($1,469) Cost of Moving From Colorado to California

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Colorado to California ranges from $916 to $7,434 and takes two–eight days. The top cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
  • Customized moving plans

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from California to Colorado guide.

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The best Colorado to California full-service movers

Moving from Colorado to California? With thousands of moving companies in the U.S., hiring the right interstate moving company can be a challenge.

To simplify your search, we've selected the most reliable movers based on our detailed analysis of customer reviews, pricing, and service offerings.

Start with these top long-distance moving companies serving Colorado for your California relocation:

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • 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
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
866-835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
866-835-2392
Best for Contents Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
866-825-0554
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
read our full review
866-825-0554
Best customized Plans
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
read our full review
(844) 950-2963

The best local moving companies in Colorado

  1. Moving Proz: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  2. Bellhop Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  3. Legacy Moving LLC: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  4. Local Moving LLC: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  5. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars

Moving Proz

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.8 / 5

DOT #: 2275038

Years in Business: 11

1800 Wazee St, Ste 343, Denver, CO 80202

Moving Proz has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Denver, CO, since 2013. With a strong online presence, their Google reviews boast a stellar average rating of 4.8 from 489 reviews, surpassing many local competitors, while their Yelp profile averages 3.8 from 10 reviews. They offer a comprehensive range of services, including packing, unpacking, and specialized handling for fragile items, as well as moving larger items like pianos and pool tables. The company also provides full valuation insurance coverage, ensuring your belongings are protected throughout the move. With an A- rating from the Better Business Bureau, Moving Proz stands as a reputable choice for those looking to hire a local moving company in Denver.

Get a Quote (866) 983-5045

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes

Additional Information

  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 2275038
  • State license #: 00680

Alternative Business Names

  • Moving Proz LLC
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Bellhop Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.72 / 5

DOT #: 2878240

Years in Business: 13

3575 Ringsby Court, Denver, CO 80210 US

Bellhop Moving has been providing reliable local residential moving services in and around Denver, CO since 2012. Compared to other nearby moving companies, they excel with a strong online presence, boasting 475 Google reviews with an impressive 4.6 average rating. Despite a mixed Yelp rating of 3.9 and a BBB rating of C+, many customers highlight their efficient packing and unpacking services. Bellhop Moving accepts credit cards, but a deposit is unfortunately required. Overall, they are a reputable choice for those seeking professional local moving services.

Get a Quote (866) 774-5063

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage

Additional Information

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Legacy Moving LLC

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.8 / 5

Years in Business: 3

1510 Glen Ayr Dr #9, Denver, CO 80215

Legacy Moving LLC, established in 2022, specializes in local residential moving services in and around Denver, CO. With an impressive average rating of 4.4 on Yelp from 125 reviews and an even higher 4.8 rating on Google from 595 reviews, the company has quickly built a solid reputation. Unlike many other local movers, Legacy Moving LLC also provides packing and unpacking services, and is equipped to handle delicate items like pianos, pool tables, and antiques. Their B+ rating with the Better Business Bureau reinforces their commitment to customer satisfaction, making them a reliable choice for your local moving needs.

Get a Quote (970) 616-4481

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating

Additional Information

  • Pay by credit card
  • State license #: 3462023

Alternative Business Names

  • Legacy Moving LLC
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Local Moving LLC

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.8 / 5

DOT #: 2498325

Years in Business: 13

300 West 53rd Place, Denver, CO 80216 US

Local Moving LLC specializes in local residential moving services in and around Denver, CO, and has been a trusted name in the community since 2013. They stand out among nearby movers with their top-notch packing and unpacking services, as well as their ability to handle specialty items like pianos. Boasting an impressive average rating of 4.7 on Yelp and 4.9 on Google from over 1,200 combined reviews, they have built a reputation for reliability and excellence. With an A rating from the Better Business Bureau, Local Moving LLC is a reputable choice for those seeking seamless local moves without the hassle of deposits.

Get a Quote (303) 355-6683

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

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All My Sons Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.8 / 5

DOT #: 902281

Years in Business: 26

1410 Dustry Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80905 US

All My Sons Moving & Storage has been providing local residential moving services in and around Colorado Springs, CO, since 1999. Unlike some competitors, they offer a wide range of additional services, including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for items like pianos and antiques. While they boast an impressive 4.4 rating on Google My Business from 1,270 reviews and hold an A rating from the Better Business Bureau, their Yelp profile tells a different story with an average rating of 1.6 from 95 reviews. Despite requiring a deposit, their comprehensive service offerings and long-standing presence make them a significant contender among local moving companies.

Get a Quote (719) 249-0930

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 902281
  • State license #: 2270734

Alternative Business Names

  • All My Sons Moving & Storage of Colorado Springs, LLC
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The best Colorado to California moving container companies

Moving containers allow you to save money without having to go the full DIY route. While you’ll have to handle loading and unloading, the container company has you covered on transportation — they’ll pick up your pod in Colorado and drop it off at your new home in California.

Check out these highly rated moving container companies:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
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  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

The best Colorado to California moving truck rentals

Moving truck rentals are the most cost-effective way to move from Colorado to California, although they’re also the most labor-intensive. You’ll save big by doing all the heavy lifting and driving.

