($746+) San Francisco, CA to Denver, CO Movers
The cost to move from San Francisco, CA to Denver, CO ranges from $1,234 to $8,519, with an average cost of $3,250. Moves can be as low as $746 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,252 miles and usually takes 3 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 Francisco, CA to Denver, CO
Moving options from San Francisco to Denver fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,234 - $8,519 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,250, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 40% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 70% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,252 miles and typically takes 3 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 1,252-mile route from San Francisco to Denver, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,234 - $4,707 | $1,257 - $2,313 | $754 - $1,512 | $1,097 - $1,997 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,710 - $6,631 | $1,620 - $3,322 | $822 - $1,763 | $1,244 - $2,528 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,499 - $8,519 | $2,283 - $4,148 | $1,003 - $2,043 | $1,721 - $3,422 |
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 Francisco, CA to Denver, CO
Hiring full-service movers from San Francisco, California, to Denver, Colorado, costs between $1,234 and $8,519. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,252-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $595 - $3,964, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between San Francisco and Denver. For a rough baseline, movers based in San Francisco tend to start around $284 plus $150/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Francisco to Denver:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,234 - $4,707
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,710 - $6,631
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,499 - $8,519
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 Francisco to Denver.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Colorado. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from San Francisco, CA to Denver, CO
Specialty needs vary by market: 54% of San Francisco movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Denver, 48% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing76% of local movers | $991 - $9,910 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready54% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Pure Moving Company | $396 - $2,378/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $595 - $4,757 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs51% of local movers | $1,982 - $5,946 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,955 - $19,820 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,485 - $2,820 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Pure Moving Company | $1,982 - $4,955 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Got2Move | $1,586 - $6,937 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $595 - $2,973 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $1,288 - $3,964 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $595 - $29,730+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $595 - $6,937+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Francisco to Denver?
- 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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in San Francisco, CA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from San Francisco, CA to Denver, CO
Moving containers from San Francisco, California, to Denver, Colorado, cost between $1,257 and $4,148. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in San Francisco typically runs around $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Francisco to Denver:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,257 - $2,313
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,620 - $3,322
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,283 - $4,148
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both San Francisco, CA and Denver, CO. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $1,387 in San Francisco, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $149 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $297 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
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 $1,257. 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 $1,620 - $3,322.
What are the best moving containers San Francisco to Denver?
- 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 Francisco 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 Francisco:
- Got2Move (4.8/5), 19 years in business
- Sweet Lemon Moving Services (5.0/5), 9 years in business
- 680 Movers (4.8/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Francisco, CA to Denver, CO
A rental truck for this 1,252-mile move from San Francisco, California, to Denver, Colorado, costs between $754 and $2,043. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $790 - $902
- Daily insurance: $59/day
- Equipment rentals: $14 - $40
- San Francisco daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.59
| 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 Francisco to Denver based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $754 - $1,512
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $822 - $1,763
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,003 - $2,043
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $754 - $2,043 when pricing out a rental truck from San Francisco to Denver. Fuel alone runs $790 - $902, and overnight lodging ($297/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $297 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in San Francisco, California, usually costs about $1,387 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,252-mile drive falls between $790 and $902, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $99 and $595 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Francisco to Denver?
- 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 Francisco, CA to Denver, CO
If you're moving a larger household from San Francisco, California, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Denver, Colorado.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,244 and $2,528.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Francisco to Denver:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,097 - $1,997
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,244 - $2,528
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,721 - $3,422
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in San Francisco, California, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $1,387.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $149 and $297 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from San Francisco to Denver?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: San Francisco, CA vs Denver, CO
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Denver, side by side with San Francisco on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Francisco, CA | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 245 | 128 |
| Average rent | $3,250/mo | $1,900/mo |
| Median home value | $1,374,773 | $586,595 |
| Average income | $141,446/yr | $91,681/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 7.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 5.49% |
| Walkability score | 99/100 | 95/100 |
| Safety index | 38.59/100 | 52.16/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
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 Denver, CO to San Francisco, CA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from California to Colorado over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 1,154 movers in our California network to compare for this 1,252-mile move.
Our take
For a move from San Francisco, CA, to Denver, CO, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,234 for a studio to $8,519 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,252-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,257 - $4,148. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $754 - $2,043, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,710 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Re/max and DaVita.
FAQs: Moving from San Francisco, CA, to Denver, CO
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 Francisco?
Local movers based in San Francisco typically start around $284 as a base rate, plus $150/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 Denver run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Colorado?
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) regulates local and intrastate moving service providers in Colorado.
What are the best neighborhoods in Denver?
For families, Berkeley, Fort Logan, and Hilltop are worth a look in Denver. If you're moving solo or without kids, Capitol Hill, Five Points, and Highland tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Denver?
Denver has a walkability score of 95 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 96, compared to 99 and 99 in San Francisco. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of San Francisco movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in San Francisco handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.