The best local movers for San Francisco to Denver moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in San Francisco that also handles long-distance moves to Denver. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 91 local movers in San Francisco who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from San Francisco to Denver.
- Pure Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Good Green Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0191103
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3207734
Alternate Names: Pure Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0167668
Years in Business: 44
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Great Giant Moving Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190673
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 3670248
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191035
Pricing: $70/hr
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2604063
Alternate Names: Green Move, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from San Francisco to Denver?
The average hourly rate for movers in California is $128. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,162 – $4,901 | $923 – $2,217 | $738 – $1,438 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,656 – $6,188 | $1,604 – $3,159 | $814 – $1,781 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,639 – $8,777 | $2,086 – $4,278 | $1,024 – $2,086 |
Cost to hire movers from San Francisco to Denver
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from San Francisco to Denver will cost between $1,162 and $4,901. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from San Francisco to San Francisco will range from $2,656 to $6,188, and a large move from San Francisco to Denver will cost from $4,639 to $8,777.
Cost of moving containers from San Francisco to Denver
If you’re moving from San Francisco to Denver, expect to pay between $923 and $2,217 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,604 up to $3,159. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,086 and $4,278. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from San Francisco to Denver
Renting a moving truck from San Francisco to Denver 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 $738 and $1,438. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $814 and $1,781. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,024 up to $2,086 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from San Francisco to Denver
The cost of San Francisco movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,286, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $7,974.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in San Francisco, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($738–$2,044) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from San Francisco to Denver
Many movers find Denver easier on the wallet than San Francisco – roughly 10% less for singles and 6% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,392 for one person in Denver versus $3,781 in San Francisco. For a family of four, it’s $8,201 compared with $8,717.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| San Francisco | Denver | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,259 | $2,108 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,475 | $3,529 |
| Average home value | $1,241,003 | $544,237 |
| Average income (per capita) | $136,689 | $85,853 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,781 | $3,392 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $8,717 | $8,201 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 7.1% |
| Sales tax | 8.63% | 9.15% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 5.49% |
- If you’re heading to Denver from San Francisco, you’ll find that rent is roughly 42% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 56% less in Denver than in San Francisco.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 37% lower in Denver compared to San Francisco.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Denver. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 10% lower than in San Francisco.
- Choosing to move to Denver can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 6% less than in San Francisco.
- In Denver, the unemployment rate is approximately 31% higher than in San Francisco, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes rise by 6% in Denver over San Francisco, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Income taxes are 59% less in Colorado than in California. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between San Francisco and Denver:
| Living Expense | San Francisco | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $173.96 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $72.24 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.91 | $4.94 |
| Loaf of bread | $5.06 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $125.00 | $85.00 |
| Gym membership | $99.96 | $64.43 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in San Francisco than in Denver.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in San Francisco than in Denver.
- Eggs cost more in San Francisco than in Denver.
- Bread is more expensive in San Francisco than in Denver.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in San Francisco than in Denver.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in San Francisco than in Denver.
- Gym memberships cost more in San Francisco than in Denver.
How life is different in San Francisco vs. Denver
| San Francisco | Denver | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,988 | 715,522 |
| Transportation score | 10 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 99 | 95 |
| Bike friendliness score | 99 | 96 |
| Crime index | 61.41 | 47.84 |
| Safety index | 38.59 | 52.16 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- Denver’s population is about 12% less than San Francisco.
- Denver’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is lower than San Francisco’s score of 10.
- Denver and San Francisco are similarly walkable.
- Both Denver and San Francisco have similar bike-friendliness scores (99 vs 96), meaning Denver is about as safe for cyclists as San Francisco. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Denver’s crime rate is lower than San Francisco with a score of 47.84 compared to San Francisco’s 61.41. This means that Denver neighborhoods are safer than 47.84% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41%.
- Denver is considered to be safer than San Francisco with a safety index of 52.16 vs San Francisco’s 38.59.
- Air quality in Denver is Moderate, and in San Francisco it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Francisco to Denver move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) regulates local and intrastate moving service providers in Colorado. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Colorado moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Colorado doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Denver. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Denver
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to The 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
Once you’re settled into your new home in Colorado, it’s time to get out and discover what Denver has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Denver, such as the Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver Art Museum, and Molly Brown House Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Washington Park, Denver Mountain Parks, City Park – Denver, and Cheesman Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Denver Broncos (NFL)Colorado Rockies (MLB)Colorado Avalance (NHL)Colorado Rapids (MLS)Denver Nuggets (NBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Francisco to Denver?
The best time to move from San Francisco 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 Francisco.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Francisco to Denver?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from San Francisco to Denver, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from San Francisco to Denver take?
Moving from San Francisco, CA to Denver, covers 1,252 miles and usually takes three to eight days. Need to move faster? Some San Francisco movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Denver.
Which movers in San Francisco give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 2 movers here honor AAA discounts.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in San Francisco?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 72 movers in San Francisco advertise piano moving expertise. 64 movers in San Francisco provide antique moving services. State totals show 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
San Francisco moving services
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