($680+) Denver, CO to Riverside, CA Movers
Moving from Denver, CO, to Riverside, CA, runs anywhere from $667 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,051 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 982 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,293, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,051 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,208 - $3,939, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $667 - $1,772.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Denver, CO, to Riverside, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,643 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Denver, CO to Riverside, CA
Moving options from Denver to Riverside fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,643 - $6,171 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 982 miles and typically takes 2 to 7 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 982-mile route from Denver to Riverside, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,293 for a studio up to $8,051 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,208 - $3,939 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $667 - $1,772, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,054 - $3,313, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Denver, CO to Riverside, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 982-mile move from Denver, Colorado, to Riverside, California, with costs ranging from $2,293 - $8,051. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $388 - $2,584. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Denver and Riverside. Local movers in Denver typically start around $262 as a base rate plus $115/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Denver to Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,293 - $4,916
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,643 - $6,171
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,351 - $8,051
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 Denver to Riverside.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Colorado to California. 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.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Denver, CO to Riverside, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 87% of Denver movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Riverside, 84% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $646 - $6,460 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready87% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Skyline Moving Company | $258 - $1,550/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $388 - $3,101 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage37% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs54% of local movers | $1,292 - $3,876 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,230 - $12,920 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $968 - $1,839 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items52% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Homegrown Moving Company, LLC | $1,292 - $3,230 |
| Piano | Any piano type67% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Homegrown Moving Company, LLC | $1,034 - $4,522 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling30% of local movers | $388 - $1,938 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Moving Proz | $840 - $2,584 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $388 - $19,380+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $388 - $4,522+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Denver to Riverside?
Look for California Moving & Storage Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in California beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Denver, CO, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Denver, CO to Riverside, CA
Moving containers from Denver, Colorado, to Riverside, California, cost between $1,208 and $3,939. 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 Riverside. If you go over that window, storage in Denver adds around $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Denver to Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,208 - $2,266
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,617 - $3,181
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,158 - $3,939
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Denver, CO and Riverside, CA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $904 in Denver, CO, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $97 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $194 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Colorado to California 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 $1,208. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,617 - $3,181, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Denver to Riverside?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- 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 Denver 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 Denver:
- Skyline Moving Company (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- Local Moving LLC (4.9/5), 14 years in business
- Moving Proz (4.8/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Denver, CO to Riverside, CA
A rental truck for this 982-mile move from Denver, Colorado, to Riverside, California, costs between $667 and $1,772. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $404 - $461
- Daily insurance: $39/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
- Denver daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Denver to Riverside based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $667 - $1,342
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $706 - $1,611
- 4+ bedrooms: $895 - $1,772
Pro tip: A rental truck from Denver to Riverside looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $667 - $1,772. But once you factor in fuel ($404 - $461) , overnight lodging ($194/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $97 and $452.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $194.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $404 and $461 for the 982-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $904 for 2 movers in Denver, Colorado, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Denver to Riverside?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- 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 Denver, CO to Riverside, CA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Denver, Colorado, to Riverside, California, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,206 and $2,595.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Denver to Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,054 - $1,920
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,206 - $2,595
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,693 - $3,313
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?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $97 and $194.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Denver, Colorado, for roughly five hours typically average $904.
What are the best freight companies from Denver to Riverside?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Apex Transportation, Inc. (4.8/5 stars): Apex Transportation, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Riverside quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Denver, CO vs Riverside, CA
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Denver and Riverside to plan around. Cost of living index: 128 vs. 131. Average rent: $1,900/mo vs. $2,295/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 95 vs. 43. Safety index: 52.16 vs. 59.76.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Riverside, CA to Denver, CO guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Colorado to California, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 81 movers licensed in Colorado, useful context for sizing up this 982-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Denver, CO, to Riverside, CA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,293 - $8,051 on the 982-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,208 - $3,939 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $667 - $1,772 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,643 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Bourns and California Baptist University.
FAQs: Moving from Denver, CO, to Riverside, CA
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($404 - $461), daily insurance ($39/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $26) on top. Overnight stops can add another $194/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.
What is the best time of year to move from Denver, CO to Riverside, CA?
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 size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Riverside a safe place to live?
Riverside has a safety index of 59.76 out of 100 and a crime index of 40.24, compared to 52.16 and 47.84 in Denver. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Denver movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 67% of movers in Denver handle piano moves, and 52% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
