($635+) Denver, CO to Ontario, CA Movers
Moving from Denver, CO, to Ontario, CA, runs anywhere from $635 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,594 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 981 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 $2,079, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,594 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,197 - $4,022, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $635 - $1,672.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Denver, CO, to Ontario, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,417 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Denver, CO to Ontario, CA
Moving options from Denver to Ontario 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 $2,417 - $6,124 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 981 miles and typically takes 2 to 7 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 981-mile route from Denver to Ontario, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,079 for a studio up to $7,594 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,197 - $4,022 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $635 - $1,672, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,056 - $3,064, 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 Ontario, CA
Hiring full-service movers from Denver, Colorado, to Ontario, California, costs between $2,079 and $7,594. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 981-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $373 - $2,488, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Denver and Ontario. For a rough baseline, movers based in Denver tend to start around $262 plus $115/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Denver to Ontario:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,079 - $4,830
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,417 - $6,124
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,269 - $7,594
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 Ontario.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Denver, CO to Ontario, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 48% of Denver movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Ontario, 54% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing70% of local movers | $622 - $6,220 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready48% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Moving Brothers LLC | $249 - $1,493/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $373 - $2,986 |
| 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 | $1,244 - $3,732 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,110 - $12,440 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $932 - $1,770 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving Brothers LLC | $1,244 - $3,110 |
| Piano | Any piano type39% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Moving Brothers LLC | $995 - $4,354 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $373 - $1,866 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationally | $809 - $2,488 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $373 - $18,660+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $373 - $4,354+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Denver to Ontario?
Movers licensed to operate in California are typically members of the California Moving & Storage Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining 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 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 Ontario, CA
Moving containers from Denver, Colorado, to Ontario, California, cost between $1,197 and $4,022. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Denver typically runs around $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Denver to Ontario:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,197 - $2,117
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,467 - $3,030
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,937 - $4,022
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 Denver, CO, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $871, 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 $93 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $187 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Denver, CO, and Ontario, CA, 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 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 $1,197. 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 $1,467 - $3,030.
What are the best moving containers Denver to Ontario?
- 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 Ontario, CA
Renting a moving truck for the 981-mile move from Denver, Colorado, to Ontario, California, costs between $635 and $1,672, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $388 - $444
- Daily insurance: $37/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $25
- 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 Ontario based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $635 - $1,265
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $708 - $1,447
- 4+ bedrooms: $844 - $1,672
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $635 - $1,672 when pricing out a rental truck from Denver to Ontario. Fuel alone runs $388 - $444, and overnight lodging ($187/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $187 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 $81 and $404 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $388 - $444 in fuel for the 981-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $871 in Denver, Colorado, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Denver to Ontario?
- 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 Ontario, 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 Ontario, 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 $1,161 and $2,261.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Denver to Ontario:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,056 - $1,887
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,161 - $2,261
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,518 - $3,064
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 $93 - $187 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Denver, Colorado, for about five hours typically runs $871.
What are the best freight companies from Denver to Ontario?
- 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Ontario fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Denver, CO vs Ontario, CA
Day-to-day costs in Ontario are close to what you're used to in Denver: cost of living index of 119 versus 128, with average rent of $2,619/mo compared to $1,900/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 95/100 and 52.16/100 in Denver versus 48/100 and 49.75/100 in Ontario.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Ontario, CA to Denver, CO guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Colorado to California, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 278 movers in Colorado, so you have real options to compare for this 981-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Denver, CO, to Ontario, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,079 for a studio to $7,594 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 981-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,197 - $4,022. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $635 - $1,672, 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 $2,417 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 Prime Healthcare and Niagara Bottling.
FAQs: Moving from Denver, CO, to Ontario, CA
What is the best time of year to move from Denver, CO to Ontario, 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.
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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($388 - $444), daily insurance ($37/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $25) on top. Overnight stops can add another $187/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Ontario?
Ontario has a walkability score of 48 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 46, compared to 95 and 96 in Denver. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Denver, CO to Ontario, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $635 to $7,594, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,079 and $7,594, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
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.