Here is the Ultimate Moving Guide for relocating from Aurora, Colorado to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Ultimate Moving Guide: Aurora, CO to Philadelphia, PA

Moving from Aurora to Philadelphia is not just a change of address; it is a complete lifestyle recalibration. You are trading the high-altitude, sprawling openness of the Front Range for the dense, historic, and gritty energy of the East Coast. This guide is designed to be your honest, data-backed roadmap through that transition. We will compare the two cities head-to-head, look at what you will miss, what you will gain, and how to navigate the logistics of a roughly 1,700-mile relocation.

1. The Vibe Shift: From the Plains to the Rowhome

The Pace and Culture
In Aurora, the vibe is defined by space, nature, and a relatively relaxed, suburban-to-rural sprawl. Life moves at a pace dictated by the mountains and the weather. Philadelphia, conversely, is a city of density and history. It is the "Sixth Borough" of New York but with a distinct, unpretentious personality.

You are trading the "Where are you from?" culture of the West—where everyone is a transplant—for the "What high school did you go to?" culture of the East. Philly is deeply rooted. It is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own identity, and residents take immense pride in their specific block.

The People
Aurora residents are generally known for their outdoorsy, active lifestyles. The social scene often revolves around hiking, skiing, or brewery patios. Philadelphians are more likely to gather on front stoops, in corner bars, or at massive public events like tailgating at a Phillies or Eagles game. Philly people are famously direct—often described as "gruff" but incredibly loyal once you break the ice. You will lose the polite distance of the West and gain the brash, authentic warmth of the East.

The Trade-off

• You Gain: Walkability, distinct seasons (with vibrant falls), world-class history at your doorstep, and a culinary scene that is arguably the most underrated in America (cheesesteaks are just the beginning).
• You Miss: The panoramic mountain views, the 300+ days of sunshine, and the ability to drive anywhere without hitting traffic (Philly traffic is aggressive, but it’s a different beast than the I-225 gridlock).

2. Cost of Living Comparison: The Financial Reality

This is where the move gets serious. While Philadelphia is a major city, it is significantly more affordable than New York or Boston, and it competes surprisingly well with Aurora, especially when you factor in taxes.

Housing: Rent and Home Prices
Aurora has seen housing costs rise sharply due to the Denver metro boom, but Philadelphia remains one of the most affordable large cities on the East Coast.

• Aurora: The median home value is approximately $450,000. Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment averages around $1,600 - $1,800.
• Philadelphia: The median home value is approximately $250,000. Rent for a 1-bedroom averages $1,400 - $1,600.

While the rent prices look similar, the value in Philly is different. In Aurora, your rent gets you a modern apartment complex with amenities (pool, gym) in a sprawling complex. In Philadelphia, that same $1,600 gets you a historic rowhome or a loft-style apartment in a vibrant neighborhood, but you may sacrifice in-unit laundry or a dishwasher.

The Tax Hammer: A Critical Difference
This is the single most important financial factor. Colorado has a flat income tax rate of 4.4%. Pennsylvania has a flat income tax rate of 3.07%. However, the difference lies in local taxation.

• Aurora: Residents pay a 2% local income tax.
• Philadelphia: Residents pay a Wage Tax (currently 3.79% for residents) on top of the state tax.

The Math:

• Aurora Total Income Tax: 4.4% (State) + 2.0% (Local) = 6.4%
• Philadelphia Total Income Tax: 3.07% (State) + 3.79% (Local) = 6.86%

While the difference seems marginal (0.46%), it hits harder because Philadelphia’s sales tax is 8% (compared to Aurora’s 8.5% - 9.5% depending on special districts). However, the biggest savings come from property taxes. Philadelphia’s effective property tax rate is roughly 1.3%, while Colorado’s is around 0.5%. If you are buying a home, this is a massive consideration.

Utilities
Expect a shift here. Aurora’s heating costs are high due to cold winters, but electricity is cheaper. In Philadelphia, heating is expensive (natural gas is standard), and cooling is a necessity in the humid summers. However, water and internet costs are generally comparable.

3. Logistics: The Cross-Country Move

The Distance
You are driving approximately 1,700 miles. This is a 24-to-26-hour drive non-stop. Realistically, this is a 3 to 4-day drive if you are doing it yourself.

