Factors influencing moving costs from San Diego to Denver

The cost of San Diego movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from San Diego to Denver can be as low as $1,382 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $8,298.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in San Diego, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $883 to $2,181. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from San Diego to Denver

San Diego Denver
Average rent cost $2,881 $1,900
Average home value $1,003,444 $544,237
Average income (per capita) $72,963 $85,853
Cost of living (single person) $3,346 $1,284
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,719 $4,672
Unemployment rate 6.6% 7.1%
Sales tax 7.75% 9.15%
State income tax 13.3% 5.49%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Denver are 34% lower than in San Diego.
  • Home prices in Denver are 45.8% lower than in San Diego.
  • Income in Denver is 17.7% higher than in San Diego.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Denver is 61.6% lower than in San Diego.
  • The cost of living for a family in Denver is 39.5% lower than in San Diego.
  • The unemployment rate in Denver is 7.58% higher than in San Diego.
  • Sales taxes in Denver are 18.06% higher than in San Diego.
  • State income taxes in Denver are 58.72% lower than in San Diego.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,151.23 in Denver to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Diego.

How life is different in San Diego vs. Denver

Denver San Diego
Population 715,522 1,386,932
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 6
Walkability score 95 53
Bike friendliness score 96 43
Crime Index 47.84 39.83
Safety Index 52.16 60.17
Air Quality Moderate Moderate
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Denver's population is about 48% less than San Diego.
  • Denver's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus San Diego's higher score of 6.
  • Denver is more walkable than San Diego with a score of 95 out of 100 vs San Diego's 53 out of 100.
  • With a score of 96 out of 100, Denver is more bike-friendly than San Diego, which has a score of 43 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Denver's crime rate is higher than San Diego with a score of 47.84 compared to San Diego's 39.83. This means that Denver neighborhoods are safer than 47.84% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83%.
  • Denver is considered to be less safe than San Diego with a score of 52.16 vs San Diego's 60.17.
  • Air quality in Denver is moderate, and in San Diego it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your San Diego vs. Denver move

  • Weather: Denver has four distinct seasons and receives most of its precipitation from April through August. Due to its inland location on the High Plains, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, the region can be subject to sudden changes in weather.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) regulates local and intrastate moving service providers in Colorado. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Colorado moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • 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: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Denver. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Denver

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Mile-High City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Denver.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Capitol Hill
  • Five Points
  • Highland
  • LoDo
  • Washington Park

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Berkeley
  • Fort Logan
  • Hilltop
  • Park Hill
  • Washington Park

Things to do in Denver

After settling into your new Colorado home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Denver has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Denver is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver Art Museum, Molly Brown House Museum, and Forney Museum of Transportation.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city’s Washington Park, Denver Mountain Parks, City Park - Denver, and Cheesman Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Denver Broncos (NFL), Colorado Rockies (MLB), Colorado Avalance (NHL), or Colorado Rapids (MLS) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from San Diego to Denver?

The best time to move from San Diego to Denver is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in San Diego.

When is the cheapest time to move from San Diego to Denver?

Because most people are moving from San Diego to Denver in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from San Diego to Denver take?

The 1,084-mile move from San Diego, CA, to Denver, CO, takes two to eight days. Some San Diego movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Denver.

Helpful moving resources

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Popular California routes

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