($829+) Aurora, CO to San Jose, CA Movers
Moving from Aurora, CO, to San Jose, CA, runs anywhere from $837 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,916 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,285 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,248, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,916 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,344 - $4,768, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $837 - $2,317.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Aurora, CO, to San Jose, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,864 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Aurora, CO to San Jose, CA
Moving options from Aurora to San Jose fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,864 - $7,137 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,285 miles and typically takes 3 to 8 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,285-mile route from Aurora to San Jose, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,248 - $5,312 | $1,344 - $2,400 | $837 - $1,644 | $1,209 - $2,250 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,864 - $7,137 | $1,663 - $3,487 | $859 - $1,938 | $1,414 - $2,706 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,226 - $8,916 | $2,443 - $4,768 | $1,103 - $2,317 | $1,954 - $3,555 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Aurora, CO to San Jose, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,285-mile move from Aurora, Colorado, to San Jose, California, with costs ranging from $2,248 - $8,916. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $500 - $3,336. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Aurora and San Jose. Local movers in Aurora typically start around $240 as a base rate plus $120/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Aurora to San Jose:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,248 - $5,312
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,864 - $7,137
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,226 - $8,916
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 Aurora to San Jose.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Colorado to California. 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 Aurora, CO to San Jose, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 87% of Aurora movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In San Jose, 81% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $834 - $8,340 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready87% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Skyline Moving Company | $334 - $2,002/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $500 - $4,003 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage37% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs54% of local movers | $1,668 - $5,004 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,170 - $16,680 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,249 - $2,374 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items52% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $1,668 - $4,170 |
| Piano | Any piano type67% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $1,334 - $5,838 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling30% of local movers | $500 - $2,502 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Buehler Moving Companies | $1,084 - $3,336 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $500 - $25,020+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $500 - $5,838+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Aurora to San Jose?
Look for California Moving & Storage Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in California beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Aurora, CO. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Aurora, CO to San Jose, CA
Moving containers from Aurora, Colorado, to San Jose, California, cost between $1,344 and $4,768. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to San Jose. If you go over that window, storage in Aurora adds around $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Aurora to San Jose:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,344 - $2,400
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,663 - $3,487
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,443 - $4,768
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Aurora, CO, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $1,168, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $125 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $250 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Aurora, CO, and San Jose, CA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Colorado to California 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 $1,344. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,663 - $3,487, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Aurora to San Jose?
- 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 Aurora 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 Aurora:
- Skyline Moving Company (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- Buehler Moving Companies (4.3/5), 100 years in business
- Moving U (4.1/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Aurora, CO to San Jose, CA
Truck rentals from Aurora, Colorado, to San Jose, California, range from $837 - $2,317 for the 1,285-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $682 - $779
- Daily insurance: $50/day
- Equipment rentals: $12 - $33
- Aurora daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Aurora to San Jose based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $837 - $1,644
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $859 - $1,938
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,103 - $2,317
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $837 - $2,317 when pricing out a rental truck from Aurora to San Jose. Fuel alone runs ($682 - $779) , and overnight lodging ($250/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $250 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $108 and $542 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $682 - $779 in fuel for the 1,285-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $1,168 in Aurora, Colorado, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Aurora to San Jose?
- 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 Aurora, CO to San Jose, CA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Aurora, Colorado, to San Jose, California, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,414 and $2,706.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Aurora to San Jose:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,209 - $2,250
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,414 - $2,706
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,954 - $3,555
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $125 - $250 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Aurora, Colorado, typically costs $1,168.
What are the best freight companies from Aurora to San Jose?
- 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.
- Apex Transportation, Inc. (4.8/5 stars): Apex Transportation, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
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 San Jose 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: Aurora, CO vs San Jose, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in San Jose, side by side with Aurora on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Aurora, CO | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 124 | 231 |
| Average rent | $1,850/mo | $3,095/mo |
| Median home value | $443,829 | $1,184,000 |
| Average income | $84,320/yr | $141,565/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.6% | 6.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.49% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 43/100 | 51/100 |
| Safety index | 40.95/100 | 52.27/100 |
| 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 San Jose, CA to Aurora, CO guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Colorado to California, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Colorado alone has 81 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,285-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,285-mile route from Aurora, CO, to San Jose, CA, run $2,248 - $8,916 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,344 - $4,768, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $837 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,864, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Cisco Systems and Western Digital.
FAQs: Moving from Aurora, CO, to San Jose, CA
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Aurora, CO to San Jose, CA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is San Jose a safe place to live?
San Jose has a safety index of 52.27 out of 100 and a crime index of 47.73, compared to 40.95 and 59.05 in Aurora. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Aurora, CO to San Jose, CA?
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 $859 - $1,938. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Aurora movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 67% of movers in Aurora handle piano moves, and 52% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.