Best Colorado to California Movers and Practical Moving Guide
Get a Quote Now!
Trusted. Licensed. Insured.
Moving from state to state is not just a change of address; it's an adventure into a new chapter of your life. Journeying from the rugged, snow-capped peaks of Colorado, "The Centennial State," to the golden, sunny beaches of California, "The Golden State," means trading in your skis for surfboards. However, this exhilarating transition hinges on the smoothness of your move, underscoring the need to partner with trusted, reliable professional movers - that's where we step in, ensuring your adventure starts on the right note.
Best Colorado to California Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Pure Moving | 9.64 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Movemasters, Inc. | 9.58 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Smooth Movers | 9.51 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Denver Door to Door Movers LLC | 9.49 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| The Move Caddies | 9.21 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from California to Colorado guide.
6 Best CO to CA Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
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...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
About Pure Moving
Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 client...Read More >>
Services
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
- Long-distance moving
About Movemasters, Inc.
Located in Denver and serving customers locally and statewide for close to 40 years, Movemasters Inc. values trust, reputation, and results....Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long-Distance Moving
- Household Moving
This listing has been claimed by Smooth MoversAbout Smooth Movers
Smooth Movers has over 100 years of combined moving experience. It is a locally owned and operated business helping people move into and out...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Long distance moving
- Residential moving
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 famil...Read More >>
Services
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Professional Packing Services
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 individ...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Specialty or bulk item moving
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.
Popular Colorado to California Moving Routes
- Denver to Los Angeles
- Denver to San Diego
- Denver to San Jose
- Denver to San Francisco
- Denver to Fresno
- Denver to Sacramento
- Denver to Long Beach
- Denver to Oakland
- Denver to Bakersfield
- Denver to Anaheim
- Denver to Santa Ana
- Denver to Riverside
- Denver to Stockton
- Denver to Irvine
- Denver to Chula Vista
- Denver to Fremont
- Denver to San Bernardino
- Denver to Modesto
- Denver to Fontana
- Denver to Moreno Valley
- Colorado Springs to Los Angeles
- Colorado Springs to San Diego
- Colorado Springs to San Jose
- Colorado Springs to San Francisco
- Colorado Springs to Fresno
- Colorado Springs to Sacramento
- Colorado Springs to Long Beach
- Colorado Springs to Oakland
- Colorado Springs to Bakersfield
- Colorado Springs to Anaheim
- Colorado Springs to Santa Ana
- Colorado Springs to Riverside
- Colorado Springs to Stockton
- Colorado Springs to Irvine
- Colorado Springs to Chula Vista
- Colorado Springs to Fremont
- Colorado Springs to San Bernardino
- Colorado Springs to Modesto
- Colorado Springs to Fontana
- Colorado Springs to Moreno Valley
- Aurora to Los Angeles
- Aurora to San Diego
- Aurora to San Jose
- Aurora to San Francisco
- Aurora to Fresno
- Aurora to Sacramento
- Aurora to Long Beach
- Aurora to Oakland
- Aurora to Bakersfield
- Aurora to Anaheim
- Aurora to Santa Ana
- Aurora to Riverside
- Aurora to Stockton
- Aurora to Irvine
- Aurora to Chula Vista
- Aurora to Fremont
- Aurora to San Bernardino
- Aurora to Modesto
- Aurora to Fontana
- Aurora to Moreno Valley
- Fort Collins to Los Angeles
- Fort Collins to San Diego
- Fort Collins to San Jose
- Fort Collins to San Francisco
- Fort Collins to Fresno
- Fort Collins to Sacramento
- Fort Collins to Long Beach
- Fort Collins to Oakland
- Fort Collins to Bakersfield
- Fort Collins to Anaheim
- Fort Collins to Santa Ana
- Fort Collins to Riverside
- Fort Collins to Stockton
- Fort Collins to Irvine
- Fort Collins to Chula Vista
- Lakewood to Los Angeles
- Lakewood to San Diego
- Lakewood to San Jose
- Lakewood to San Francisco
- Lakewood to Fresno
- Lakewood to Sacramento
- Lakewood to Long Beach
- Lakewood to Oakland
- Lakewood to Bakersfield
- Lakewood to Anaheim
- Lakewood to Santa Ana
- Lakewood to Riverside
- Lakewood to Stockton
- Lakewood to Irvine
- Lakewood to Chula Vista
Popular Moving Routes
Nearby Moving Routes
