Moving guide · Alberta → Colorado

Moving from Calgary to Denver

A sunny city base for mountain weekends. Here's how life in Denver compares with Calgary, and what changes when you cross the border.

Denver is roughly 7°C warmer than Calgary in January (about -7°C → 0°C), with around 88 fewer sunny days. A typical home costs roughly 28% more in Denver (about C$640,000 vs US$600,000, compared at a sample exchange rate), and everyday costs in Denver are above the US average. For lifestyle, you gain remote-work hub and leave behind golf. (Approximate figures.)

Weather
January average
-7°C → 0°C (+7°)
July average
17°C → 24°C (+7°)
Sunny days a year
333 → 245
Snow a year
128 → 140 cm
Money (approximate)
Cost of living index
105 → 110
Typical home
C$640,000 → US$600,000
Property tax rate
0.65% → 0.55%
Provincial or state income tax
Low → Low
Health care in Denver
Private, ~US$520/mo (approx.)
Getting around in Denver
Airport
35 min
Ski hill
1h 30m
Beach or lake
30 min
Main industries
Aerospace, tech, energy
Lifestyle and risks
You gain
Remote-work hub
You leave behind
Golf
Wildfire: Moderate Flood: Low Heat: Low
Crossing the border

Moving from Canada to the USA

Staying vs. moving
As a visitor you can usually spend up to about 6 months a year in the US. Living or working there full time needs a visa or green card (TN, E-2, L-1, H-1B and others).
Mortgages
US lenders often want a larger down payment from Canadians and may need an ITIN or US credit. Some Canadian banks have US arms that use your Canadian credit history.
Taxes
Plan for both countries: US property tax, state income tax, and Canadian departure-tax rules if you become a non-resident. Selling later can trigger US withholding (FIRPTA).
Health care
Provincial coverage usually ends after a long absence. Budget for US health insurance from day one.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm your situation with a licensed immigration lawyer and cross-border tax adviser.
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Climate, cost and risk figures are approximate and for comparison only. Prices are in each place's local currency.

Moving from Calgary to Denver · Pinned