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If you're moving from Ontario, CA to Colorado, you're looking at roughly 980 miles and a lifestyle shift that goes well beyond the distance. Lower taxes, cheaper rent, and a completely different relationship with winter are all waiting on the other end. Before any of that, you need to know what this move is going to cost you and who's actually qualified to handle it.
I went through the Ontario mover pool — 86 companies capable of handling state-to-state moves out of there — and pulled the five that hold up on this route. Below you'll find real cost ranges for full-service movers, containers, and truck rentals, plus the cost of living and lifestyle numbers so you know what you're walking into.
Out of the Ontario movers capable of handling interstate moves, here are the top five for a move to Colorado:
2703 Wardlow Rd, Corona, CA 92882
VIP Transport operates as an agent for both Mayflower and United Van Lines, which gives you access to a significantly larger carrier network than most independents can offer. Across 244 reviews, the consistent themes are professional crews, reliable communication, and careful handling. Customers describe movers as efficient and easy to work with — both in the field and on the phone.
Where things occasionally break down: a minority of customers report damaged items or slow claims resolution. That's not unique to VIP, but it's worth asking upfront how they handle claims and what kind of timeline to expect. On balance, VIP Transport is a dependable pick for a long haul like Ontario to Colorado.
(951) 272-3700
1450 N Benson Ave Ste B, Upland, CA 91786
Golden Eagle has been operating for 44 years and runs as a United Van Lines agent. Out of 160 reviews, 81% are positive — customers point to polite, professional crews and solid attention to detail. Communication and item handling come up often as genuine differentiators.
The negative feedback — around 18% — is worth taking seriously. There are enough reports of damaged or missing items and late deliveries to warrant specific questions before you book. Ask whether they use their own crews or third-party carriers on the Colorado leg, and nail down their claims process in writing. For most customers on this route, Golden Eagle delivers. Just go in informed.
(909) 946-7655
2430 South Grand Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Meathead Movers has a strong following for a reason. Nearly 77% positive across 596 reviews is a high bar when you're operating at that volume — and the recurring themes hold: professional crews, efficient work, careful handling, clear communication. The hustle is real, and most customers notice it.
The caveats: some customers report unexpected costs and occasional furniture damage. The 20% negative rate is a bit elevated, but with that many total reviews, the overall picture stays credible. If you have items you're particularly protective of, get the coverage conversation done before you sign the contract. Good choice for Ontario to Colorado, especially if speed is a priority.
(949) 485-7883
10808 E Foothill Blvd Ste 160-467, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Big Deahl's is a newer operation — 10 years in — but they carry a 4.4-star rating across a substantial review pool, which is harder to sustain than most people realize. What stands out here is the service list: pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, grandfather clocks, antiques, crating. If you've got specialty pieces that most carriers will quote at a premium or quietly decline, Big Deahl's is worth a call.
(909) 328-8894
6850 Suva St, Bell Gardens, CA 90201
Sterling Van Lines has 33 years in the business and a reputation built largely around smaller loads at competitive prices. Out of 362 reviews, 84.5% are positive — customers highlight professionalism, safe item arrival, and pricing that doesn't come with last-minute surprises.
Where they get dinged: punctuality and claims resolution. Missed delivery windows and difficulty getting status updates show up in the negative feedback with enough frequency to notice. If your Colorado timeline is tight, get a delivery window in writing before you book. For most moves, Sterling is a reliable, fairly priced option.
(866) 266-8751
Here's a quick breakdown of specialty services available among Ontario movers:
| Service | # of Movers | % of Ontario Movers |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate | 81 | 94% |
| Small moves | 42 | 49% |
| Antiques | 53 | 62% |
| Art | 54 | 63% |
| Pianos | 67 | 78% |
| Fragile-only packing | 29 | 34% |
If you're moving specialty items — pianos, antiques, art — the selection in Ontario is reasonably solid. Still, confirm specifics with any mover you're considering. "We handle pianos" covers a lot of ground, and experience levels vary widely.
