($1,558) Cost of Moving From California to Colorado
Quick answer: When you’re moving from California to Colorado, you’ll typically spend between $981 and $7,434. Most moves take around two–eight days. Keep in mind that your final cost can vary based on your home’s size, when you move, and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself.
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Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Colorado to California guide.
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The best California to Colorado full-service movers
Moving from California to Colorado? With thousands of moving companies in the U.S., hiring the right interstate moving company can be a challenge. To simplify your search, we've narrowed down the most reliable movers based on our detailed analysis of customer reviews, pricing, and service offerings.
Start with these top long-distance moving companies serving California for your relocation to Colorado:
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
- Allied Van Lines: Best for contents coverage
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- North American Van Lines: Best customized plans
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
The best local moving companies in California
With so many movers to choose from, finding the right one can be a challenge. To help, we’ve rounded up the best local movers in California. Each company on our list is known for transparent pricing, solid customer reviews, and outstanding service.
- Best California Movers: 5 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 5 out of 5 stars
- Republic Moving & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Air 1 Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- All Star Movers & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
Best California Movers
rating
5 / 5
DOT #: 3489907
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 6
15 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92591Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3489907
- State license #: T0192283
Alternative Business Names
- Best California Movers & Storage
- An Moving Forward
Meathead Movers
rating
5 / 5
DOT #: 921143
Years in Business: 27
3600 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401Meathead Movers has been a trusted name in local residential moving services around San Luis Obispo, CA, since 1998. The company stands out with its glowing consumer reviews, boasting an average rating of 4.2 on Yelp and 4.3 on Google My Business, alongside an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many other local moving companies, Meathead Movers also offers comprehensive packing and unpacking services, all without requiring a deposit. With their solid reputation and wide range of services, they remain a top choice for residents seeking reliable and efficient movers locally.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 921143
- State license #: 189849
Alternative Business Names
- Meathead Packers
Republic Moving & Storage
rating
4.96 / 5
DOT #: 3369820
Years in Business: 31
8140 St Andrews Ave, San Diego, CA 92154Republic Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around San Diego, CA, since 1995. With a strong reputation bolstered by an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they offer a variety of services including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for items like pianos, hot tubs, and art. Their consumer reviews reflect a solid reputation, with an average rating of 3.8 on Yelp and 4.0 on Google My Business. Unlike many nearby competitors, they also provide storage solutions and full valuation insurance coverage, ensuring a smooth and secure moving experience.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3369820
- State license #: 0190491
- DOD certified
Alternative Business Names
- Lovejoy's Family Moving
- Republic Relocation Services
Local Associations
Air 1 Moving & Storage
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 1095485
Years in Business: 22
9556 Cozycroft Ave, Chatsworth, CA 91311Air 1 Moving & Storage has been a trusted provider of local residential moving services in and around Chatsworth, CA, since 2004. The company stands out among nearby competitors with its extensive array of services, including packing, unpacking, and crating, along with specialized care for moving pianos, art, and antiques. With an impressive 4.4 average rating on Google and a solid A- rating from the Better Business Bureau, Air 1 Moving & Storage is well-regarded for its reliability and professional service. Customers looking for a reputable local mover will find Air 1’s no-deposit policy and acceptance of credit cards convenient and customer-friendly.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1095485
- State license #: 0189688
Alternative Business Names
- Air 1 Moving & Storage, Inc
All Star Movers & Storage
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 2971368
Years in Business: 10
101 Dublin Blvd Suite F #517, Dublin, CA 94568All Star Movers & Storage, serving Dublin, CA and surrounding areas since 2016, is a reputable choice for local residential moves. Praised for their exceptional service with an average Yelp rating of 4.8 from 152 reviews and a BBB rating of A+, they stand out among local competitors. They offer a comprehensive array of services including packing, unpacking, crating, and can even handle delicate items such as pianos and art. Unlike many movers, All Star Movers & Storage accepts credit cards and requires no deposit, making the process easier for their clients.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2971368
- State license #: 0191302
The best California to Colorado moving container companies
Moving containers are an affordable way to relocate without having to haul your stuff. You handle the packing and unpacking, while the company picks up your container in California and drops it off at your new home in Colorado.
