($755+) San Diego, CA to Aurora, CO Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from San Diego, CA to Aurora, CO

The cost to move from San Diego, CA to Aurora, CO ranges from $1,266 to $8,729, with an average cost of $3,150. Moves can be as low as $755 if you're wanting to DIY it.

This move covers about 1,096 miles and usually takes 2 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.

Compare moving options from San Diego, CA to Aurora, CO

Moving options from San Diego to Aurora fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,266 - $8,729 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,150, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,096 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days depending on the service you pick.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,096-mile route from San Diego to Aurora, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,266 - $4,857 $1,278 - $2,362 $733 - $1,350 $1,128 - $2,000
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,577 - $6,450 $1,533 - $3,157 $784 - $1,706 $1,252 - $2,706
4+ bedrooms $4,688 - $8,729 $2,071 - $4,335 $1,024 - $1,914 $1,708 - $3,230

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from San Diego, CA to Aurora, CO

For the 1,096-mile move from San Diego, California, to Aurora, Colorado, full-service movers cost between $1,266 and $8,729. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $428 - $2,852 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in San Diego generally start around $226 plus $200 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Diego to Aurora:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,266 - $4,857
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,577 - $6,450
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,688 - $8,729

Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from San Diego to Aurora.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Colorado. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.

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Specialty moving services from San Diego, CA to Aurora, CO

Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of San Diego movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Aurora, 87% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$713 - $7,130
Storage in transitNew place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: McCarthy Transfer & Storage$285 - $1,711/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$428 - $3,422
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage53% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs44% of local movers$1,426 - $4,278
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,565 - $14,260
Car shippingSecond vehicle$1,068 - $2,029
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items59% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: McCarthy Transfer & Storage$1,426 - $3,565
PianoAny piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: McCarthy Transfer & Storage$1,141 - $4,991
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling47% of local movers$428 - $2,139
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect41% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Cali Moving & Storage Corp$927 - $2,852
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$428 - $21,390+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$428 - $4,991+

What are the best full-service movers from San Diego to Aurora?

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in San Diego, CA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.

Moving container costs from San Diego, CA to Aurora, CO

Moving containers from San Diego, California, to Aurora, Colorado, cost between $1,278 and $4,335. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Aurora. If you go over that window, storage in San Diego adds around $100/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Diego to Aurora:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,278 - $2,362
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,533 - $3,157
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,071 - $4,335

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In San Diego, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $998, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $107 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $214 per month.
  • Access: Most major container companies serve both San Diego, CA, and Aurora, CO, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
  • Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Colorado move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.

Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,278. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,533 - $3,157, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers San Diego to Aurora?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)

Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in San Diego to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in San Diego:

  • McCarthy Transfer & Storage (4.8/5), 106 years in business
  • Cali Moving & Storage Corp (4.8/5), 10 years in business
  • TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 13 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from San Diego, CA to Aurora, CO

Truck rentals from San Diego, California, to Aurora, Colorado, range from $733 - $1,914 for the 1,096-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:

  • Fuel for the drive: $497 - $568
  • Daily insurance: $43/day
  • Equipment rentals: $10 - $29
  • San Diego daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from San Diego to Aurora based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $733 - $1,350
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $784 - $1,706
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,024 - $1,914

Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $733 - $1,914 does not include fuel ($497 - $568) , lodging ($214/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from San Diego to Aurora typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $214 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
  • Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $93 and $463 to your total.
  • Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
  • Gas: Plan on spending $497 - $568 in fuel for the 1,096-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
  • Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $998 in San Diego, California, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.

What are the best moving truck rentals from San Diego to Aurora?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)

The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.

Freight trailer costs from San Diego, CA to Aurora, CO

Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from San Diego, California, to Aurora, Colorado. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.

Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,283 and $2,706.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Diego to Aurora:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,128 - $2,000
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,252 - $2,706
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,708 - $3,230

Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
  • More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $107 - $214 more per foot.
  • Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in San Diego, California, for about five hours typically runs $998.

What are the best freight companies from San Diego to Aurora?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
  3. Fast Transportation (4.34/5 stars): Fast Transportation is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.

Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from San Diego to Aurora. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.

Cost of living: San Diego, CA vs Aurora, CO

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Aurora, side by side with San Diego on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure San Diego, CA Aurora, CO
Cost of living index155124
Average rent$2,881/mo$1,850/mo
Median home value$847,715$443,829
Average income$104,321/yr$84,320/yr
Unemployment rate6.6%7.6%
State income taxUp to 13.3%Up to 5.49%
Walkability score53/10043/100
Safety index60.17/10040.95/100
Air qualityModerateModerate

Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Aurora, CO to San Diego, CA guide.

Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:

Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Colorado, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. California alone has 374 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,096-mile move like this one.

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Our take

For a move from San Diego, CA, to Aurora, CO, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,266 for a studio to $8,729 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,096-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,278 - $4,335. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $733 - $1,914, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,577 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Children's Hospital Colorado and Cherry Creek School District.

FAQs: Moving from San Diego, CA, to Aurora, CO

What is the cheapest way to move from San Diego, CA to Aurora, CO?

Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $784 - $1,706. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($497 - $568), daily insurance ($43/day), and equipment rentals ($10 - $29) on top. Overnight stops can add another $214/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

How long does a move from San Diego, CA to Aurora, CO take?

Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.

What is the best time of year to move from San Diego, CA to Aurora, CO?

Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.

What are some tips for saving money on a move from San Diego, CA to Aurora, CO?

Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.

What percentage of San Diego movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 75% of movers in San Diego handle piano moves, and 59% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.