Best San Diego to Denver Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from San Diego to Denver and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,078 mile move from California to Colorado go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 35 San Diego to Denver moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Movemasters, Inc.), 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 San Diego compared to Denver. 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.

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Best San Diego to Denver Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Movemasters, Inc.9.589.45Authorized For HHGContact
2The Rock Movers9.499.53Authorized For HHGContact
3Denver Door to Door Movers LLC9.499.31Authorized For HHGContact
4Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.9.469.62Authorized For HHGContact
5Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.8.948.13Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from San Diego to Denver

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,078 miles from San Diego, CA to Denver, CO will cost on average $2,698 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom San Diego to Denver move is roughly $6,485. 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 and dropoff 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 movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,814300 ft³6.05
1 Bedroom$2,698450 ft³6.00
2 Bedrooms$4,459750 ft³5.95
3 Bedrooms$6,4851100 ft³5.90
4 Bedrooms$9,3531600 ft³5.85
5+ Bedrooms$10,4321800 ft³5.80
*Please note: These California to Colorado moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & Colorado. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed CA to CO mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Denver to San Diego guide.

Compare the 5 Best San Diego to Denver Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Movemasters, Inc. Logo

Movemasters, Inc.

Exceptional9.58/10
based on 3,188+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1290433 / 1550891

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans19
Registered Drivers23
Total Annual Miles Moved216,634 (2022)
View Full Review
1
The Rock Movers Logo

The Rock Movers

Exceptional9.49/10
based on 2,305+ data points

7087 Camino Revueltos UNIT 306

San Diego, CA, 92111

About The Rock Movers

The Rock Movers is a San Diego County-based moving company offering professional and affordable moving services for local and long-distance relocations....

Services

  • Local Residential
  • Furniture Moving
  • Full Packing Service

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3653432 / 1541470

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2023)
View Full Review
2
Denver Door to Door Movers LLC Logo

Denver Door to Door Movers LLC

Exceptional9.49/10
based on 2,353+ data points

5686 Logan Ct Unit E

Denver, CO, 80216

About Denver Door to Door Movers LLC

Located in Mile High City, Denver Door to Door Movers is an experienced moving company providing residential and commercial moves. The...

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Professional Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3184789 / 1195769

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved45,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. Logo

Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.

Exceptional9.46/10
based on 477+ data points

2020 Camino De La Reina

San Diego, CA, 92108

About Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.

Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. is a professional moving company based in San Diego, California. Founded by Donal and Jessica O'Neill,...

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Long-Distance Moves
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3177184 / 1157114

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved200,000 (2024)
View Full Review
4
Atlas Transfer & Storage Co. Logo

Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.

Superb8.94/10
based on 2,147+ data points

13026 Stowe Dr A

Poway, CA, 92064

About Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.

Founded in 1925, Atlas Transfer & Storage Company has been serving Southern California for over 95 years. This family-owned and operated...

Services

  • Long Distance Moving
  • International Moving
  • Storage Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

877737 / 383831

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved8,778 (2022)
View Full Review
5
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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.

San Diego vs. Denver Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the local areas. To ease this transition, we've crafted a comparison of the local neighborhoods between San Diego, CA & Denver, CO to help you find a new community that feels like home. By comparing top neighborhoods, you'll better understand your options and what each unique area has to offer.

San DiegoDenverHow They're Similar
La JollaCherry CreekUpscale, shopping & arts
North ParkHighlandVibrant, artsy & historic
Gaslamp QuarterLoDo (Lower Downtown)Historic, nightlife
Ocean BeachSloans LakeLaid-back, water-oriented
Little ItalyRiNo (River North Art District)Trendy, food scene
Pacific BeachWashington ParkYoung, active & social
HillcrestCapitol HillDiverse, nightlife & culture
Del MarCherry Hills VillageExclusive, suburban feel
Carmel ValleyStapletonFamily-friendly, master-planned
EncinitasBerkleySurf culture, relaxed atmosphere

For those drawn to the upscale and vibrant scene of La Jolla with its boutique shops and breathtaking seaside views, Cherry Creek in Denver offers a similar charm with luxurious shopping experiences and a thriving arts scene. If you're more of a nightlife enthusiast, enjoying the historic and lively atmosphere of Gaslamp Quarter, then LoDo in Denver will feel like a seamless transition, known for its rich history and bustling nightlife. Transitioning from San Diego's North Park, famous for its hipster vibe and craft breweries, to Denver's Highland will keep you in a comparable creative and active community, featuring Victorian-era homes and an eclectic mix of cafes and boutiques. Each neighborhood comparison provides a glimpse into the lifestyle, ambiance, and community you can expect, making your move feel like you're just shifting from one familiar home to another.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from San Diego to Denver

Moving from one city to another is a big decision, and it's important to weigh all factors before making the leap. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from San Diego, CA to Denver, CO. Through these charts, we hope to offer a balanced perspective to help you make an informed choice about your move.

