Best California to Colorado Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from California to Colorado and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,123 mile CA to CO move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 347 California to Colorado moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is OCD Moving Services LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $2,000 - $6,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in California compared to Colorado. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.
Best California to Colorado Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Pure Moving | 9.64 | 9.49 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. | 9.63 | 9.59 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Movemasters, Inc. | 9.58 | 9.45 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Best California Movers | 9.52 | 9.73 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 6 | Smooth Movers | 9.51 | 9.31 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from California to Colorado
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,123 miles from California to Colorado will cost on average $2,736 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom CA to CO move is roughly $6,579. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup in California and dropoff in Colorado as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve California to Colorado movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,839 | 300 ft³ | 6.13 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,736 | 450 ft³ | 6.08 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,523 | 750 ft³ | 6.03 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $6,579 | 1100 ft³ | 5.98 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $9,489 | 1600 ft³ | 5.93 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $10,585 | 1800 ft³ | 5.88 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Colorado to California guide.
Popular California to Colorado Moving Destinations
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Compare the 6 Best CA to CO Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
OCD Moving Services LLC
5914 Cobblestone Ct
El Sobrante, CA, 94803
About OCD Moving Services LLC
For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2597230 / 911812 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 153,000 (2022) |
Pure Moving
1450 2nd St ste 225
Santa Monica, CA, 90401
About Pure Moving
Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 clients...
Services
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
- Long-distance moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3207734 / 1115049 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 1 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2022) |
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.
Chico, CA, 95973
About Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. makes it a point to go above and beyond in every moving job. This includes giving...
Services
- Local & Long Distance Moving
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3421940 / 1416634 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 9 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2024) |
Movemasters, Inc.
745 Lipan St
Denver, CO, 80204
About Movemasters, Inc.
Located in Denver and serving customers locally and statewide for close to 40 years, Movemasters Inc. values trust, reputation, and results....
Services
- Local Moving
- Long-Distance Moving
- Household Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1290433 / 1550891 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 19 |
| Registered Drivers | 23 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 216,634 (2022) |
Best California Movers
Glendale, CA, 91206
About Best California Movers
Best California Movers is a family-owned moving company based in Southern California, with over six years of experience in the industry....
Services
- Cheap moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3489907 / 1173381 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 12 |
| Registered Drivers | 12 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 157,000 (2023) |
Smooth Movers
This listing has been claimed by Smooth Movers263 N 3rd St
Laramie, WY, 82072
About Smooth Movers
Smooth Movers has over 100 years of combined moving experience. It is a locally owned and operated business helping people move...
Services
- Local moving
- Long distance moving
- Residential moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2630599 / 915454 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 7 |
| Registered Drivers | 8 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 110,000 (2022) |
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Colorado
Moving from one state to another can be a significant life event, and understanding the benefits and drawbacks is crucial. This comparison aims to give you an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from California to Colorado . By examining the various pros and cons, you'll be better prepared for what awaits in your new home.
California- High cost of living
- Heavy traffic
- State income tax
- Wildfire risk
Colorado- More affordable living
- Less congestion
- Lower tax rates
- Four distinct seasons
Colorado- Less diversity
- No coastal access
- Smaller cities
- Colder winters
California- Diverse culture
- Beaches and ocean
- Vibrant cities
- Year-round warm weather
While both California and Colorado offer unique lifestyles, your experience will vary significantly depending on what you value most. In California, you have access to iconic beaches like Venice Beach and bustling metropolitans like Los Angeles, which are full of diverse cultural experiences and cuisines. On the other hand, Colorado greets you with the stunning landscapes of the Rocky Mountains, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Cities like Denver offer a vibrant scene with destinations such as Larimer Square for shopping and dining. The adjustment from beach days to mountain hikes represents a change in lifestyle that could be refreshing and invigorating for many.
California vs. Colorado Food Guide
Deciding where to move involves many factors, and exploring the local food scene is undoubtedly thrilling. Food is an integral part of local culture and living experience. To aid in your decision, we will embark on a comparison of the local cuisine between California & Colorado , offering insights into the culinary delights that await in your potential new home.
| California | Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Fish tacos | Rocky Mountain Oysters |
| Most popular meat dish | Tri-tip steak | Bison burgers |
| Most popular street food item | Tacos | Green Chili |
| Most popular vegan food | Avocado toast | Quinoa salads |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When moving to Colorado, you'll find yourself immersed in a unique food scene that blends traditional American, Southwestern, and Rocky Mountain influences. Denver, particularly, boasts an exciting array of dining options, from the quintessential bison burger found at many local eateries to the innovative quinoa salads popular among the state's health-conscious residents. For those eager to dive into the Colorado dining experience, start with a visit to Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder for an exquisite Italian meal, or explore the vibrant street food scene in Denver, where green chili stands reign supreme. Whether you crave the comfort of a hearty meat dish or the freshness of vegan options, Colorado's diverse culinary landscape promises an enriching and delicious adventure.
Ready to start your move?
California vs. Colorado Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, understanding the real estate landscape is pivotal to making an informed decision. Comparing California and Colorado in terms of housing cost, architecture, walkability , and more, offers you a comprehensive view of what to expect and where you can find your next home.
| Comparison | California | Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Spanish, Modern | Craftsman, Ranch |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Ocean view, Sustainable features | Mountain view, Outdoor living space |
When examining housing differences between California and Colorado, the contrast in median home prices and monthly rents is notable. California's higher cost of living is mirrored in its real estate prices. However, its architecture boasts a mix of Spanish and modern designs, often highlighting sustainable features and breathtaking ocean views. Conversely, Colorado offers a more affordable housing market, with typical Craftsman and Ranch-style homes that emphasize mountain views and outdoor living spaces. This focus on nature and affordability makes Colorado an appealing destination for many. Interestingly, both states offer a decent urban lifestyle, but with Colorado, you get more bang for your buck in terms of outdoor accessibility and home affordability.
