($802+) Modesto, CA to Denver, CO Movers
The cost to move from Modesto, CA to Denver, CO ranges from $1,183 to $8,103, with an average cost of $3,100. Moves can be as low as $802 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.
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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 $1,183 - $8,103 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,100, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 40% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 68% 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:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,183 - $4,843 | $1,234 - $2,222 | $794 - $1,429 | $1,155 - $1,979 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,661 - $6,093 | $1,605 - $3,323 | $842 - $1,665 | $1,233 - $2,684 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,583 - $8,103 | $2,088 - $4,233 | $1,050 - $2,030 | $1,688 - $3,284 |
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 Modesto, CA to Denver, CO
Hiring full-service movers from Modesto, California, to Denver, Colorado, costs between $1,183 and $8,103. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,237-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $362 - $2,416, 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 Modesto and Denver. For a rough baseline, movers based in Modesto tend to start around $314 plus $128/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 Modesto to Denver:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,183 - $4,843
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,661 - $6,093
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,583 - $8,103
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.
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 Modesto, CA to Denver, CO
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Modesto movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Denver, 48% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing56% of local movers | $604 - $6,040 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Grace Moving Company | $242 - $1,450/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $362 - $2,899 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs46% of local movers | $1,208 - $3,624 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,020 - $12,080 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $905 - $1,719 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items13% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Brewer Moving LLC | $1,208 - $3,020 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Pete's Moving Services | $966 - $4,228 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $362 - $1,812 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $785 - $2,416 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $362 - $18,120+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $362 - $4,228+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Modesto 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Modesto, CA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Modesto, CA to Denver, CO
Moving containers from Modesto, California, to Denver, Colorado, cost between $1,234 and $4,233. 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 Modesto runs about $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Modesto to Denver:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,234 - $2,222
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,605 - $3,323
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,088 - $4,233
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Modesto, 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 $846 in Modesto, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $91 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $181 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 $1,234. 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 $1,605 - $3,323.
What are the best moving containers Modesto 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 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:
- Big Island Movers (4.8/5), 14 years in business
- Brewer Moving LLC (4.9/5), 11 years in business
- Lunardi Moving (4.8/5), 12 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Modesto, CA to Denver, CO
Truck rentals from Modesto, California, to Denver, Colorado, range from $794 - $2,030 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 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 Modesto to Denver based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $794 - $1,429
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $842 - $1,665
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,050 - $2,030
Pro tip: The base rate of $794 - $2,030 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 roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $181 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Modesto, California, usually costs about $846 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,237-mile drive falls between $475 and $543, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $60 and $362 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Modesto 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 Modesto, CA to Denver, CO
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Modesto, California, to Denver, Colorado. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,087 and $2,684.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Modesto to Denver:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,155 - $1,979
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,233 - $2,684
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,688 - $3,284
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?
- 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 $91 - $181 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Modesto, California, for about five hours typically runs $846.
What are the best freight companies from Modesto to Denver?
- 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.
- 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.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Modesto to Denver, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Modesto, CA vs Denver, CO
Modesto and Denver land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 116 in Modesto and 128 in Denver, and average rent is $1,800/mo vs. $1,900/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 48 vs 95 and safety scores are 34.24 vs 52.16.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Denver, CO to Modesto, CA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from California to Colorado over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 1,154 movers in our California network to compare for this 1,237-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,237-mile route from Modesto, CA, to Denver, CO, run $1,183 - $8,103 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,234 - $4,233, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $794 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,661, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Re/max and DaVita.
FAQs: Moving from Modesto, CA, to Denver, CO
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($475 - $543), daily insurance ($36/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $24) on top. Overnight stops can add another $181/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Denver?
Denver has a walkability score of 95 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 96, compared to 48 and 48 in Modesto. 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 Modesto, CA to Denver, CO?
Costs on this route range from around $802 to $8,103, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,183 and $8,103, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Modesto, 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 do local movers charge in Modesto?
Local movers based in Modesto typically start around $314 as a base rate, plus $128/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 percentage of Modesto movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 40% of movers in Modesto handle piano moves, and 13% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.