We like these rental moving trucks:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
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  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
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  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

The best Colorado to California 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 Colorado to California:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Hire moving labor
  • Online quotes
  • Nationwide
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Online booking
  • Move Concierge
  • Affordable

How we chose the best moving companies for your CO to CA movetoggle

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 62 Colorado movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

How much does it cost to move from Colorado to California?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Colorado to California for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,469 - $6,248 $1,106 - $2,701 $829 - $1,677
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,265 - $7,434 $1,945 - $3,962 $916 - $1,915
4+ bedrooms $5,397 - $9,698 $2,423 - $4,781 $1,127 - $2,451

*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 Colorado to Californiatoggle

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Colorado to California will cost between $1,469 and $6,248. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from CO to CA will range from $3,265 to $7,434, and a large move from Colorado to California will cost from $5,397 to $9,698.

Cost of moving containers from Colorado to Californiatoggle

Moving containers from Colorado to California will cost you $1,106 to $2,701 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,945 to $3,962. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,423 to $4,781. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Colorado.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Colorado to Californiatoggle

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $829 to $1,677. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $916 to $1,915, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Colorado to California costs from $1,127 to $2,451.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from CO to CAtoggle

There are many factors that influence Colorado moving costs. The cost to move from Colorado to California will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in Colorado is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

What to know before moving from CO to CA

If you’re moving to California from Colorado, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Colorado vs. California

Colorado California
Average rent cost $1,594 $1,856
Average home cost $541,072 $771,057
Average income (per capita) $87,598 $91,905
Cost of Living Index 91 134
Unemployment rate 4.1% 5.4%
Average Sales Tax 7.81% 8.68%
State Income Tax 5.49% 13.3%
  • Rent is about 16% more expensive in California than in Colorado.
  • Home prices are about 43% higher in California than in Colorado.
  • The average income is about 5% higher in California than in Colorado.
  • Cost of living is 47% lower in California than in Colorado.
  • California has a higher unemployment rate than Colorado by about 32%.
  • Sales taxes are 11% higher in California than in Colorado.
  • Income taxes are 142% higher in California than in Colorado.

How life is different in California vs. Colorado

California Colorado
Population 39,029,342 5,877,610
Political leaning Democratic 59-41 Democrat 54-46
Summer high 87ºF 86ºF
Winter low 59ºF 13ºF
Annual rain 22" 16"
Annual snow 7" 63"
Crime index 28.43 36.4
  • The population of California is approximately 564% greater than the population of Colorado.
  • In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Colorado voted Democrat.
  • The average high in the summertime in California is 87ºF and in Colorado, it’s 86ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ºF and Colorado gets down to 13ºF.
  • You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California versus 16 inches of rainfall in Colorado.
  • In California, it snows about 7 inches annually versus 63 inches of snow in Colorado.
  • California has a lower crime rate than Colorado with a crime index of 28.43 vs. 36.4.

Comparing the pros of Colorado vs. California

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in California compared to Colorado.

Pros of living in Colorado Pros of living in California
Ample economic opportunity Ample economic opportunity
Awesome snow recreational activities Pleasant weather
Quality healthcare Abundant recreational options
High quality of life High quality of life
Beautiful outdoors Fresh and healthy foods

Comparing the cons of living in Colorado vs. California

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 Colorado for California.

Cons of living in Colorado Cons of living in California
Extreme weather High cost of living
High cost of living Heavy tax burdens
Altitude sickness Natural disasters
Overcrowding Terrible traffic
Bad traffic Strange laws

Other things to consider for your Colorado to California movetoggle

  • Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: California 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 so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to California. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Californiatoggle

While you’re in California, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Yosemite National Park
  • Golden Gate Bridge
  • Disneyland Park
  • Big Sur Coastline
  • Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Death Valley National Park
  • San Diego Zoo
  • Lake Tahoe
  • Santa Catalina Island
  • Redwood National and State Parks
  • Joshua Tree National Park
  • Hearst Castle
  • Channel Islands National Park
  • Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
  • The Hollywood Sign
  • Lombard Street
  • Venice Beach
  • Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • Griffith Observatory
  • Santa Monica Pier
  • Alcatraz Island
  • Winchester Mystery House
  • Lassen Volcanic National Park
  • Solvang
  • Fisherman’s Wharf
  • Burney Falls
  • Anza Borrego Desert State Park
  • Bodie State Historic Park

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Colorado to California?toggle

Hiring a full-service Colorado moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from Colorado to California?toggle

Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Colorado to California separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Colorado to California?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from Colorado to California are the amazing upsides of living in California such as ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.

Is it cheaper to live in Colorado or California?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Colorado than in California. Housing is much more affordable in Colorado, with average rent about 14% less and home prices 30% lower than in California. Taxes are also lower in Colorado, most notably income taxes, which are more than 50% less than those paid by California residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in California?toggle

You should make approximately $74,410 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in California. The cost of living in California is approximately $3,208 per month for an individual and $8,077 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in California you live For example, larger cities like Los Angeles and Bakersfield will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

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