California vs. Colorado Weather Considerations
Moving between states requires an understanding of many factors, especially the weather. When relocating from California to Colorado, it's essential to know how the climate differs. This will help you prepare for a smooth transition. The following charts compare weather conditions, offering a clear view of what to expect.
California
Colorado
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
California
Colorado
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
California
Colorado
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
California
Colorado
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | California | Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Variable | Generally Good |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Wildfires | Snowstorms, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Comparing California and Colorado, one notable difference is the winter temperatures. Colorado experiences colder winters, making it a haven for snow sports enthusiasts. However, this also means you should prepare for heavier snowfall—Colorado sees significantly more snow annually than California. Colorado’s dryer climate with lower humidity can also affect your daily comfort and hydration needs. Planning for these differences will help ensure you’re well-equipped for your new home.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from California to Colorado
When considering a move from one state to another, it's vital to juxtapose financial aspects to gauge how your expenses might shift. This comparison aims to illuminate the differences in cost of living, income, and taxes between California and Colorado, guiding your decision with clarity.
| Comparison | California | Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $91,551 | $89,302 |
| Cost of Living Index | 136.4 | 98.3 |
| State Income Tax | 1-13.3 | 4.55 (flat rate) |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.73 | 0.49 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 8.82 | 7.63 |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Agriculture, Entertainment | Aerospace, Bioscience, Information Technology |
| Affluence | High | Moderate to high |
| Poverty | Moderate | Lower |
| Homelessness | High | Moderate |
Moving from California to Colorado can offer a significant financial advantage in terms of cost of living, where Colorado presents a more affordable living scenario with a lower cost index. Although the average household income is slightly lower in Colorado, the balanced state income tax and lower property taxes may provide more disposable income. Additionally, the diverse top industries in Colorado signal robust job opportunities similar to California, but possibly with a different focus. Understanding these differences can help set realistic expectations regarding your financial lifestyle in your new state.
California vs. Colorado Political & Religious Comparison
This comparison of the politics between California & Colorado aims to offer a brief yet informative snapshot of what to expect in terms of political, religious, and local leadership variances. Understanding these differences will assist in smoothing your transition.
| California | Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Primarily Democratic | Moderately Democratic |
| Local Politics | Liberal urban centers | Mixed; liberal cities & conservative rural areas |
| Religion | More varied; larger non-religious population | Christianity dominant, but diverse religious presence |
In transitioning from California to Colorado, you'll notice the political landscape is somewhat different. Colorado, while moderately Democratic, presents a balanced mix of liberal and conservative areas, unlike California's predominantly liberal urban centers. This discrepancy may influence local policies, social programs, and community priorities. Additionally, while California boasts a large non-religious demographic, Colorado maintains a stronger Christian presence amidst its diverse religious communities. Embracing these nuances can enrich your living experience and enhance your understanding of the local culture.
Education Guide When Moving from California to Colorado
Moving states can bring about significant changes, especially when it comes to your children's education. This comparison is designed to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in California and Colorado . Whether you’re deciding on public or private education, the difference in academic environments can significantly impact your family's relocation experience.
| California | Colorado |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of California Stanford University California State UniversityUniversity of Colorado Colorado State University University of Denver | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Orion Academy (Redwood City) Hawthorne Elementary (Beverly Hills) Point Vicente Elementary (Rancho Palos Verdes)Bromwell Elementary (Denver) Cory Elementary (Denver) Cherry Hills Village Elementary (Cherry Hills Village) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Mill Valley Middle School (Mill Valley) Canyon Charter School (Los Angeles) Rancho San Joaquin Middle (Irvine)Summit Middle Charter School (Boulder) The Connect Charter School (Pueblo) Denver School of the Arts (Denver) | |
Top 3 High School Schools Henry M. Gunn High School (Palo Alto) Troy High School (Fullerton) Whitney High School (Cerritos)Cherry Creek High School (Greenwood Village) Fairview High School (Boulder) Denver School of the Arts (Denver) | |
Top 3 private high schools Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles) The Thacher School (Ojai) Phillips Exeter Academy (Exeter)The Colorado Springs School (Colorado Springs) Kent Denver School (Englewood) Fountain Valley School (Colorado Springs) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools Stanford Online High School (Stanford) Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences (Santa Monica) The Archer School for Girls (Los Angeles)Colorado Academy (Denver) Vail Mountain School (Vail) Dawson School (Lafayette) | |
Top 3 School Districts San Marino Unified School District Palo Alto Unified School District La Cañada Unified School DistrictBoulder Valley School District Cherry Creek School District Littleton Public Schools | |
When comparing educational options in California and Colorado, it's evident that both states offer exceptional educational institutions, each with its unique strengths. California is renowned for its top-ranking universities and innovative educational programs, laying a strong foundation for higher education and beyond. Schools like Stanford University and the University of California system stand out as prestigious options for post-secondary education. Meanwhile, Colorado excels with exemplary public schools, particularly noted in areas like Boulder and Denver, ensuring a rich educational experience from elementary through high school. For families considering private education, both states boast an impressive lineup of private institutions that offer rigorous academic programs.California State University and University of Colorado respectively highlight the diverse opportunities available to suit each family's needs.
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