($1,514) Cost of Moving From California to Colorado

Quick answer: When you’re moving from California to Colorado, you’ll typically spend between $915 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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  • Veteran owned
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  • Certified crews
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  • Specialty packing services
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  • 80+ years' experience

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:

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
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(855) 650-0657
Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
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(866) 835-2392
Best for Contents Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
(866) 935-3437
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
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(866) 935-3437
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • 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
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(980) 217-6841
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(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
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The best local moving companies in California

Choosing a reliable local moving company can be a big undertaking with so many choices out there. That's why we've handpicked the best local movers in California, highlighting companies that are known for their clear pricing, excellent reviews, and extensive services.

  1. Best California Movers: 5 out of 5 stars
  2. Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  3. Meathead Movers: 5 out of 5 stars
  4. Republic Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  5. Air 1 Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars

Best California Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar5 / 5

DOT #: 3489907

Pricing: $109/hr

Years in Business: 6

15 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92591
Get a Quote

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Best California Movers & Storage
  • An Moving Forward
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Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.8 / 5

DOT #: 3670248

Years in Business: 14

274 Wattis Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080

Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. has been a trusted name for local residential moves in and around San Bruno, CA since 2010. They stand out with a solid reputation, boasting an impressive average rating of 4.4 on Yelp from 429 reviews, and a 4.6 average rating on Google from 129 reviews. With a Better Business Bureau rating of A+, customers frequently praise their professionalism and efficiency. Unlike many nearby competitors, they offer comprehensive packing and unpacking services, along with the specialized capability to move pianos, art, and antiques. Flexible payment options, including cash and credit cards, and no required deposit, further underscore their customer-first approach.

Get a Quote (415) 404-7400

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOT #: 3670248
  • State license #: 0190673
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Meathead Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar5 / 5

DOT #: 921143

Years in Business: 27

3600 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Meathead 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.

Get a Quote (805) 544-6328

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Meathead Packers
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Republic Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 3369820

Years in Business: 31

8140 St Andrews Ave, San Diego, CA 92154

Republic 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.

Get a Quote (619) 639-8352

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

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Air 1 Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 1095485

Years in Business: 22

9556 Cozycroft Ave, Chatsworth, CA 91311

Air 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.

Get a Quote (866) 485-1030

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

Alternative Business Names

  • Air 1 Moving & Storage, Inc
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The best California to Colorado moving container companies

Moving containers allow you to save money without having to go the full DIY route. While you’ll have to handle loading and unloading, the container company has you covered on transportation. They’ll pick up your pod in California and drop it off at your new home in Colorado.

Check out these highly rated moving container companies:

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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
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  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

The best California to Colorado moving truck rentals

If you're looking to cut costs on your move from California to Colorado, consider renting a moving truck. Just keep in mind that you'll be handling all the lifting, loading, and driving on your own.

Take a look at our top choices for rental trucks:

We like these rental moving trucks:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
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  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
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  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

The best California to Colorado labor-only movers

If you need some extra muscle to load your belongings into a rental truck or container, labor-only movers are a smart choice. You get a crew that's the right size for your move, and you only have to pay for the time it takes them to load.

For a smooth move from California to Colorado, take a look at these top-rated moving labor companies.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
  • Years in Business: 6
  • Yelp: 4.9 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
  • Years in Business: 31
  • Yelp: 3.6 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
  • Years in Business: 22
  • Yelp: 3.7 / 5
  • BBB: A+

How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to CO movetoggle

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 277 California movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

How much does it cost to move from California to Colorado?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from California to Colorado with different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,514 - $5,707 $1,074 - $2,492 $846 - $1,710
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,265 - $7,434 $1,867 - $3,732 $915 - $1,973
4+ bedrooms $5,127 - $10,412 $2,731 - $4,926 $1,161 - $2,305

*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

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Colorado will cost between $1,514 and $5,707. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from CA to CO will range from $3,265 to $7,434, and a large move from California to Colorado will cost from $5,127 to $10,412.

Cost of moving containers from California to Colorado

If you’re relocating from California to Colorado, you’ll typically spend between $1,074 and $2,492 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,867 up to $3,732. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $2,731 and $4,926. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from California.

Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Colorado

Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.

Expect to pay between $846 and $1,710 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $915 to $1,973. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home or making a long-distance move from California to Colorado, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,161 to $2,305.

