($687+) Denver, CO to Irvine, CA Movers
Moving from Denver, CO, to Irvine, CA, runs anywhere from $687 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,916 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,014 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,104, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,916 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,173 - $3,836, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $687 - $1,759.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Denver, CO, to Irvine, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,440 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 Irvine, CA
Moving options from Denver to Irvine 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 $2,440 - $6,407 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 39% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 71% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,014 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,014-mile route from Denver to Irvine, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,104 for a studio up to $7,916 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,173 - $3,836 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $687 - $1,759, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $983 - $2,975, 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 November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Denver, CO to Irvine, CA
Full-service movers for the 1,014-mile relocation from Denver, Colorado, to Irvine, California, cost between $2,104 and $7,916. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $428 - $2,856, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Denver typically charge a base rate around $262 plus $115 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Denver to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,104 - $4,833
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,440 - $6,407
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,082 - $7,916
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 Irvine.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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 Irvine, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 48% of Denver movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Irvine, 56% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing70% of local movers | $714 - $7,140 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready48% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Moving Brothers LLC | $286 - $1,714/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $428 - $3,427 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,428 - $4,284 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,570 - $14,280 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,070 - $2,032 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving Brothers LLC | $1,428 - $3,570 |
| Piano | Any piano type39% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Moving Brothers LLC | $1,142 - $4,998 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $428 - $2,142 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationally | $928 - $2,856 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $428 - $21,420+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $428 - $4,998+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Denver to Irvine?
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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Denver, CO. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Denver, CO to Irvine, CA
Moving containers from Denver, Colorado, to Irvine, California, cost between $1,173 and $3,836. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Denver runs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Denver to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,173 - $2,033
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,480 - $2,827
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,076 - $3,836
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $107 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $214 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Irvine, CA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $1,000 in Denver, CO. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
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 $1,173. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,480 - $2,827.
What are the best moving containers Denver to Irvine?
- 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
- Moving Brothers LLC (4.9/5), 13 years in business
- Moving Proz (4.8/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Denver, CO to Irvine, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,014 miles from Denver, Colorado, to Irvine, California, running $687 - $1,759. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $461 - $527
- Daily insurance: $43/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $29
- 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 Irvine based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $687 - $1,242
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $699 - $1,504
- 4+ bedrooms: $896 - $1,759
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $687 - $1,759 does not include fuel ($461 - $527), lodging ($214/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Denver to Irvine typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $461 - $527 for the 1,014-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Denver, Colorado, for about 5 hours typically costs around $1,000.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,014-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $214 per night, adding $428 - $643 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $71 and $428.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Denver to Irvine?
- 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 Irvine, CA
If you're moving a larger household from Denver, Colorado, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Irvine, California.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,148 and $2,379.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Denver to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $983 - $2,001
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,148 - $2,379
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,597 - $2,975
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Denver, Colorado, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $1,000.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $107 and $214 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Denver to Irvine?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Denver to Irvine. 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: Denver, CO vs Irvine, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Irvine, side by side with Denver on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Denver, CO | Irvine, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 128 | 165 |
| Average rent | $1,900/mo | $4,000/mo |
| Median home value | $586,595 | $1,113,305 |
| Average income | $91,681/yr | $129,647/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.49% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 95/100 | 43/100 |
| Safety index | 52.16/100 | 68.99/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
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 Irvine, CA to Denver, CO guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Colorado to California in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 278 movers based in Colorado, handy for sizing up options on this 1,014-mile route.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Denver, CO, to Irvine, 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 $2,104 - $7,916 on the 1,014-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,173 - $3,836 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $687 - $1,759 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,440 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 Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America and Taco Bell.
FAQs: Moving from Denver, CO, to Irvine, CA
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($461 - $527), 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 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 Irvine, 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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Irvine a safe place to live?
Irvine has a safety index of 68.99 out of 100 and a crime index of 31.01, 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 39% of movers in Denver handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.