Best Colorado to California Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Colorado to California and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,123 mile CO to CA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 345 Colorado to California 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 Colorado compared to California. 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 Colorado to California 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 | Movemasters, Inc. | 9.58 | 9.45 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Smooth Movers | 9.51 | 9.31 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Denver Door to Door Movers LLC | 9.49 | 9.31 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 6 | The Move Caddies | 9.20 | 9.41 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Colorado to California
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,123 miles from Colorado to California will cost on average $2,736 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom CO to CA 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 Colorado and dropoff in California 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 Colorado to California 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 California to Colorado guide.
Popular Colorado to California Moving Destinations
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Compare the 6 Best CO to CA 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) |
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) |
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) |
Denver Door to Door Movers LLC
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3184789 / 1195769 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 8 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 45,000 (2023) |
The Move Caddies
6410 S College Ave Suite A
Fort Collins, CO, 80525
About The Move Caddies
The Move Caddies is a trusted local moving company based in Fort Collins, Colorado, offering a tailor-made moving experience to suit...
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Specialty or bulk item moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3804487 / 1370592 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
| Registered Drivers | 5 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2023) |
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 Colorado to California
Moving across state lines is a significant life event that requires careful consideration of both the advantages and disadvantages. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Colorado to California . By comparing the cons of Colorado with the pros of California and vice versa, you’ll have a solid foundation to make an informed decision.
Colorado- Colder winters
- Less coastal access
- Smaller cities
- Higher altitude
California- Milder winters
- Beach access
- Larger urban areas
- Sea level options
California- Less greenery
- Higher cost of living
- Pricey housing
- More traffic
Colorado- Mountain landscapes
- Outdoor recreation
- Lower cost of living
- Less traffic
Considering both sides of your upcoming move, it becomes clear that each state boasts its unique charms and challenges. In California, you'll gain access to some of the nation's most iconic beaches like Malibu Beach and dynamic urban centers such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, where culinary, cultural, and professional opportunities abound. However, this comes with the trade-off of a higher cost of living, particularly in regards to housing. Conversely, Colorado offers you stunning natural beauty with its mountain ranges and a variety of outdoor activities year-round in places like Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, often at a more affordable cost of living but with less urban sprawl and diversity when compared to California's vibrant cities. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on which pros resonate most with your lifestyle and which cons you're prepared to navigate.
Colorado vs. California Food Guide
Food significantly influences the local culture and living experience in any area. Understanding this, we've prepared a detailed comparison of the local cuisine between Colorado & California . This comparison will help you get a taste of what culinary delights await you in your new home.
| Colorado | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Rocky Mountain Oysters | California Roll |
| Most popular meat dish | Bison Burgers | Tri-tip BBQ |
| Most popular street food item | Green Chili Burritos | Fish Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Quinoa Salad | Avocado Toast |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When moving from Colorado to California, you will find a significant shift in the food scene. For instance, while Rocky Mountain Oysters offer an unconventional taste of Colorado, the California Roll represents California's innovative and inclusive approach to food, incorporating ingredients from various cultures. California's abundance of fresh produce means places like Chez Panisse in Berkeley celebrate farm-to-table dining, a concept that’s increasingly popular statewide. The vibrant food truck scene in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco provides endless opportunities to explore diverse cuisines, from Mexican-inspired fish tacos to gourmet vegan food, reflecting California's health-conscious and environmentally friendly lifestyle.
Ready to start your move?
Colorado vs. California Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a pivotal consideration when planning a move, making it essential to understand how Colorado and California compare in this regard. This comparison covers important factors such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle amenities, highlighting the differences and similarities between the two states.
| Comparison | Colorado | California |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Mountain Modern | Spanish Revival |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Mountain Views, Outdoor Spaces | Ocean Views, Eco-friendly Features |
While California offers a bustling urban lifestyle and is known for its iconic Spanish Revival architecture, the state also comes with higher living costs. In contrast, Colorado appeals with its Mountain Modern homes and relatively lower housing prices. Both states offer unique living experiences tailored to different preferences, whether you're drawn to Colorado's outdoor lifestyle and mountain views or California's ocean vistas and emphasis on eco-friendly living. Deciding where to move involves weighing these factors against your personal and financial circumstances to find your ideal home.
Colorado vs. California Weather Considerations
Moving from one location to another brings many changes, and understanding how the weather compares between Colorado and California is crucial for a comfortable transition. This comparison aims to prepare you for the differences and similarities in climate patterns, enabling you to adapt more seamlessly to your new home.
