How we chose the best moving companies for your MI to CO move
After studying pricing from 84 Michigan movers, the moveBuddha team identified the highest-rated options by weighing customer feedback, reviews, and affordability.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Consistent punctuality, clear updates, and costs that align with the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Admits faults and prioritizes fair, practical fixes for customers.
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Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Keeps an accurate site and responds promptly and professionally to inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Covers everything from full packing to storage, special handling, and rush delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Michigan to Colorado?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Michigan to Colorado.
You’ll find prices organized by home size and type of moving service, making it easy to compare your options.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,271 – $4,731 |
$915 – $2,158 |
$770 – $1,441 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,785 – $6,180 |
$1,605 – $3,368 |
$833 – $1,787 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$4,775 – $9,139 |
$2,289 – $4,260 |
$1,112 – $2,312 |
*Estimated costs for a 1,330-mile move from MI to
CO are shown here, calculated from moveBuddha’s
dataset as of Dec 11, 2025. We compile thousands of verified price points from movers nationwide
and update them monthly to reflect seasonal variability and market dynamics. Actual charges can vary
with shipment size, extra services, parking/access limitations, fuel prices, and scheduling.
For the most accurate pricing, compare quotes from several moving companies.
Cost to hire movers from Michigan to Colorado
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Michigan to Colorado will cost between
$1,271 and
$4,731.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from MI to CO will
range from $2,785 to
$6,180, and a large move from Michigan
to Colorado will cost from $4,775
to $9,139.
Cost of moving containers from Michigan to Colorado
If you’re moving from Michigan to Colorado,
expect to pay between $915
and $2,158 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,605 up to
$3,368.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,289 and
$4,260. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from Michigan.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Michigan to Colorado
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading,
unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between
$770 and
$1,441.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $833
and $1,787. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,112 up to
$2,312 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from MI to CO
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from Michigan to Colorado. Here’s what might influence your total price:
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Everything you’re taking with you: More stuff to transport means a bigger bill compared to a lighter load.
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Time of year: The peak moving season in Michigan is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
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DIY or full-service help: Handling the move yourself costs less, but hiring pros saves you the heavy lifting.
What to know before moving from MI to CO
A relocation from Michigan to Colorado comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: Michigan vs. Colorado
Comparing expenses in Michigan and Colorado shows how much everyday living can vary. This side-by-side view of income, unemployment, taxes, and housing sheds light on where your money may go further:
|
Michigan |
Colorado |
| Average rent |
$1,037 |
$1,594 |
| Average home cost |
$245,716 |
$541,072 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$68,505 |
$87,598 |
| Cost of living index |
92 |
91 |
| Unemployment rate |
4.7% |
4.1% |
| Average sales tax |
6.0% |
7.81% |
| State income tax |
4.25% |
5.49% |
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Rent in Colorado is approximately 54% higher than in Michigan, so make sure to account for this in your monthly budget.
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Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 120% higher in Colorado than in Michigan.
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Here’s some great news: average incomes are about 28% higher in Colorado compared to Michigan. That means you’ll likely have more to save or invest each month.
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Since the cost of living is about the same in Colorado and Michigan, you don’t have to stress about your budget. Just focus on choosing the lifestyle and environment that suit you best.
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With an unemployment rate about 13% lower than Michigan, Colorado boasts a stronger job market and a vibrant economy, which is encouraging if you’re thinking about making a move.
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Sales taxes are 30% higher in Colorado than in Michigan, so you’ll pay extra for everyday purchases like clothes, electronics, dining out, and household items.
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Income taxes are 29% higher in Colorado than in Michigan. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
How life is different in Colorado vs. Michigan
Relocating to a new state is about more than finding a job or a place to live.
