Best Movers from California to Colorado (2025 Cost Data)
Quick answer: Moving from California to Colorado typically costs between $981 and $7,358 and usually takes two–eight days. Your final price depends on the size and timing of your move, and whether you choose professional movers or handle it on your own.
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Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Colorado to California guide.
Our track record
The best California to Colorado full-service movers
Heading from California to Colorado? With so many moving companies out there, finding the perfect interstate mover can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve done the homework for you, narrowing down the top picks based on positive customer reviews, transparent pricing, and standout services.
Kick off your move to Colorado with these leading long-distance moving companies that serve California.
- 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
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.
- 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
Company Info
State license #: T0192283
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3489907
Alternate Names: Best California Movers & Storage, An Moving Forward
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meathead Packers
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.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190491
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 3369820
Alternate Names: Lovejoy's Family Moving, Republic Relocation Services
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.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- 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
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 0189688
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 1095485
Alternate Names: Air 1 Moving & Storage, Inc
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.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191302
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2971368
All 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.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Pay by credit card
The best California to Colorado moving container companies
Moving containers are a budget-friendly option that lets you avoid doing all the work yourself. You pack and unpack your belongings, and the company takes care of the transport, picking up your container in California and delivering it to your new place in Colorado.
Here are our favorite moving container companies for a smooth, stress-free move:
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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:
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The best California to Colorado labor-only movers
If you need help moving some or all of your items into a container or rental truck, you can hire labor-only movers. They’ll send over a professional crew the right size for your move and you’ll pay only for the amount of time they work.
Consider one of these top-notch moving labor companies for your 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?
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 |
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Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,454 - $6,067 | $1,031 - $2,702 | $925 - $1,744 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,135 - $7,358 | $2,021 - $3,885 | $981 - $1,953 |
4+ bedrooms | $5,235 - $10,106 | $2,471 - $5,078 | $1,209 - $2,548 |
*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 $1,454 and $6,067. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,135 and $7,358 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 $5,235 up to $10,106.
Cost of moving containers from California to Colorado
Moving from California to Colorado? For a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,031 and $2,702. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,021 to $3,885. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,471 up to $5,078. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California 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 $925 and $1,744. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $981 and $1,953. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,209 up to $2,548 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from CA to CO
Several factors influence the cost of moving from California to Colorado. Here’s what can impact your final bill:
- Move size: The larger your home is, the more you’ll pay compared to moving a small studio apartment.
- Time of year: Prices tend to spike during summer, the busiest moving season in California.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Doing it yourself is cheaper, but hiring pros saves you effort and heavy lifting.
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, take a moment to compare the cost of living in California and Colorado. This simple side-by-side comparison highlights key factors like housing, income, taxes, and unemployment so you can see exactly how your budget may change. See how both states measure up on the essentials that impact your finances:
California | Colorado | |
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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 is about 14% less expensive in Colorado than in California, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 30% lower in Colorado than in California.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move, the average income is about 5% lower in Colorado than in California.
- The cost of living in Colorado is about 32% lower than in California. With a lower cost of living, it can be a great financial opportunity, but it’s still important to plan thoughtfully.
- Colorado has a lower unemployment rate than California by about 24%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 10% lower in Colorado than in California. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Colorado can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 59% lower in Colorado than in California. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
How life is different in Colorado vs. California
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing, it’s about how daily life will feel. From weather patterns and crime rates to political culture and population size, these factors can shape your overall experience. Here’s how life in Colorado and California compares across key lifestyle indicators:
Colorado | California | |
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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. With these temperatures being similar, 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
New beginnings can be really exciting. Here’s a quick comparison between life in Colorado and California.
Pros of living in California | Pros of living in Colorado |
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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: Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new neighborhood’s rules ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles.
- State licensing: The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) regulates local and intrastate moving service providers in Colorado. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
- State regulator: Easily verify the status of a Colorado moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: No moving permit is required in Colorado, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
- 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.
- Mover's insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called "released value protection," free of charge. 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: Make moving day a breeze with our straightforward moving checklist, which can help you stay on track and make sure you don’t miss any steps.
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