($850+) Modesto, CA to Denver, CO Movers

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The cost to move from Modesto, CA to Denver, CO ranges from $1,267 to $8,682, with an average cost of $3,400. Moves can be as low as $850 if you're wanting to DIY it.

This move covers about 1,237 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 Modesto, CA to Denver, CO

Moving options from Modesto to Denver fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,267 - $8,682 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,400, 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 1,237 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 1,237-mile route from Modesto to Denver, broken down by home size:

  • Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,267 - $5,238, container $1,375 - $2,430, rental truck $777 - $1,469, freight trailer $1,201 - $2,120.
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,907 - $6,394, container $1,634 - $3,352, rental truck $902 - $1,802, freight trailer $1,429 - $2,763.
  • 4+ bedrooms: full-service $5,004 - $8,682, container $2,191 - $4,715, rental truck $1,135 - $2,130, freight trailer $1,808 - $3,699.

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 Modesto, CA to Denver, CO

A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,237-mile move from Modesto, California, to Denver, Colorado, with prices running from $1,267 - $8,682. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $362 - $2,416 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Modesto and Denver are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Modesto movers tend to run around $314 as a base rate plus $128/hour per mover, for comparison.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Modesto to Denver:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,267 - $5,238
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,907 - $6,394
  • 4+ bedrooms: $5,004 - $8,682

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 Modesto 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: 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.

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Specialty moving services from Modesto, CA to Denver, CO

Specialty needs vary by market — 79% of Modesto 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 packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$604 - $6,040
Storage in transitNew place not ready79% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Pete's Moving Services$242 - $1,450/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$362 - $2,899
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage21% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs14% of local movers$1,208 - $3,624
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,020 - $12,080
Car shippingSecond vehicle$905 - $1,719
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items36% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Grace Moving Company$1,208 - $3,020
PianoAny piano type71% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Grace Moving Company$966 - $4,228
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers$362 - $1,812
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect21% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: MidCal Moving and Storage Company$785 - $2,416
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$362 - $18,120+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$362 - $4,228+

What are the best full-service movers from Modesto to Denver?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 Modesto, CA. 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 Modesto, CA to Denver, CO

Moving containers from Modesto, California, to Denver, Colorado, cost between $1,375 and $4,715. 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 Modesto typically costs about $120/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Modesto to Denver:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,375 - $2,430
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,634 - $3,352
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,191 - $4,715

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $91 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $181 per month.
  • Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Denver, CO, 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 $846 in Modesto, CA. 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 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 $1,375. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,634 - $3,352, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Modesto to Denver?

  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 Modesto 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 Modesto:

  • Brewer Moving LLC (4.9/5), 11 years in business
  • MidCal Moving and Storage Company (4.6/5), 170 years in business
  • Pack it up Movers (4.9/5), 8 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Modesto, CA to Denver, CO

Truck rentals from Modesto, California, to Denver, Colorado, range from $777 - $2,130 for the 1,237-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:

  • Fuel for the drive: $475 - $543
  • Daily insurance: $36/day
  • Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
  • Modesto daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.29
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 Modesto to Denver based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $777 - $1,469
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $902 - $1,802
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,135 - $2,130

Pro tip: The base rate of $777 - $2,130 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Modesto to Denver. Fuel ($475 - $543) , lodging at around $181/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?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $475 - $543 for the 1,237-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 Modesto, California, for about 5 hours typically costs around $846.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 1,237-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $181 per night, adding $362 - $544 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $60 and $362.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Modesto to Denver?

  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 Modesto, CA to Denver, CO

For larger DIY moves from Modesto, 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 $1,429 and $2,763.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Modesto to Denver:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,201 - $2,120
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,429 - $2,763
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,808 - $3,699

Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final 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 Modesto, California, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $846.
  • More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $91 and $181 per foot.

What are the best freight companies from Modesto to Denver?

  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. Speed Intermodal (4.7/5 stars): Speed Intermodal 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 Modesto to Denver. 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: Modesto, CA vs Denver, CO

Day-to-day costs in Denver are close to what you're used to in Modesto: cost of living index of 128 versus 116, with average rent of $1,900/mo compared to $1,800/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores are close too, at 48/100 and 34.24/100 in Modesto versus 95/100 and 52.16/100 in Denver.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Denver, CO to Modesto, 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 1,237-mile move.

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Our take

For a move from Modesto, CA, to Denver, CO, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,267 for a studio to $8,682 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,237-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,375 - $4,715. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $777 - $2,130, 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 $2,907 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 Re/max and DaVita.

FAQs: Moving from Modesto, CA, to Denver, CO

How do I know a mover is licensed in Colorado?

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) regulates local and intrastate moving service providers in Colorado.

What is the best time of year to move from Modesto, CA to Denver, 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 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 Denver a safe place to live?

Denver has a safety index of 52.16 out of 100 and a crime index of 47.84, compared to 34.24 and 65.76 in Modesto. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.

What is the cheapest way to move from Modesto, 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 $902 - $1,802. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

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

About 71% of movers in Modesto handle piano moves, and 36% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.