It’s about how your day-to-day life will feel. Things like weather, safety, local culture,
and the size of your community will all play a part in your overall experience. Here’s a side-by-side look
at how life in Colorado stacks up against Michigan across important lifestyle factors:
|
Colorado |
Michigan |
| Population |
5,877,610 |
10,037,261 |
| Political leaning |
Democrat 54-46 |
Republican 49.7-48.3 |
| Summer high |
86ºF |
81ºF |
| Winter low |
13ºF |
14ºF |
| Annual rain |
16″ |
34″ |
| Annual snow |
63″ |
64″ |
| Crime index |
36.4 |
19.98 |
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With a population about 41% smaller than Michigan, Colorado offers you more room to breathe, lower costs, and a laid-back lifestyle.
Just keep in mind, you may need to get used to fewer amenities and a job market that moves at a slower pace.
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In the most recent presidential election, Colorado leaned Democrat, while Michigan went with Republican.
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In Colorado, summer highs hover around 86°F, while Michigan sits at 81°F.
Since they’re nearly the same, you shouldn’t notice a big difference, though seasonal patterns could still vary.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Colorado reaches about 13°F and Michigan gets down to 14°F.
When winter lows are similar, you’ll enjoy a seamless seasonal transition, with familiar heating costs and conditions.
-
You’ll enjoy about 16 inches of rain each year in Colorado, compared to 34 inches in Michigan.
With less rain, you can look forward to more sunshine, plenty of time outdoors, and fewer weather-related interruptions, making this a refreshing climate.
-
In Colorado, you’ll get about 63 inches of snow each year.
Meanwhile, Michigan averages around 64 inches annually.
With similar snowfall in both places, your move should be pretty straightforward.
-
Colorado has a higher crime rate than Michigan with a crime index of 36.4 vs. 19.98.
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 Michigan vs. Colorado
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Colorado versus Michigan:
| Pros of living in Michigan |
Pros of living in Colorado |
| Scenic beauty |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Good higher education |
Awesome snow recreational activities |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Quality healthcare |
| Low cost of living |
High quality of life |
| Beautiful lakes |
Beautiful outdoors |
Comparing the cons of living in Michigan vs. Colorado
Moving from Michigan to Colorado comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in Michigan |
Cons of living in Colorado |
| Cold snowy winters |
Extreme weather |
| Spotty economic opportunity |
High cost of living |
| Poor transportation infrastructure |
Altitude sickness |
| Expensive education |
Overcrowding |
| Thick accents |
Bad traffic |
Other things to consider for your Michigan to Colorado move
-
HOA rules:
Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
-
Elevator reservation:
Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
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Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
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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.
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State regulator:
Easily verify a Colorado moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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Moving permits:
You won’t need a moving permit in Colorado, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
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Change of address:
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. That way, once you’ve locked in your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Colorado without a hitch. Get started here.
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Mover’s insurance:
Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance, also called “released value protection,” free of charge to all moving customers. 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.
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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
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Michigan to Colorado?
Do movers transport your car from Michigan to Colorado?
What are the benefits of moving from Michigan to Colorado?
The main reasons people are moving from Michigan to Colorado are the amazing upsides of living in Colorado, such as ample economic opportunity and awesome snow recreational activities.
Is it cheaper to live in Michigan or Colorado?
Living in Michigan usually costs less than in Colorado.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is much more affordable in Michigan,
with average rent about 35% less and home prices 55% lower than in Colorado.
Taxes are also
lower in Michigan, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by Colorado residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Colorado?
You should make approximately $85,853 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Colorado.
The cost of living in Colorado is about $4,016 per month for an individual and $8,875 for a family of four.
Exact expenses will vary depending on your city. Larger cities like Castle Pines North and Carbonate tend to be more expensive than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Michigan?
Some movers in Michigan provide budget-friendly deals.
In Michigan, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Special pricing for military members is available from 6 moving companies.
Discounts for seniors are offered by 7 movers.
Student savings are available through 1 moving providers.
Discount details vary, so confirm terms with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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When moving from Michigan to Colorado, expect to spend between
$2,785–$6,180 if using professional movers, about
$2,486 for a moving container, and around
$1,310
for a rental truck.
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