CONs
PROs
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Less snow
  • Higher humidity
Denver, CO iconDenver, CO
  • Lower cost of living
  • Lighter traffic
  • More snow activities
  • Low humidity
Denver, CO iconDenver, CO
  • No beach access
  • Colder winters
  • Quieter nightlife
  • Different culture
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • Beach access
  • Mild winters
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Diverse culture

While the lower cost of living and lighter traffic in Denver are certainly appealing, it's important to consider the lifestyle changes that come with moving from San Diego. For instance, trading the beach for the mountains means swapping surfing for skiing at places like Echo Mountain. Denver's burgeoning food scene, highlighted by establishments like Union Station's restaurants and RiNo's craft breweries, offers a fresh culinary adventure. Conversely, San Diego's mild winters and vibrant nightlife, with spots like Gaslamp Quarter, will be missed. Nevertheless, Denver's numerous parks, such as Washington Park, offer a different kind of outdoor enjoyment. This move requires adapting to new weather patterns and cultural offerings, but could be a rewarding experience in many ways.

San Diego vs. Denver Food Guide

Food is a significant aspect of local culture and paints a vivid picture of what living in an area is truly like. We'll compare the food scene so you can be better informed about this is a comparison of the local cuisine between San Diego & Denver , aiding your transition as you plan your move.

San DiegoDenver
Most iconic local food itemFish TacoGreen Chili
Most popular meat dishCarne AsadaBison Burger
Most popular street food itemCalifornia BurritoSmothered Burritos
Most popular vegan foodVegan TacosSeitan Wings
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Juniper & Ivy
  • George's at the Cove
  • Las Brisas
  • The Buckhorn Exchange
  • Beatrice & Woodsley
  • Root Down
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In San Diego, the local cuisine is heavily influenced by its coastal location and Mexican heritage, making fish tacos and carne asada popular staples. Neighborhoods like Little Italy are bustling with innovative eateries like Juniper & Ivy, offering a unique take on modern American cuisine. Meanwhile, in Denver, the culinary scene is highlighted by its love for hearty, warming dishes such as green chili and bison burgers. Denver's food scene, vibrant in neighborhoods like LoDo, brings together a mix of classic American fare and international flavors, where establishments like The Buckhorn Exchange showcase the city's rich history through their menu. Both cities cater well to health-conscious individuals and have a thriving vegan scene, ensuring a smooth culinary transition regardless of your dietary preferences.

San Diego vs. Denver Restaurant Comparison

Deciding where to dine is crucial in making a new city feel like home. This comparison charts will help you find your next favorite spot in Denver by using San Diego culinary favorites as a guide. Whether you're craving high-end dining, a casual bite, or a unique foodie experience, we've got you covered.

San DiegoDenverWhat You'll Love
Juniper & IvyAcornInventive, seasonal small plates in an industrial-chic setting
Phil’s BBQRussell’s SmokehouseTraditional barbeque with a friendly atmosphere
George's at the CoveLingerEclectic global cuisine with sweeping city views
The Fish MarketJax Fish House & Oyster BarFresh seafood and a vibrant, coastal atmosphere
Hodad'sMy Brother’s BarIconic burgers in a laid-back, historic setting
PuestoComidaBright, flavorful Mexican street food in a fun, casual space
Mister A'sEl FiveHigh-end dining with stunning views and Mediterranean tapas
GuisadosTacos Tequila WhiskeyAuthentic tacos in a vibrant atmosphere
Extraordinary DessertsD Bar DenverSweet treats and dessert-focused dining experience
The Crack ShackFried Chicken WorksDelicious gourmet fried chicken with a twist

Finding a restaurant that feels just like your favorite spot back home is about more than just the food; it's about capturing a similar atmosphere and experience. For instance, the transition from Juniper & Ivy in San Diego to Acorn in Denver means you won't miss out on inventive cuisine that's beautifully plated in an environment that's both sophisticated and welcoming. Similarly, swapping the seaside charm of The Fish Market for the lively buzz of Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar ensures that your seafood cravings are met with the freshest catches, proving that you can find a piece of the ocean in the mountainous terrain of Denver. Each pair in our comparison not only matches on the culinary level but also in creating memorable dining experiences that will help make Denver feel like home.

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San Diego vs. Denver Real Estate & Living Facts

When considering a move, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial. This comparison between San Diego, CA and Denver, CO sheds light on various housing aspects vital for making an informed decision. From costs to community vibes, see how these cities stack up against each other.

ComparisonSan DiegoDenver
Typical Architecture StyleSpanish Colonial/Spanish RevivalModern and Queen Anne Victorian
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingOutdoor living spaces, Ocean viewsMountain views, Proximity to parks

While both San Diego and Denver boast attractive qualities for potential homeowners, they offer distinctly different living experiences. San Diego's higher median home prices and rent reflect its coastal city appeal, emphasizing outdoor living spaces and ocean views in many listings. In contrast, Denver appeals to those craving a blend of urban and natural amenities, with its more affordable housing, mountain views, and access to parks highlighting the listings. Additionally, Denver scores higher in walkability and bikeability, suggesting a slightly more accessible and potentially healthier lifestyle. These differences underscore the importance of aligning your housing preferences and lifestyle needs with the characteristics of your new city.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Denver, CO

1. Wash Park: With the expansive Washington Park at its heart, your pets will love the vast green spaces and two lakes perfect for your morning jogs or leisurely evening walks.

