Best Colorado to California Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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CO to CA Moving Specialists

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.

Colorado iconArrow iconCalifornia icon

Best Colorado to California Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
OCD Moving Services LLC9.66A+Authorized For HHGContact
Pure Moving9.64A+Authorized For HHGContact
Movemasters, Inc.9.58A+Authorized For HHGContact
Smooth Movers9.51A+Authorized For HHGContact
Denver Door to Door Movers LLC9.49A+Authorized For HHGContact
The Move Caddies9.21NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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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)

OCD Moving Services LLC Logo
Exceptional9.66/10
based on 3,273+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/2/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2597230 / 911812

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved153,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Pure Moving Logo
Exceptional9.64/10
based on 8,688+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/2/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3207734 / 1115049

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Movemasters, Inc. Logo
Exceptional9.58/10
based on 3,188+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/2/2024)

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
3
Smooth Movers Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.51/10
based on 677+ data points

About 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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 5/24/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2630599 / 915454

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved110,000 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Denver Door to Door Movers LLC Logo
Exceptional9.49/10
based on 2,353+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/2/2024)

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
5
The Move Caddies Logo
Exceptional9.21/10
based on 786+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/4/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3804487 / 1370592

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2023)
View Full Review
6
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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.

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.

CONs
PROs
Colorado iconColorado
  • Colder winters
  • Less coastal access
  • Smaller cities
  • Higher altitude
California iconCalifornia
  • Milder winters
  • Beach access
  • Larger urban areas
  • Sea level options
California iconCalifornia
  • Less greenery
  • Higher cost of living
  • Pricey housing
  • More traffic
Colorado iconColorado
  • 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.

ColoradoCalifornia
Most iconic local food itemRocky Mountain OystersCalifornia Roll
Most popular meat dishBison BurgersTri-tip BBQ
Most popular street food itemGreen Chili BurritosFish Tacos
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa SaladAvocado Toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Buckhorn Exchange
  • Casa Bonita
  • The Sink
  • Chez Panisse
  • The French Laundry
  • In-N-Out Burger
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.

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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.

ComparisonColoradoCalifornia
Typical Architecture StyleMountain ModernSpanish Revival
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingMountain Views, Outdoor SpacesOcean 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.

Summer icon
85°F / 55°F

Colorado

85°F / 60°F

California

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
45°F / 15°F

Colorado

68°F / 48°F

California

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
15.6"

Colorado

22"

California

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
60.4"

Colorado

Varies, <1" to 200+" (mountain areas)

California

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonColoradoCalifornia
Air QualityGood to ModerateVaries widely, Moderate to Unhealthy
Natural DisastersBlizzards, WildfiresEarthquakes, 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.

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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.

ComparisonColoradoCalifornia
Avg. Household Income$89,302$91,551
Cost of Living Index98.3136.4
State Income Tax4.559.3
Avg. Property Tax0.520.73
Avg. Sales Tax7.658.82
Top 3 IndustriesAerospace, Biotech, ITTechnology, Agriculture, Entertainment
AffluenceRelatively AffluentHighly Affluent
PovertyLowerHigher
HomelessnessLowerSignificantly 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.

ColoradoCalifornia
Political Make-upSlightly leans DemocraticStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsMix of liberal and conservative communitiesPrimarily liberal, especially in urban areas
ReligionDiverse, with a Protestant majorityVery 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.

ColoradoCalifornia

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Colorado Boulder
Colorado State University
University of Denver
University of California
Berkeley
Stanford University
University of Southern California

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Bromwell Elementary - Denver
Cory Elementary - Denver
Parker Core Knowledge - Parker
Point 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 - Denver
Henry 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 - Boulder
Troy 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 Springs
Harvard-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 - Denver
The 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 District
San 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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