($728+) Denver, CO to Los Angeles, CA Movers
Moving from Denver, CO, to Los Angeles, CA, runs anywhere from $728 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,223 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,016 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 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 $2,343, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,223 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,255 - $4,272, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $728 - $1,961.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Denver, CO, to Los Angeles, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,641 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Denver, CO to Los Angeles, CA
Moving options from Denver to Los Angeles 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 $2,641 - $6,211 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 1,016 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,016-mile route from Denver to Los Angeles, 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 $2,343 - $5,279 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,255 - $2,291), rental truck ($728 - $1,356), or freight trailer ($1,152 - $2,061). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,641 - $6,211 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,223.
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 Denver, CO to Los Angeles, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,016-mile move from Denver, Colorado, to Los Angeles, California, with costs ranging from $2,343 - $8,223. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $425 - $2,832. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Denver and Los Angeles. Local movers in Denver typically start around $262 as a base rate plus $115/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Denver to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,343 - $5,279
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,641 - $6,211
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,505 - $8,223
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 Denver to Los Angeles.
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: 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 Denver, CO to Los Angeles, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 87% of Denver movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Los Angeles, 88% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $708 - $7,080 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready87% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Skyline Moving Company | $283 - $1,699/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $425 - $3,398 |
| 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 | $1,416 - $4,248 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,540 - $14,160 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,061 - $2,015 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items52% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Homegrown Moving Company, LLC | $1,416 - $3,540 |
| Piano | Any piano type67% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Homegrown Moving Company, LLC | $1,133 - $4,956 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling30% of local movers | $425 - $2,124 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Moving Proz | $920 - $2,832 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $425 - $21,240+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $425 - $4,956+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Denver to Los Angeles?
California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Denver, 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 Denver, CO to Los Angeles, CA
Moving containers from Denver, Colorado, to Los Angeles, California, cost between $1,255 and $4,272. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Denver costs roughly $80/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Denver to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,255 - $2,291
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,632 - $2,997
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,201 - $4,272
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Denver, CO and Los Angeles, CA. 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 $991 in Denver, CO, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $106 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $212 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 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 $1,255. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,632 - $2,997, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Denver to Los Angeles?
- 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 Denver 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 Denver:
- Skyline Moving Company (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- Local Moving LLC (4.9/5), 14 years in business
- Moving Proz (4.8/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Denver, CO to Los Angeles, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,016 miles from Denver, Colorado, to Los Angeles, California, running $728 - $1,961. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $458 - $523
- Daily insurance: $42/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $28
- Denver 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 Denver to Los Angeles based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $728 - $1,356
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $764 - $1,501
- 4+ bedrooms: $894 - $1,961
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $728 - $1,961 does not include fuel ($458 - $523) , lodging ($212/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Denver to Los Angeles typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $212 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 $92 and $460 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $458 - $523 in fuel for the 1,016-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $991 in Denver, Colorado, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Denver to Los Angeles?
- 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 Denver, CO to Los Angeles, CA
If you're moving a larger household from Denver, Colorado, 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 Los Angeles, California.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,318 and $2,497.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Denver to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,152 - $2,061
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,318 - $2,497
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,608 - $3,417
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?
- 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 $106 - $212 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Denver, Colorado, for about five hours typically runs $991.
What are the best freight companies from Denver to Los Angeles?
- 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: 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: Denver, CO vs Los Angeles, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Los Angeles, side by side with Denver on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Denver, CO | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 128 | 162 |
| Average rent | $1,900/mo | $2,960/mo |
| Median home value | $586,595 | $878,142 |
| Average income | $91,681/yr | $80,366/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 10.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.49% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 95/100 | 69/100 |
| Safety index | 52.16/100 | 46.19/100 |
| 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 Los Angeles, CA to Denver, CO guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Colorado to California in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 81 movers based in Colorado, handy for sizing up options on this 1,016-mile route.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,016-mile route from Denver, CO, to Los Angeles, CA, run $2,343 - $8,223 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,255 - $4,272, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $728 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,641, 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 County of Los Angeles and Los Angeles Unified School District.
FAQs: Moving from Denver, CO, to Los Angeles, CA
What is the cheapest way to move from Denver, CO to Los Angeles, 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 $764 - $1,501. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($458 - $523), daily insurance ($42/day), and equipment rentals ($10 - $28) on top. Overnight stops can add another $212/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Denver, CO to Los Angeles, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What is the best time of year to move from Denver, CO to Los Angeles, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Denver, CO to Los Angeles, CA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What percentage of Denver movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 67% of movers in Denver handle piano moves, and 52% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
