When planning a move from California to Colorado, professional movers typically run between
$2,467 and $6,208, a moving container averages about
$2,202, and a rental truck is around
$1,139.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from California to Colorado?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,121 – $4,866 | $845 – $2,022 | $700 – $1,345 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,467 – $6,208 | $1,469 – $2,936 | $742 – $1,536 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,288 – $8,030 | $2,127 – $3,876 | $886 – $1,890 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,121 – $4,866
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,467 – $6,208
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,288 – $8,030
How much do moving containers cost from California to Colorado?
- Small move: $845 – $2,022
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,469 – $2,936
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,127 – $3,876
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $700 – $1,345
- 2–3 bedrooms: $742 – $1,536
- 4+ bedrooms: $886 – $1,890
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 1,118-mile move from CA to CO using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from CA to CO?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| California | Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $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% |
Will rent be more expensive in Colorado?
Rent is about 14% lower in Colorado than in California.
Avg rent: $1,856 vs. $1,594
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 30% lower in Colorado than in California.
Avg home value: $771,057 vs. $541,072
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average incomes are about the same in California and Colorado.
Avg income (per capita): $91,905 vs. $87,598
Is the overall cost of living higher in Colorado?
The cost of living is 32% lower in Colorado than in California.
Cost of living index: 134 vs. 91
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 10% lower in Colorado than in California.
Avg sales tax: 8.68% vs. 7.81%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 59% lower in Colorado than in California.
State income tax: 13.3% vs. 5.49%
How is daily life different in Colorado compared to California?
Starting fresh means adjusting to more than logistics — climate, crime, and culture shape the experience.
| 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 |
Will Colorado feel more crowded than California?
Colorado is about 85% less populous than California — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Colorado voted Democrat while California voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (86°F vs. 87°F).
Winter: Colorado is colder on average (13°F vs. 59°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Colorado?
Rain: Colorado gets less rain (16″ vs. 22″).
Snow: Colorado gets more snow (63 inches vs. 7 inches).
Is Colorado safer than California?
Colorado has a higher crime index than California (36.4 vs. 28.43). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in Colorado?
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
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your California to Colorado move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- 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 a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
- State licensing: The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) regulates local and intrastate moving service providers in Colorado. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
- State regulator: Easily verify the status of a Colorado moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: Colorado does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- 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: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” for free. 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: Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Colorado?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Colorado?
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) regulates local and intrastate moving service providers in Colorado.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Colorado moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Colorado?
Colorado does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires interstate movers to include basic insurance (“released value protection”) for free. 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.
Some movers in California offer discounts: 7 AAA discounts; 7 military discounts; 7 senior discounts; 2 student discounts; 2 educator discounts; 4 law enforcement discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Helpful moving resources
California moving services
Popular California routes
Popular moving resources
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