We’ve rounded up the top moving container companies to make your move easy and hassle-free:
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The best California to Colorado moving truck rentals
Looking to cut costs on your move from California to Colorado? Consider renting a moving truck. Just keep in mind, you’ll handle all the packing, lifting, and driving on your own.
Take a look at our top choices for moving truck rentals:
We like these rental moving trucks:
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The best California to Colorado labor-only movers
If you just need a hand loading your stuff into a container or rental truck, labor-only movers are a great option. They'll send a crew sized to fit your move, and you only pay for the time you use.
Check out these highly rated moving labor companies for an easy move from California to Colorado.
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How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to CO move
How much does it cost to move from California to Colorado?
Check out the table below for average moving cost estimates from California to Colorado, broken down by home size and type of moving service.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,558 - $6,067 | $1,117 - $2,544 | $890 - $1,727 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,232 - $7,434 | $1,848 - $3,770 | $981 - $2,052 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,343 - $10,616 | $2,627 - $4,977 | $1,185 - $2,451 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,118 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.
Cost to hire movers from California to Colorado
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from California to Colorado typically costs between $1,558 and $6,067. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,232 and $7,434 when moving from CA to CO. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from California to Colorado, you’re looking at costs ranging from $5,343 up to $10,616.
Cost of moving containers from California to Colorado
When you’re heading from California to Colorado, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,117 and $2,544. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,848 and $3,770. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,627 to $4,977. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from California easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Colorado
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $890 and $1,727. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $981 and $2,052. Moving from California to Colorado or dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,185 and $2,451.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from CA to CO
Several factors can influence your moving costs from California to Colorado. Here’s what could impact your final bill:
- Move size: Larger homes are pricier to move than smaller spaces like studios.
- Time of year: Prices rise during summer, which is peak moving season in California.
- DIY vs. professional movers: Doing it yourself is cheaper, but hiring pros saves you time and hassle.
What to know before moving from CA to CO
If you’re making the move from California to Colorado, it’s worth checking out how life in your new state stacks up.
Cost of living: California vs. Colorado
Before you move, it’s a good idea to compare living expenses in California and Colorado. This simple side-by-side overview highlights key factors like housing, income, taxes, and unemployment, so you can see how your budget might change. Take a look at how these two states measure up when it comes to the essentials that impact your cost of living:
| California | Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,856 | $1,594 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $541,072 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $87,598 |
| Cost of Living Index | 134 | 91 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.1% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.68% | 7.81% |
| State Income Tax | 13.3% | 5.49% |
- Rent in Colorado is around 14% less than in California, so you’ll have extra cash left over each month.
- Good news for your budget—home prices in Colorado are roughly 30% less than in California, so you’ll enjoy lower monthly mortgage payments.
- Make sure to review your budget before your move. Average incomes in Colorado are roughly 5% lower than in California.
- Living in Colorado is about 32% cheaper than California. That means big savings for you, but it's still important to plan your move carefully.
- With an unemployment rate around 24% lower than California, Colorado offers a healthier job market and a thriving local economy, which is excellent news if you’re considering relocating.
- Sales tax in Colorado is 10% lower than in California. If you have a large family or higher spending habits, this lower rate in Colorado can really help cut down your living expenses.
- Income taxes in Colorado are 59% lower than in California. That means you get to hang onto more of your paycheck, giving you more money to save, invest, or use for everyday expenses.
How life is different in Colorado vs. California
Relocating to a new state is more than just scoring a job or signing a lease, it’s all about how your daily life will shape up. Things like weather, safety, local vibes, and community size can really impact your experience. Here’s a quick side-by-side look at what life is like in Colorado compared to California across a few key lifestyle factors:
| Colorado | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,877,610 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 54-46 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 86ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 13ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 16" | 22" |
| Annual snow | 63" | 7" |
| Crime index | 36.4 | 28.43 |
- The population of Colorado is approximately 85% lower than the population of California. Moving to a less populous state can offer affordability, space, and simplicity, but may also require adjusting to limited services or slower job growth.
