($687+) San Diego, CA to Fort Collins, CO Movers
The cost to move from San Diego, CA to Fort Collins, CO ranges from $1,163 to $7,813, with an average cost of $3,150. Moves can be as low as $687 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,143 miles and usually takes 2 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from San Diego, CA to Fort Collins, CO
Moving options from San Diego to Fort Collins fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,163 - $7,813 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,150, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 42% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 69% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,143 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,143-mile route from San Diego to Fort Collins, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,163 - $5,087 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,191 - $2,294), rental truck ($687 - $1,294), or freight trailer ($1,051 - $2,004). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,575 - $6,396 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $7,813.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from San Diego, CA to Fort Collins, CO
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,143-mile move from San Diego, California, to Fort Collins, Colorado, with costs ranging from $1,163 - $7,813. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $418 - $2,788. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between San Diego and Fort Collins. Local movers in San Diego typically start around $226 as a base rate plus $200/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Diego to Fort Collins:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,163 - $5,087
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,575 - $6,396
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,537 - $7,813
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from San Diego to Fort Collins.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from San Diego, CA to Fort Collins, CO
Specialty needs vary by market: 72% of San Diego movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Fort Collins, 57% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing87% of local movers | $697 - $6,970 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready72% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Stella Moving & Delivery | $279 - $1,673/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $418 - $3,346 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage9% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $1,394 - $4,182 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,485 - $13,940 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,044 - $1,984 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items30% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Stella Moving & Delivery | $1,394 - $3,485 |
| Piano | Any piano type52% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Stella Moving & Delivery | $1,115 - $4,879 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $418 - $2,091 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect12% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $906 - $2,788 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $418 - $20,910+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $418 - $4,879+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Diego to Fort Collins?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in San Diego, CA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from San Diego, CA to Fort Collins, CO
Moving containers from San Diego, California, to Fort Collins, Colorado, cost between $1,191 and $4,262. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in San Diego typically costs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Diego to Fort Collins:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,191 - $2,294
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,488 - $3,039
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,138 - $4,262
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $105 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $209 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Fort Collins, CO, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $976 in San Diego, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Colorado move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,191. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,488 - $3,039.
What are the best moving containers San Diego to Fort Collins?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in San Diego to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in San Diego:
- 24/7 Moving and Storage (5.0/5), 14 years in business
- Coast 2 Coast Moving Inc (5.0/5), 8 years in business
- Best California Movers (5.0/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Diego, CA to Fort Collins, CO
Plan on $687 - $1,972 for a rental moving truck on the 1,143-mile route from San Diego, California, to Fort Collins, Colorado. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $507 - $579
- Daily insurance: $42/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $28
- San Diego daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from San Diego to Fort Collins based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $687 - $1,294
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $811 - $1,684
- 4+ bedrooms: $952 - $1,972
Pro tip: The base rate of $687 - $1,972 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from San Diego to Fort Collins. Fuel ($507 - $579), lodging at around $209/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $105 and $488.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $209.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $507 and $579 for the 1,143-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $976 for 2 movers in San Diego, California, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Diego to Fort Collins?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from San Diego, CA to Fort Collins, CO
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from San Diego, California, to Fort Collins, Colorado. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,255 and $2,530.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Diego to Fort Collins:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,051 - $2,004
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,265 - $2,530
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,760 - $3,442
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $105 - $209 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in San Diego, California, for about five hours typically runs $976.
What are the best freight companies from San Diego to Fort Collins?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Fort Collins quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: San Diego, CA vs Fort Collins, CO
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Fort Collins, side by side with San Diego on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Diego, CA | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 155 | 116 |
| Average rent | $2,881/mo | $1,750/mo |
| Median home value | $847,715 | $544,203 |
| Average income | $104,321/yr | $83,598/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 5.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 5.49% |
| Walkability score | 53/100 | 37/100 |
| Safety index | 60.17/100 | 72.86/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Fort Collins, CO to San Diego, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from California to Colorado, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 1,154 movers in California, so you have real options to compare for this 1,143-mile move.
Our take
A move from San Diego, CA, to Fort Collins, CO, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,163 - $7,813 on the 1,143-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,191 - $4,262, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $687 - $1,972. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,575 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Advanced Energy Industries and RIMROCK.
FAQs: Moving from San Diego, CA, to Fort Collins, CO
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($507 - $579), daily insurance ($42/day), and equipment rentals ($10 - $28) on top. Overnight stops can add another $209/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from San Diego, CA to Fort Collins, CO?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $811 - $1,684. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from San Diego, CA to Fort Collins, CO?
Costs on this route range from around $687 to $7,813, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,163 and $7,813, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in San Diego?
Local movers based in San Diego typically start around $226 as a base rate, plus $200/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Fort Collins run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of San Diego movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 52% of movers in San Diego handle piano moves, and 30% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.