This is a roughly 980-mile move. Use the table below to estimate your move before you start collecting quotes.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,188 – $4,489 | $771 – $1,957 | $637 – $1,173 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,309 – $5,789 | $1,484 – $2,948 | $669 – $1,408 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,075 – $7,783 | $1,810 – $3,655 | $855 – $1,781 |
Estimates based on a 980-mile move from Ontario, CA to Colorado, using verified market rate data as of January 2026. Actual costs vary based on exact destination, home contents, access and parking conditions, fuel costs, and timing. Get multiple quotes before committing.
For a studio or one-bedroom move, budget $1,188 to $4,489. That range is wide because it covers everything from a light-load budget carrier to a premium long-distance mover doing full packing and white-glove handling. A two- or three-bedroom home typically lands between $2,309 and $5,789. Larger households — four bedrooms or more — run $4,075 to $7,783 for full-service professional moving.
If you want to pack on your own schedule without driving 980 miles yourself, moving containers are worth a serious look. For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $771 to $1,957. A two- or three-bedroom move runs $1,484 to $2,948. Larger homes land in the $1,810 to $3,655 range. Containers regularly come in below full-service movers while still taking the road trip off your plate.
Renting a truck is almost always the cheapest option — but you're loading, driving, and unloading everything yourself across 980 miles of highway. Studio or one-bedroom: $637 to $1,173. Two- or three-bedroom: $669 to $1,408. Four-plus bedrooms: $855 to $1,781. These figures include estimated fuel. Factor in overnight lodging, your time, and your back before deciding the savings are worth it.
A few variables will move the needle on what you actually pay:
Moving to Colorado from Ontario, CA is a meaningful financial upgrade for most people. The cost gap between the two states is real, and the job market in Colorado is stronger than a lot of people coming from Southern California expect.
| Ontario, CA | Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $2,619 | $1,594 |
| Average home cost | $668,089 | $541,072 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,908 | $87,598 |
| Cost of living index | 119 | 91 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.9% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 5.49% |
Ontario sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation. Colorado sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo.
Here's what those numbers actually mean for your wallet:
| Ontario, CA | Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 175,265 | 5,877,610 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8–48.3 | Democrat 54–46 |
| Summer high | 92°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 43°F | 13°F |
| Annual rain | 16″ | 16″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 63″ |
| Crime index | 50.25 | 36.4 |
Ontario sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces. Colorado sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow.
The numbers worth paying attention to:
A few things to handle before moving day so you're not dealing with them on it:
The financial case for this move is solid. The lifestyle case is too.
Museums:
Parks:
Sports teams:
Universities:
Plan for two to seven days depending on service level and the specific carriers involved. Summer moves tend to run toward the longer end of that window. Ask for a written delivery timeframe before you book — most reputable movers will provide one, and having it in writing matters if something goes sideways.
About 64 movers in the Ontario area offer custom crating for art, antiques, and sensitive electronics. When comparing quotes, confirm that materials and dimensions match your specific items — "we do crating" is a broad claim, and execution varies.
If you're not driving it yourself, auto transport is the straightforward answer. Look for carriers that specialize in California-to-Colorado routes and have a clear process for documenting vehicle condition at pickup and delivery.
The main pull factors are economic opportunity and outdoor lifestyle. Colorado has a strong job market, taxes that don't take as big a bite, and access to outdoor recreation that's hard to match. The winters are real — but for a lot of people leaving Southern California, the mountains and snow are the point.
Check out the best long-distance movers reviewed at MoveFinders (movefinders.org). The list covers companies with verified interstate experience and a track record on routes like this one.
About 36 Ontario movers currently accept cash. It's not the industry standard — most movers prefer traceable payment methods and require a deposit upfront to hold your move date. The balance is typically due at pickup or delivery depending on the company. Confirm payment terms before you sign your contract.
Ready to see what your Ontario-to-Colorado move actually costs? Use the MoveFinders moving cost calculator to get a realistic number based on your home size and timeline, then compare quotes from multiple carriers before you commit.