- In the last presidential election, Colorado voted Democrat and California voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in Colorado is 86ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF. When summer temperatures are comparable, you can expect a smooth seasonal transition, but still consider the humidity, local weather patterns, and energy costs to get a full picture of what summer will really feel like in your new state.
- During the coldest part of the year, Colorado reaches about 13ºF and California only gets down to 59ºF. Moving to Colorado with its colder winters means you need to prepare for higher heating costs, possible lifestyle shifts, and more intense weather, but it can also offer unique seasonal experiences and beauty.
- You can expect only about 16 inches of annual rainfall in Colorado versus 22 inches of rainfall in California. Less annual rainfall means more sunshine and outdoor experiences, and fewer weather hassles. It can be a rewarding and energizing climate for many movers.
- In Colorado, it snows about 63 inches annually while California gets only about 7 inches of snow. With the additional snowm you'll enjoy picturesque winters and fun seasonal activities, but you’ll also need to prepare for more maintenance, planning, and cold-weather gear.
- Colorado has a higher crime rate than California with a crime index of 36.4 vs. 28.43. A higher state-level crime rate shouldn’t be a dealbreaker, but it should prompt you to dig deeper into local safety conditions, choose your neighborhood wisely, and consider the impact on your lifestyle.
Comparing the pros of California vs. Colorado
There’s something exciting about a fresh start. Here’s a quick look at how life in Colorado stacks up against California.
| Pros of living in California | Pros of living in Colorado |
|---|---|
| Ample economic opportunity | Ample economic opportunity |
| Pleasant weather | Awesome snow recreational activities |
| Abundant recreational options | Quality healthcare |
| High quality of life | High quality of life |
| Fresh and healthy foods | Beautiful outdoors |
Comparing the cons of living in California vs. Colorado
Life isn’t always perfect, no matter where you are. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making the move from California to Colorado.
| Cons of living in California | Cons of living in Colorado |
|---|---|
| High cost of living | Extreme weather |
| Heavy tax burdens | High cost of living |
| Natural disasters | Altitude sickness |
| Terrible traffic | Overcrowding |
| Strange laws | Bad traffic |
Other things to consider for your California to Colorado move
- Weather: Colorado has a relatively complex climate. Ranging from the famous mountain region of the state to desert. Therefore, keep track of the weather of your new city on move day. The most extreme weather that happens in Colorado happens in the least populated areas of the state but you may drive through these regions to get to your new home so be wary of that too.
- HOA rules: Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
- Elevator reservation: A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
- Parking permits: Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
- State licensing: The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) regulates local and intrastate moving service providers in Colorado. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
- State regulator: You can quickly check a Colorado moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in Colorado, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Just set your official move date, and your mail will be forwarded to Colorado right on time. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage, known as "released value protection," at no extra cost. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-free advantage, provided by movers with minimal coverage. Under this option, the mover's responsibility is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if your mover lost or damaged a valuable item, you would only receive compensation based on this limited valuation. If you seek comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, discuss alternative options with the moving company you're hiring or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in Colorado
Get ready to discover all that Colorado has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new state:
Museums in Colorado
- Denver Botanic Gardens
- Argo Mill and Tunnel
- Rosemount Museum
- Benson Park Sculpture Garden
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Parks in Colorado
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Sports Teams in Colorado
- Denver Broncos (NFL)
- Denver Barbarians (RSL)
- Denver Nuggets (NBA)
- Colorado Rockies (MLB)
- Colorado Avalanche (NHL)
Universities in Colorado
- University of Colorado Boulder
- Colorado State University
- University of Denver
- United States Air Force Academy
- University of Colorado Denver