Moving Options: DIY vs. Packers

• DIY (Rental Truck): For a 2-3 bedroom home, a U-Haul 26-foot truck will cost roughly $1,800 - $2,500 for the rental, plus gas (expect $600-$800 for the trip) and hotels/food. This is the budget option but physically exhausting.
• Professional Movers: Full-service movers for this distance will range from $6,000 to $10,000+ depending on volume. Given the density of Philadelphia, hiring professionals is highly recommended. Navigating a 26-foot truck through narrow Philly streets is a nightmare; professionals know how to handle "Philly narrow."

What to Get Rid Of (The Purge List)

• Winter Gear: Do not get rid of winter clothes. Philadelphia winters are wet, windy, and can drop into the teens. However, you can ditch the heavy-duty sub-zero gear (rated below -20°F). You need a quality waterproof coat, layers, and waterproof boots.
• The Snow Blower: Unless you are buying a house with a long driveway in the suburbs (like Manayunk or Mount Airy), you will not need a snow blower. Philadelphia relies on plows and shovels.
• The Garage Gym: If you have a large home gym setup, assess your new space. Philly rowhomes have narrow staircases and small basements. You may need to downsize equipment.
• SUV/Truck Necessity: In Aurora, a large SUV is standard for mountain trips. In Philadelphia, a large car is a liability. Parking is scarce, streets are tight, and garage fees are high ($250-$400/month). Consider downsizing to a compact sedan or crossover.

4. Neighborhoods to Target: Finding Your Vibe

Aurora is vast, comprising distinct "pockets" (like Cherry Creek, Saddle Rock, or Heather Gardens). Philadelphia is a city of distinct neighborhoods. Here is how to translate your Aurora lifestyle to Philly.

If you lived in: Saddle Rock or Murphy Creek (Suburban, Golf, Quiet)

• Target: Mount Airy or Chestnut Hill.
  • Why: These Northwest Philly neighborhoods feel like suburbs within the city. They are leafy, quiet, and filled with historic homes. Mount Airy is famously integrated and community-oriented, much like the family-centric vibe of suburban Aurora. You get the peace without the commute of living in the actual suburbs.

If you lived in: Downtown Aurora or near the Aurora Cultural Arts District (Urban, Walkable, Trendy)

• Target: Fishtown or Northern Liberties.
  • Why: This is the Brooklyn of Philadelphia. It’s packed with converted industrial lofts, new construction condos, breweries, and coffee shops. It’s highly walkable, transit-accessible, and has a young, professional demographic. It matches the energy of living near the Anschutz Medical Campus but with a grittier, cooler edge.

If you lived in: East Aurora or near the Plains (Budget-Friendly, Diverse)

• Target: West Philadelphia (specifically Spruce Hill or Cedar Park).
  • Why: West Philly is vibrant, diverse, and more affordable than Center City. It’s home to the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel, giving it an intellectual, progressive energy. You’ll find great ethnic food (specifically West African and Caribbean) and a strong sense of community.

If you lived in: Cherry Creek North (Luxury, High-End Retail)

• Target: Rittenhouse Square or Fitler Square.
  • Why: This is the pinnacle of Philadelphia luxury. Rittenhouse Square is the city’s "living room," surrounded by high-end boutiques, luxury high-rises, and fine dining. It’s walkable, clean, and expensive. It offers the prestige of Cherry Creek with the walkability of a true urban center.

5. The Verdict: Why Make This Move?

Moving from Aurora to Philadelphia is a move from expansion to concentration.

You are leaving a city defined by its proximity to nature and its horizontal sprawl for a city defined by its history, its density, and its vertical energy. You are trading the dry heat of summer for the oppressive humidity of the East Coast (and the glorious crispness of an autumn you’ve only seen in movies).

The Financial Verdict: If you are a homeowner, the math is complex due to property taxes. If you are a renter, you will likely find comparable pricing but in a more walkable, historic setting.

The Lifestyle Verdict: You will gain a world-class cultural scene (museums, theater, music), a food scene that rivals any major city, and a transit system (SEPTA) that, while flawed, is infinitely better than RTD for city living. You will lose easy access to hiking and skiing, but you will gain the ability to take a train to NYC, DC, or the Jersey Shore in under two hours.

Final Advice: Embrace the stoop culture. Buy a waterproof jacket. Learn the difference between a Wawa and a Sheetz (it’s a holy war). And prepare yourself for a city that doesn’t care about your Instagram feed—it cares about whether you can hold your own in a conversation. Welcome to Philly.