Colorado
California
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Colorado
California
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Colorado
California
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Colorado
California
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Colorado | California |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good to Moderate | Varies widely, Moderate to Unhealthy |
| Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Wildfires | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While both States offer sunny skies, moving from Colorado to California, you'll notice a significant difference in winter temperatures and humidity. California's winters are milder with higher humidity levels, making for a less harsh cold season. Additionally, California boasts more days of sunshine annually, but with that comes the risk of more potent UV exposure and a broader range of natural disasters, including earthquakes not seen in Colorado. Air quality in California can vary significantly depending on the area, often affected by wildfires, unlike the typically clearer skies in Colorado. This information helps you better anticipate and plan for lifestyle adjustments in your new Californian home.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Colorado to California
When considering a move, it's crucial to understand how your finances will be impacted. By comparing Colorado and California , this chart breaks down key monetary factors to help you gauge the cost of living , taxation rates , and income expectations . This insight ensures a smoother transition to your new home.
| Comparison | Colorado | California |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $89,302 | $91,551 |
| Cost of Living Index | 98.3 | 136.4 |
| State Income Tax | 4.55 | 9.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.52 | 0.73 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7.65 | 8.82 |
| Top 3 Industries | Aerospace, Biotech, IT | Technology, Agriculture, Entertainment |
| Affluence | Relatively Affluent | Highly Affluent |
| Poverty | Lower | Higher |
| Homelessness | Lower | Significantly Higher |
While both states offer considerable economic opportunities, the contrast in cost of living and taxation rates between Colorado and California is significant. Colorado boasts a relatively moderate cost of living and a flat income tax rate, making it financially attractive for many. Conversely, California, despite its higher average household income, challenges residents with a higher cost of living and progressive income tax rates. These fiscal variances are critical to consider, especially if your field of work aligns with the top industries in either state, impacting your lifestyle and savings potential drastically.
Colorado vs. California Political & Religious Comparison
Considering a move from Colorado to California? Gain insight into the local lifestyle and community values before making your decision. This comparison between Colorado & California highlights the political and religious makeup of each state's residents, providing a quick, at-a-glance snapshot to help you understand what to expect.
| Colorado | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Slightly leans Democratic | Strongly Democratic |
| Local Politics | Mix of liberal and conservative communities | Primarily liberal, especially in urban areas |
| Religion | Diverse, with a Protestant majority | Very diverse, with a large number of Non-Religious and Catholic residents |
When moving from Colorado to California, you'll find a significant shift in political and religious landscapes. Colorado, with its mix of liberal and conservative communities, provides a somewhat balanced political climate, while California is known for its strong Democratic leanings, especially pronounced in urban areas such as San Francisco and Los Angeles. Religion in California is incredibly diverse, reflecting the state’s vast cultural plurality. As you settle into your new California community, you might discover more progressive religious views and practices compared to the more Protestant-leaning Colorado. This change can present a wonderful opportunity to explore new perspectives and engage with a wide array of cultural and spiritual practices.
Education Guide When Moving from Colorado to California
Moving can be a daunting task, especially when it involves your children's education. To make your transition smoother, we have curated a comparison chart to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Colorado and California . This information will guide you in making informed decisions about your child's educational future.
| Colorado | California |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of Colorado Boulder Colorado State University University of DenverUniversity of California Berkeley Stanford University University of Southern California | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Bromwell Elementary - Denver Cory Elementary - Denver Parker Core Knowledge - ParkerPoint Vicente Elementary - Rancho Palos Verdes Murdock-Portal Elementary - Cupertino Ocean Air Elementary - San Diego | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Kruse Elementary - Parker Challenge School - Denver McAuliffe International - DenverHenry M. Gunn High - Palo Alto The Preuss School UCSD - La Jolla Hopkins Junior High - Fremont | |
Top 3 High School Schools Denver School of Science and Technology Cherry Creek High School - Greenwood Village Fairview High School - BoulderTroy High School - Fullerton California Academy of Mathematics and Science - Carson Lowell High School - San Francisco | |
Top 3 private high schools The Colorado Springs School - Colorado Springs Kent Denver School - Englewood Fountain Valley School - Colorado SpringsHarvard-Westlake School - Los Angeles The Webb Schools - Claremont The Thacher School - Ojai | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools Vail Mountain School - Vail Aspen Country Day School - Aspen Colorado Academy - DenverThe Harker School - San Jose Polytechnic School - Pasadena The Bishop's School - La Jolla | |
Top 3 School Districts Cherry Creek School District Boulder Valley School District Douglas County School DistrictSan Ramon Valley Unified School District Palo Alto Unified School District Irvine Unified School District | |
When comparing the educational landscape between Colorado and California, it's clear that both states offer unique and high-quality options. For example, Colorado's top colleges such as the University of Colorado Boulder provide a vast array of programs in a stunning location, while California boasts prestigious institutions like Stanford University, renowned globally for excellence in education and research. Furthermore, California's top elementary schools, such as Point Vicente Elementary in Rancho Palos Verdes, highlight the state's commitment to early educational excellence, while Colorado's approach is exemplified by Bromwell Elementary in Denver. For families considering private education, options like Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles, California, and The Colorado Springs School in Colorado Springs offer world-class instruction in tailored environments. This comparison not only showcases the diversity and quality available in both states but also helps pinpoint the educational setting that best fits your child's unique needs.
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