Moving from California to Colorado Cost and Tips

Before you make your move from CA to CO, know the important factors that may affect the cost of your move.

Sergio Ocampo is a Chief Writer for moveBuddha keen to share his moving expertise.

Sep 21 · 6 min

California and Colorado are two of the coolest states in the country so if you’re moving from one to the other, I get it.

Recently however, there’s been a bit of an exodus from California due to a rise in cost of living.

If you’re looking to save money, you’ll obviously want to know how much it will cost to move from California to Colorado.

Quick Answer: The average cost to move from California to Colorado is $2,800-$4,200 depending on the size, route, and timing of the move. Hiring a professional moving company will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or using a moving container will save you money but also require a lot more work.

Get an even better idea of your particular moving cost using them moving cost estimator.

Ready to get a full grasp on the factors that affect the cost of your cross country move?

Let’s dive right in.

How Much Does It Cost to Move from California to Colorado?

	Moving Company	Moving Container	Freight Company	Truck Rental*
Studio/1 bedroom	$1,720-$2,988	$1,726-$2,330	$1,425-$2,025	$898-$1,212
2-3 bedroom	$2,650-$4,100	$2,588-$3,494	$1,853-$2,633	$1,055-$1,424
4+ bedroom	$3,100-$7,150	$3,236-$4,369	$1,995-$2,835	$1,263-$1,705

*Estimates for truck rentals include fuel costs only. Other costs may include lodging, tolls, or parking.
To get more accurate numbers for your move, use the moving cost calculator. With specific outbound cities in California and inbound cities in Colorado, you can get a closer estimate for the cost of your California to Colorado move.

Why Do Moving Prices Vary So Much?

Prices vary depending on many factors. One of the most important is the type of move you choose. Professional movers cost the most, but they take a lot of stress out of the moving experience. To save money use moving containers, freight companies, and DIY truck rentals as other options.

For example, moving containers and freight companies only move your belongings, you must complete the packing and unpacking.

If you rent a truck you are responsible for every step of the moving process, which can be both physically and mentally stressful. It all depends on how much work you want to put into your move and how much you want to save.

Inbound vs. Outbound State Demands Impacts Price

Where you are moving to matters. The popularity of a state can also impact your moving cost. For example. Colorado is growing both in inbound population and economically. With so many moving to Colorado, you can save money by sharing a freight move with others leaving California and heading for Colorado.

Offseason vs Peak Moving Season Impacts Price

Your timing also affects your move. If you move during moving season you will pay more. Offseason moves will save you a lot if you can choose your moving dates during the fall and winter months. Compare the costs of a moving season move (spring and summer) to an offseason move (fall or winter) from California to Colorado.

March 1: A five-bedroom house with professional movers: $3,100-$7,150
July 1: A five-bedroom house with professional movers: $5,350-$9,500

Why Are People Moving from California to Colorado?

California has a high cost of living which is driving many from the state. Colorado offers a robust 3.6% economic growth. Many inbound movers are also attracted to the dramatic natural beauty and the fact that Colorado ranks as one of the healthiest states in the country. The US Census indicates that 18,755 people left California for Colorado in 2018.

Best Places to Move in Colorado

Aurora, Colorado Top Perks

Welcome to the most active city in America. Aurora has 100 parks and 5,000 acres of protected recreational space.

Your jogging, hiking and biking paradise is here.

Great arts community. Aurora hosts the Aurora Cultural Arts District which includes classical music, museums, and more. You can be more creative in Colorado when you come to Aurora.

Diverse cuisine. While we don’t think of Colorado for food, it has become a hidden secret. Their restaurant scene ranges from classic burgers to unexpected sushi inspirations.

High-quality healthcare. When you need the best hospitals nearby, Aurora is the place. High ranking children’s hospitals and the Anschutz Medical Campus make Aurora a key location for highly effective healthcare.

Boulder, Colorado Top Perks

A foodie paradise. If you’re a foodie, then Boulder is a great destination away from California. Farm to table has been around for generations here.

Education matters. Boulder is also home to the University of Colorado, so the city has a college vibe.

Highlights include a four-block pedestrian shopping mall and forests, lakes, and mountains for outdoor recreation.

Growing economy. Boulder is becoming the next Silicon Valley with multiple startups. There are also plenty of job opportunities with corporates giants like Threadless and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.’

A great biking town. If you love riding your bike, Boulder is the place to be. There are more than 300 bike lanes throughout the city. Who needs a car?

Denver, Colorado Top Perks

Affordable housing. Reasonable median home listing prices around $409,000 make Denver an affordable city for new families.
Same sun as California and more. Denver boasts over 300 + days of sunshine a year, which is a major attraction for those missing California sun.
A vibrant urban lifestyle nestled in nature. A thriving arts and music scene, lots of exciting city life activities and over 200 nature parks all perched over 5000 feet above sea level set Denver apart among Colorado cities.
Best place for sports fans. Denver is home to the Broncos, Rockies, Avalanche and Nuggets. You will never stop being a fan in Denver.

Fort Collins, Colorado Top Perks

College town vibe. What attracts many young professionals is the feeling they never left their college campus. Fort Collins has that feel that lets many grads enjoy their career while staying connected to college life.
More mountains. If you love hiking and the mountains Fort Collins is an awe-inspiring place to live. Everyday you can sip your coffee and look out at dramatic natural scenery. Sometimes that is worth more than pay.
Consistently strong job market. Residents love Fort Collins because the economy isn’t necessarily booming but isn’t dying either. Sometimes the best thing in life is a stable economy that doesn’t change.
Affordable housing. Median home costs is around $445,600

Pueblo, Colorado Top Perks

Find affordable living in Pueblo. Homes are priced at an average of $214,900 and the average cost of living in the city is also quite affordable.
Fairs and festivals throughout the year. Pueblo keeps families entertained with lots of public events that bring the community together.
Too hot. The local food scene is especially unique with locally grown Pueblo chilis. While not a major reason to move to Pueblo, it’s important to realize that the local spice makes everything exciting.
The beautiful Riverwalk. You might say, why would I move to a place because of a Riverwalk? Once you visit this inviting and engaging location you may never want to leave. Think a Farmer’s Market and Movie Nights on the River, as well as annual events like the Steel City Brew Fest and the Boats, Bands & BBQ Festival.

Vail, Colorado Top Perks

It’s all about skiing. If you love skiing more than life, Vail is the place to be. Many come and stay simply to stay devoted to the slopes.
A hospitality industry mecca. While cost of living is high, there are lots of high paying jobs within the hospitality industry in Vail. Hotel managers and resort coordinators make a decent living.
More to do than most places in Colorado. Because Vail is tourist-focused, there are more restaurants and shopping malls than ever. Plenty to keep you busy as a resident.
Resort town energy. What sets Vail apart from other locales in Colorado is that as a resort town you always feel energy. People are coming and going and there is never a dull moment. A special feeling if you like to live where people can’t wait to visit.

Colorado Springs, Colorado Top Perks

Strong economic growth. The economy in Colorado Springs is powered by a military presence, tourism, and high tech. Fort Carson is among the most well-known military bases and has become a strong contributor to the local economy.
Big tourism town. Tourism reaches 5 million a year, so Colorado Springs thrives on those out of state dollars.
Very affordable cost of living. Median home price in Colorado Springs at $315,700 make Colorado Springs manageable for most budgets.
Red Rock formations. You may not think that rock formations will make you move to a place, but once you see them, you may want to keep coming back to see them again. Unlike any other natural settings, this unique and stunning rock structures will capture your imagination.