Moving from Colorado to Prescott, Arizona
Coloradans moving to Prescott get a familiar mountain-town lifestyle (Prescott sits about a mile high) with much milder winters and less snow. Taxes are fairly similar: Colorado's flat 4.4% after its retirement subtraction vs. Arizona's flat 2.5%, with comparable property tax rates. Most clients make the move for the weather and the slower pace.
If you love Colorado but you're tired of shoveling, Prescott might be your sweet spot. We're about the same elevation as Denver, with pines, granite and trails everywhere, but our winters are shorter and gentler, and the pace is a lot slower than the Front Range.
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What changes when you move from Colorado to Prescott
Winters
Prescott averages roughly a foot or so of snow a year, and it usually melts within a day or two.
Elevation
About 5,400 feet, so your lungs (and your golf drives) will feel right at home.
Taxes
Colorado's flat 4.4% applies after a retirement subtraction of up to $24,000 per person at 65+. Arizona's is a flat 2.5%. Property tax rates are similar.
Pace & traffic
Small-town Prescott has none of the I-25 traffic. Everything is about 10–20 minutes away.
Outdoors
Trails, lakes, and golf nearly year-round, plus Sedona and the Grand Canyon within day-trip range.
Getting back
Prescott's airport has direct United flights to Denver, so it's easy to visit family.
Colorado vs. Prescott: taxes for retirees
Pensions, IRA and 401(k) withdrawals. Leave out Social Security; Arizona doesn't tax it.
Add your actual bill for a truer comparison, especially if you've owned a long time (hello, Prop 13).
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For illustration only, not tax advice. It assumes age 65+ and that your income is pension/IRA withdrawals, and uses approximate 2024–2026 state rules and standard deductions plus median effective property tax rates (Ownwell, 2025–26); Prescott uses Yavapai County's ~0.46%. It leaves out credits, local add-ons and your specific situation. Please confirm with your CPA.
Where to start your Prescott search
Moving from Colorado to Prescott: quick answers
Does Prescott get as much snow as Denver?
No. Prescott gets far less, roughly a foot or so in a typical year, and it usually melts within a day or two.
Are taxes lower in Arizona than Colorado?
Somewhat. Arizona's income tax is a flat 2.5% vs. Colorado's flat 4.4% (after a retirement subtraction up to $24,000 per person at 65+). Neither taxes Social Security for retirees 65+, and property tax rates are comparable.
Can I fly from Prescott to Denver?
Yes. United offers direct flights between Prescott and Denver.