2. Highlands: Renowned for its walkability, the Highlands neighborhood boasts pet-friendly patios, several dog-friendly restaurants, and boutiques, making it a perfect place for you and your furry friend to explore.

3. Capitol Hill: Capitol Hill is filled with pet-friendly apartments and is close to several parks, including the Cheesman Park, making it ideal for pet owners looking for a vibrant urban community with plenty of green space for their pets.

San Diego vs. Denver Weather Considerations

When preparing for a relocation, grasping the climate differences is critical, especially if you're moving from San Diego, CA to Denver, CO. This comparison will help you understand what changes to expect. By comparing weather conditions between San Diego and Denver, you can better prepare for your move.

Summer icon
76°F / 64°F

San Diego, CA

89°F / 60°F

Denver, CO

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
66°F / 50°F

San Diego, CA

45°F / 18°F

Denver, CO

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
10.34

San Diego, CA

15.6

Denver, CO

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

San Diego, CA

53.8

Denver, CO

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSan DiegoDenver
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresSnowstorms, Tornadoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Comparing San Diego's mild, almost perpetual summer climate to Denver's four distinct seasons, it's clear the move will demand some adjustment. Denver experiences more pronounced temperature shifts, notably colder winters with substantial snowfall—something San Diego residents might not be accustomed to. Moreover, Denver's lower humidity and decreased number of sunny days can impact daily life and activities. Understanding these differences can help you prepare for activities and clothing needs in your new environment. While both cities boast a wealth of outdoor activities, the types and seasonal availability of these activities will differ significantly.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from San Diego to Denver

When considering a move from one city to another, understanding the financial implications is crucial. By comparing San Diego and Denver in terms of cost of living , income , and taxes , you can better prepare for your new life and manage your finances effectively.

ComparisonSan DiegoDenver
Avg. Household Income$93,042$81,630
Cost of Living Index132.3103.2
State Income Tax1 - 13.3%4.55%
Avg. Property Tax0.76%0.55%
Avg. Sales Tax7.75%7.5%
Top 3 IndustriesMilitary, Tourism, International TradeTechnology, Aerospace, Healthcare
AffluenceModerately affluentIncreasingly affluent
PovertyLowerModerate
HomelessnessHighModerate to High

Moving from San Diego to Denver, you'll encounter several financial adjustments. Denver's lower cost of living index suggests your daily expenses may decrease, potentially offsetting the lower average household income compared to San Diego. The straightforward state income tax in Denver provides predictability in financial planning, in contrast to California's progressive tax system. Furthermore, the thriving technology and aerospace sectors in Denver hint at economic opportunities not as prevalent in San Diego, potentially impacting future employment and income prospects.

San Diego vs. Denver Political & Religious Comparison

Welcome to the quick snapshot aimed at providing a comparison of the politics between San Diego & Denver , alongside a glimpse into the religious makeup of their residents. This guide is designed to offer you a clear idea of the community atmosphere you’re moving into.

San DiegoDenver
Political Make-upLean DemocraticLean Democratic
Local PoliticsProgressive on environmental and social issuesProgressive with strong focus on sustainability and urban development
ReligionVaried, with a significant Catholic presence. San Diego Catholic DioceseMixed, notable for both Christian and non-religious communities. Denver Catholic Archdiocese

In both San Diego and Denver, you'll find a political environment that leans Democratic, reflecting progressive values, especially in areas of environmental conservation, social justice, and urban development. It’s interesting to note the emphasis on sustainability and smart growth in Denver's local politics, showcasing the city's dedication to creating a future-ready urban landscape. Religion in both cities is diverse, yet there's a significant presence of Catholic institutions that contribute to the community and social services. Understanding these aspects can help you anticipate the communal and cultural climate of your new home.

San Diego vs. Denver Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from San Diego, CA to Denver, CO, it's crucial to understand the differences in daily commute and traffic. This comparison between San Diego & Denver offers insights into what you can expect regarding traffic and transportation options in both cities.

ComparisonSan DiegoDenver
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2526
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Possible but challengingMore difficult

In both San Diego and Denver, having a vehicle enhances your mobility, but it's more crucial in Denver due to the lower availability and accessibility of public transit compared to San Diego. Although the average commute times are similar, San Diego experiences slightly higher traffic congestion. Nevertheless, both cities have been working to improve their public transportation networks. In San Diego, you might find it somewhat easier to rely on public transit, thanks to a more comprehensive system that includes buses and the trolley. Denver, while improving, still presents challenges for those trying to get by without a car, indicating a stronger dependence on personal vehicles for daily commuting.

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