($845+) San Jose, CA to Denver, CO Movers
The cost to move from San Jose, CA to Denver, CO ranges from $1,209 to $9,389, with an average cost of $3,500. Moves can be as low as $845 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,284 miles and usually takes 3 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 Jose, CA to Denver, CO
Moving options from San Jose to Denver fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,209 - $9,389 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,500, 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 1,284 miles and typically takes 3 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 1,284-mile route from San Jose to Denver, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,209 - $4,949 | $1,411 - $2,425 | $862 - $1,548 | $1,245 - $2,160 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,925 - $6,663 | $1,785 - $3,347 | $878 - $1,824 | $1,372 - $2,790 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,026 - $9,389 | $2,278 - $4,814 | $1,182 - $2,433 | $1,935 - $3,888 |
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 San Jose, CA to Denver, CO
For the 1,284-mile move from San Jose, California, to Denver, Colorado, full-service movers cost between $1,209 and $9,389. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $569 - $3,796 (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 Jose generally start around $316 plus $119 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Jose to Denver:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,209 - $4,949
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,925 - $6,663
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,026 - $9,389
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 Jose to Denver.
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: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from San Jose, CA to Denver, CO
Specialty needs vary by market — 81% of San Jose movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Denver, 87% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing97% of local movers | $949 - $9,490 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready81% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Fairprice Movers | $380 - $2,278/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $569 - $4,555 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage47% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs44% of local movers | $1,898 - $5,694 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,745 - $18,980 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,422 - $2,701 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items68% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Fairprice Movers | $1,898 - $4,745 |
| Piano | Any piano type77% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Fairprice Movers | $1,518 - $6,643 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling37% of local movers | $569 - $2,847 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Arnoni Moving Services LLC | $1,234 - $3,796 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $569 - $28,470+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $569 - $6,643+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Jose to Denver?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in San Jose, 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 Jose, CA to Denver, CO
Moving containers from San Jose, California, to Denver, Colorado, cost between $1,411 and $4,814. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in San Jose typically costs about $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Jose to Denver:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,411 - $2,425
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,785 - $3,347
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,278 - $4,814
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both San Jose, CA and Denver, CO. 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 $1,329 in San Jose, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $142 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $285 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 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 $1,411. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,785 - $3,347, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers San Jose to Denver?
- 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 San Jose 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 Jose:
- Best California Movers (5.0/5), 7 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (5.0/5), 16 years in business
- Trek Movers (4.8/5), 10 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Jose, CA to Denver, CO
Renting a moving truck for the 1,284-mile move from San Jose, California, to Denver, Colorado, costs between $862 and $2,433, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $775 - $886
- Daily insurance: $57/day
- Equipment rentals: $13 - $38
- San Jose daily rental rate: $19 - $49
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
| 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 San Jose to Denver based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $862 - $1,548
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $878 - $1,824
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,182 - $2,433
Pro tip: The base rate of $862 - $2,433 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from San Jose to Denver. Fuel ($775 - $886) , lodging at around $285/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
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 $142 and $664.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $285.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $775 and $886 for the 1,284-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 $1,329 for 2 movers in San Jose, California, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Jose to Denver?
- 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 San Jose, CA to Denver, CO
For larger DIY moves from San Jose, California, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Denver, Colorado.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,372 and $2,790.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Jose to Denver:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,245 - $2,160
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,372 - $2,790
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,935 - $3,888
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In San Jose, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $1,329.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $142 - $285 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from San Jose to Denver?
- 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 Logistics (4.54/5 stars): PRO Logistics 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 a great option when you need your belongings in Denver 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: San Jose, CA vs Denver, CO
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Denver, side by side with San Jose on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Jose, CA | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 231 | 128 |
| Average rent | $3,095/mo | $1,900/mo |
| Median home value | $1,184,000 | $586,595 |
| Average income | $141,565/yr | $91,681/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 7.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 5.49% |
| Walkability score | 51/100 | 95/100 |
| Safety index | 52.27/100 | 52.16/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
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 Denver, CO to San Jose, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from California to Colorado, 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 374 movers in California, so you have real options to compare for this 1,284-mile move.
Our take
The 1,284-mile move from San Jose, CA, to Denver, CO, costs between $1,209 and $9,389 with full-service movers, $1,411 - $4,814 with a moving container, and $862 - $2,433 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,925 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Re/max and DaVita.
FAQs: Moving from San Jose, CA, to Denver, CO
What is the cheapest way to move from San Jose, CA to Denver, 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 $878 - $1,824. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Denver?
For families, Berkeley, Fort Logan, and Hilltop are worth a look in Denver. If you're moving solo or without kids, Capitol Hill, Five Points, and Highland tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from San Jose, CA to Denver, 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 do local movers charge in San Jose?
Local movers based in San Jose typically start around $316 as a base rate, plus $119/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Denver run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from San Jose, CA to Denver, 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 Jose movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 77% of movers in San Jose handle piano moves, and 68% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.