These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from CA to CO

Lots of things can impact how much it costs to move from California to Colorado. Here’s what ultimately affects your final price:

  • Move size: Moving a bigger home is pricier than relocating a small studio.
  • Time of year: Rates usually go up during the summer, which is peak moving season in California.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: You’ll save money moving yourself, but hiring professionals means less hassle and no heavy lifting for you.

What to know before moving from CA to CO

When moving from California to Colorado, be sure to check out how your new state stacks up against your current one.

Cost of living: California vs. Colorado

Before you move, it’s smart to see how cost of living compares between California and Colorado. This quick, side-by-side breakdown covers essentials like housing, income, taxes, and unemployment, giving you a better idea of how your budget might be affected. Check out how these two states stack up when it comes to 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

Moving to a new state isn’t just about landing a job or finding a new home, it’s about how your everyday life will actually feel. Factors like climate, safety, local culture, and the community’s size can make a big difference in your experience. Here’s a quick comparison of what life is like in Colorado versus California across key lifestyle categories:

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
  • With a population roughly 85% smaller than California, Colorado gives you more space, a more relaxed vibe, and lower living expenses. Just remember, you might notice fewer amenities around and a job market that’s not quite as fast-paced.
  • In the most recent presidential election, Colorado leaned Democrat, while California went with Democratic.
  • Summer temperatures usually hit around 86ºF in Colorado and 87ºF in California. If those numbers are close, you’ll likely have an easy time getting used to the new climate. Just don’t forget to think about humidity, typical weather, and energy costs to get the full picture of summer in your new place.
  • In the coldest months, temperatures in Colorado can dip to around 13ºF, while California typically only sees lows near 59ºF. Relocating to Colorado means getting used to colder winters, which might mean higher heating bills, new routines, and harsher weather. On the upside, you’ll also get to experience the seasonal charm and activities that come with the snow.
  • In Colorado, you’ll see about 16 inches of rain each year, less than the 22 inches you’re used to in California. Get ready for more sunshine, extra outdoor fun, and fewer weather-related worries.
  • Every year, Colorado gets around 63 inches of snow, much more than the 7 inches that California typically sees. With all that extra snow, you’ll enjoy stunning winter scenery and tons of outdoor fun, but you’ll also have to do more prep work in the winter and need plenty of warm gear.
  • Colorado has a higher crime rate than California, with a crime index of 36.4 compared to 28.43. While a statewide crime rate isn’t a dealbreaker, it's smart to research neighborhoods, stay update

Comparing the pros of California vs. Colorado

Starting fresh in a new place can be thrilling. Here’s a quick snapshot comparing life in Colorado to 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

Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving California for 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: 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: Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
  • Parking permits: Some cities expect you to have a parking permit for moving trucks, so double-check your new area’s rules before moving day to prevent any last-minute headaches.
  • 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: Quickly check the status of a Colorado moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
  • 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.
  • Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. This way, once you’ve picked your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Colorado right on time. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance 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: 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.

Things to do in Colorado

You’ll have plenty to explore in Colorado! Check out these top spots to visit in your new home 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 California to Colorado? toggle

If you want a stress-free move, hiring a full-service California moving company is the way to go, even if it costs a bit more. Looking to save money? Try renting a moving truck or going with a moving container, but be prepared to do more of the heavy lifting yourself. Want to spend even less? Check out our tips for the cheapest ways to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from California to Colorado? toggle

Plenty of full-service movers can handle your car transport for an added cost. Prefer to manage it yourself? You can quickly set up vehicle shipping from California to Colorado using a top-rated auto transport company.

What are the benefits of moving from California to Colorado? toggle

An increasing number of people are relocating from California to Colorado to enjoy all the great benefits Colorado provides, such as: ample economic opportunity and awesome snow recreational activities.

Is it cheaper to live in California or Colorado? toggle

Living in Colorado usually costs less than in California. Housing is much more affordable in Colorado, with average rent about 14% less and home prices 29.8% lower than in California. Taxes are also lower in Colorado, most notably income taxes, which are more than 50% less than those paid by California residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Colorado? toggle

Thinking of moving to Colorado on your own? You’ll want to earn around $82,440 to cover your expenses comfortably. If you’re living on your own, expect to spend about $3,235 per month, or around $7,638 if you have a family of four. Where you choose to live makes a big difference, too. Bigger cities like Denver and Colorado Springs tend to have higher housing costs compared to smaller towns.

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