Quick answer: A move from Fort Collins to San Jose costs $912–$7,074 and takes two to eight days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 1,217-mile move yourself.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from San Jose to Fort Collins guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
For a move from Fort Collins to San Jose, you’ll have no shortage of options. There are 11 interstate movers in your area, giving you plenty of choices… but also a big decision to make about whether to go full-service or take on more of the work yourself.
We reviewed every Fort Collins company against key criteria, including service variety, affordability, and what people are saying in online reviews. Only the best long-distance movers in Fort Collins made our final list.
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Best professional movers from Fort Collins to San Jose
A full-service mover can make your interstate relocation from Fort Collins to San Jose far less complicated. From wrapping and packing your belongings to transporting them safely, these companies cover the entire process so you can spend your time on what matters most.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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What moving services are available in Fort Collins?
How we chose the best moving companies for your CO to CA move
Find trusted moving companies for your Fort Collins to San Jose journey
Organizing a move from Fort Collins to San Jose can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. The choices are vast, but which ones stand out?
We've done the groundwork for you, evaluating local movers in Fort Collins known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Fort Collins to San Jose.
- Exodus Moving and Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Little Guys Movers : 4.76 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Two College Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 26
Alternate Names: AAA Exodus Moving and Storage Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00544
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: All My Sons of Loveland, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 32
DOT #: 1931566
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00322
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00422
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2493028
Alternate Names: AKA Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Fort Collins to San Jose?
Fort Collins movers charge $120 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,365 - $5,435 | $1,058 - $2,415 | $861 - $1,576 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,267 - $7,074 | $1,913 - $3,693 | $912 - $1,971 |
4+ bedrooms | $5,390 - $9,568 | $2,591 - $5,085 | $1,134 - $2,475 |
Cost to hire movers from Colorado to California
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Colorado to California will cost between $1,365 and $5,435. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from CO to CA will range from $3,267 to $7,074, and a large move from Colorado to California will cost from $5,390 to $9,568.
Cost of moving containers from Colorado to California
If you're relocating from Colorado to California, you'll typically spend between $1,058 and $2,415 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,913 up to $3,693. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $2,591 and $5,085. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Colorado.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Colorado to California
Renting a moving truck 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 $861 and $1,576. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $912 and $1,971. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You're likely looking at anywhere from $1,134 up to $2,475 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors influencing moving costs from Fort Collins to San Jose
What to know before moving from Fort Collins to San Jose
San Jose typically comes with higher living costs — around 72% more for singles and 74% more for families than Fort Collins.
Singles pay roughly $3,674 vs. $2,140; families average $8,354 vs. $4,795.
Check the breakdown below to see where the increases show up:
- You may want to budget more for rent in San Jose, since prices are typically 77% higher than in Fort Collins.
- The home prices in San Jose are 167.7% higher than in Fort Collins, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- You're likely to make a higher income living in San Jose, where incomes are, on average, 28.9% higher than in Fort Collins. Major employers in San Jose include Cisco Systems, Western Digital, and Infineon Technologies.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in San Jose, since the cost of living for a single person in San Jose is 71.7% higher than in Fort Collins. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to San Jose, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in San Jose is 74.2% higher than in Fort Collins.
- The unemployment rate in San Jose is 17.86% higher than in Fort Collins.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in San Jose, since its sales taxes are 24.24% higher than what you are paying in Fort Collins.
- State income taxes in San Jose are 142.26% higher than in Fort Collins.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Fort Collins and San Jose:
Fort Collins | San Jose | |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $167.02 | $293.08 |
Cell phone plan | $43 | $48.44 |
Dozen eggs | $4.12 | $4.8 |
Loaf of bread | $3.09 | $4.93 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18 | $20.5 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $72 | $100 |
Gym membership | $60 | $123.75 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Fort Collins than in San Jose, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Fort Collins than in San Jose.
- Eggs are less expensive in Fort Collins than in San Jose.
- Bread costs less in Fort Collins than in San Jose.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Fort Collins than in San Jose.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Fort Collins than in San Jose.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Fort Collins than in San Jose.
How life is different in Fort Collins vs. San Jose
San Jose | Fort Collins | |
---|---|---|
Population | 971,233 | 169,810 |
Transportation Score | 7 | 4 |
Walkability score | 51 | 37 |
Bike friendliness score | 62 | 78 |
Crime Index | 47.73 | 17.0 |
Safety Index | 52.27 | 72.86 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- The population of San Jose is about 472% greater than Fort Collins, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- San Jose offers better access to buses and trains than Fort Collins, based on public transportation ratings. San Jose has a transit score of 7 out of 10 compared to 4 in Fort Collins. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in San Jose means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Fort Collins. San Jose is considered more walkable than Fort Collins, with a score of 51 out of 100 versus 37 out of 100 in Fort Collins. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in San Jose, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Fort Collins. While Fort Collins has a bike-friendliness score of 78 out of 100, San Jose earned a 62. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- The crime rate in San Jose is higher than in Fort Collins, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 47.73 in San Jose, it is 17.0 in Fort Collins. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in San Jose. With a crime index of 52.27, San Jose ranks lower in overall safety than Fort Collins, whose index is 72.86. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- The air quality in San Jose isn't as good as it is in Fort Collins, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. San Jose has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Fort Collins is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.
Other things to consider for your Fort Collins vs. San Jose move
- Weather: San Jose, like most of the Bay Area, has warm to hot, dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters. The city is somewhat more sheltered from rain, giving it a semi-arid feel
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While California doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to San Jose without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in San Jose
Ready to relocate to Man Jose? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in San Jose.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Burbank
- Downtown
- Evergreen
- West San Jose
- Willow Glen
Best neighborhoods for families
- Berryessa
- Cambrian Park
- Evergreen
- West San Jose
- Willow Glen
Things to do in San Jose
Now that you've made the move to California it's the perfect time to explore San Jose From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: San Jose features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, Children's Discovery Museum, The Tech Interactive, San Jose Museum of Art, and New Almaden Mercury Mining Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Almaden Quicksilver County Park, Alum Rock Park, Emma Prusch Farm Park, and Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an San Jose Barracuda (AHL), San Jose Earthquakes (MLS), San Jose Giants (California League), or San Jose Sharks (NHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Fort Collins to San Jose?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Fort Collins to San Jose. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Fort Collins.
When is the cheapest time to move from Fort Collins to San Jose?
Because spring and fall moves from Fort Collins to San Jose are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Fort Collins to San Jose take?
The 1,217-mile journey from Fort Collins, CO to San Jose, CA, typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Fort Collins offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in San Jose.
How many movers in Fort Collins can handle specialty items for my move to San Jose?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Fort Collins, 15 movers can handle pianos. 5 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of CO, there are 56 piano movers and 33 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2175 and 1400 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.