has 874,000 residents. Denver’s metro population is around 3.1 million people, nearly one-third the size of San Francisco’s metro population of 9.55 million people.

Keep reading to learn what else to expect when relocating from the West Coast to “The Mile-High City.”

Prepare for colder winters

Denver’s climate is semi-arid and experiences all four seasons with yearly temperatures ranging from 18 to 89 degrees. San Francisco is known for milder weather, with summer highs around 70 degrees and winter lows around 46 degrees. 

Expect fewer rainy days in Denver, which averages only 17 inches per year, compared to 25 inches annually in San Francisco. In the winter, Denver averages 60 inches of snow, but icy precipitation is rare in San Francisco.

Sunshine is abundant in Denver, with 245 sunny days per year compared to 259 sunny days in San Francisco.

Experience the city

Denver is an excellent city for those who seek outdoor recreation and beautiful mountain views. Don’t miss these excellent outdoor attractions in or near the city:

  • Denver Botanic Gardens
  • Denver Zoo
  • Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway (formerly known as Mount Evans)
  • Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
  • Rocky Mountain National Park (only 71 miles away!)
  • Sloan’s Lake Park

Want some time indoors? The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, the Downtown Aquarium and the Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus are sure to please.

Working in Denver

Denver's cost of living is lower than in San Francisco. Although Denver’s living costs have increased over the past few years, the tax rates and real estate prices are still considerably lower than those in the San Francisco area.

Denver's job market is healthy. Some of the largest job sectors include construction, clean energy, education, healthcare, retail, technology and tourism.

Move to Colorado with U-Pack

U-Pack® is the best choice for a stress-free move from San Francisco to Denver through our service center locations across the country. Just handle packing, loading and unloading, and then we’ll transport your things to Colorado. Get a free moving quote and see your price instantly, or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant. We’re ready to help!