Moving from Seattle, WA, to Denver, CO

Moving to the “Mile-High City”

Moving southeast 1,300 miles from Seattle to Denver takes you to a similarly sized city with a much higher altitude. Denver is known as the “Mile-High City” because its elevation is one mile above sea level. Because of this, you’ll need to prepare for higher-altitude living.

Denver has approximately 716,000 residents, compared to Seattle's 737,000. Denver’s metro area, with a population of 3 million, is significantly less populous than Seattle’s, which has over 4 million people.

Keep reading to learn more about life in Denver.

Invest in some heavy winter gear

Winter lows are much colder in Denver than Seattle, averaging around 18 degrees, compared to 36 degrees. While Seattle averages 5 inches of snow annually, snowfall reaches 60 inches in Denver, so you’ll want some heavy winter gear to brave the weather.

Summers are a bit warmer in Denver, with average highs in the low 80s, compared to 76 degrees in Seattle. You’ll also get to enjoy more sunshine, as Denver averages 245 sunny days annually, compared to only 152 in Seattle.

Denver’s annual rainfall averages around 17 inches, about half of Seattle's average of 38 inches. 

Family fun in Denver

If you're looking for family-friendly attractions, Denver has plenty to offer. The Children’s Museum of Denver offers interactive exhibits, and the Denver Botanical Gardens is perfect for enjoying natural beauty.

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science and the Denver Public Library are must-visit places. And be sure to visit the animals at the Denver Zoo. The Downtown Aquarium showcases marine life and offers unique dining experiences. 

Want a thrilling experience? Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park offers a variety of fun rides and water activities. Finally, don’t miss Red Rocks Park for stunning views.

Making a living in Denver

The cost of living in Denver is slightly lower than in Seattle, particularly in terms of housing prices. Unlike Washington State, Colorado does impose an income tax, a flat rate of 4.4% (as of 2025). However, sales tax in Denver is lower than what you’re used to in Seattle.

Technology and software development are typically the highest-paid industries in Denver. Also look for employment opportunities in these growing career fields: 

  • Aerospace
  • Biotechnology
  • Defense
  • Energy
  • Financial Services
  • Healthcare
  • Tourism.

Relocate to Colorado with U-Pack

Choose U-Pack® for a stress-free move from Seattle to Denver. We have service center locations nationwide, ready to assist you. Just handle packing, loading and unloading, then we’ll take care of transporting your things to Colorado. Get a free moving quote and see your price instantly, or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 if you’d prefer to speak to a moving consultant.