($818+) Oakland, CA to Denver, CO Movers
The cost to move from Oakland, CA to Denver, CO ranges from $1,318 to $9,405, with an average cost of $3,400. Moves can be as low as $818 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,246 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 Oakland, CA to Denver, CO
Moving options from Oakland to Denver fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,318 - $9,405 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 1,246 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 1,246-mile route from Oakland to Denver, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,318 - $5,290 with full-service movers, $1,375 - $2,528 with a container, $818 - $1,608 with a rental truck, or $1,165 - $2,253 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,935 - $6,327 full-service, $1,787 - $3,455 by container, $832 - $1,912 by rental truck, or $1,389 - $2,681 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $4,616 - $9,405 full-service, $2,399 - $4,307 by container, $1,157 - $2,287 by rental truck, or $1,938 - $3,663 by freight.
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 Oakland, CA to Denver, CO
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,246-mile move from Oakland, California, to Denver, Colorado, with costs ranging from $1,318 - $9,405. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $506 - $3,376. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Oakland and Denver. Local movers in Oakland typically start around $281 as a base rate plus $147/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Oakland to Denver:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,318 - $5,290
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,935 - $6,327
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,616 - $9,405
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 Oakland 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: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Oakland, CA to Denver, CO
Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Oakland 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 packing98% of local movers | $844 - $8,440 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready85% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: West Coast Moving Systems, Inc | $338 - $2,026/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $506 - $4,051 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage54% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs47% of local movers | $1,688 - $5,064 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,220 - $16,880 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,264 - $2,402 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items67% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Sweet Lemon Moving Services | $1,688 - $4,220 |
| Piano | Any piano type79% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Sweet Lemon Moving Services | $1,350 - $5,908 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling37% of local movers | $506 - $2,532 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect25% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Big Family Movers | $1,097 - $3,376 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $506 - $25,320+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $506 - $5,908+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Oakland 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Oakland, 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 Oakland, CA to Denver, CO
Moving containers from Oakland, California, to Denver, Colorado, cost between $1,375 and $4,307. 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 Oakland typically costs about $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Oakland to Denver:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,375 - $2,528
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,787 - $3,455
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,399 - $4,307
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Oakland, 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 $1,182 in Oakland, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $127 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $253 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 $1,375. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,787 - $3,455, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Oakland 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 Oakland 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 Oakland:
- Sweet Lemon Moving Services (5.0/5), 9 years in business
- West Coast Moving Systems, Inc (4.8/5), 19 years in business
- Good Green Moving (4.7/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Oakland, CA to Denver, CO
Truck rentals from Oakland, California, to Denver, Colorado, range from $818 - $2,287 for the 1,246-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $669 - $765
- Daily insurance: $51/day
- Equipment rentals: $12 - $34
- Oakland daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.39
| 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 Oakland to Denver based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $818 - $1,608
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $832 - $1,912
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,157 - $2,287
Pro tip: The base rate of $818 - $2,287 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Oakland to Denver. Fuel ($669 - $765) , lodging at around $253/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?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $253 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 $110 and $549 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $669 - $765 in fuel for the 1,246-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $1,182 in Oakland, California, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Oakland 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 Oakland, CA to Denver, CO
If you're moving a larger household from Oakland, California, 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 Denver, Colorado.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,389 and $2,681.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Oakland to Denver:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,165 - $2,253
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,389 - $2,681
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,938 - $3,663
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Oakland, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $1,182.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $127 - $253 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 Oakland 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: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Oakland, 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 Oakland on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Oakland, CA | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 196 | 128 |
| Average rent | $2,200/mo | $1,900/mo |
| Median home value | $925,411 | $586,595 |
| Average income | $97,369/yr | $91,681/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 7.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 5.49% |
| Walkability score | 75/100 | 95/100 |
| Safety index | 31.38/100 | 52.16/100 |
| Air quality | Good | 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 Oakland, CA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Colorado 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 374 movers based in California, handy for sizing up options on this 1,246-mile route.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,246-mile route from Oakland, CA, to Denver, CO, run $1,318 - $9,405 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,375 - $4,307, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $818 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,935, 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 Oakland, 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 Oakland, 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 31.38 and 68.62 in Oakland. 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 Oakland, 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 $832 - $1,912. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Oakland movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 79% of movers in Oakland handle piano moves, and 67% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
