Real cost estimates for the 915-mile St. Louis to Colorado move, top local movers, and a frank comparison of life in both cities. Updated January 2026.
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Moving from St. Louis to Colorado is a solid 915 miles — which puts it squarely in long-distance moving territory, and the cost range is wide enough that getting this right from the start matters. You're also leaving Missouri's relatively affordable cost of living behind for higher housing costs, colder winters, and a meaningfully stronger job market.
Below is what this move actually costs across different service types, the top-rated St. Louis movers I'd consider for this route, and a clear-eyed comparison of what's actually different about life in Colorado. No filler.
Out of 13 St. Louis movers licensed for interstate work, these five rose to the top based on verified customer review data, licensing status, and pricing transparency. Not sure what to look for when comparing options? How to choose a mover runs through the key questions before you start calling around.
Simple Moves has the highest customer satisfaction of any St. Louis mover I tracked for this route. Across 450+ verified accounts, 82% are positive — customers consistently describe fast, careful crews and pricing that tends to run below what you'd pay with a larger national carrier. At $145/hr, they're one of the better-value options for a St. Louis interstate haul.
The trade-offs are real: furniture damage shows up with some regularity, and management follow-up when things go wrong can be slow. If you have fragile or high-value items, nail down your coverage terms before the truck shows up.
Services: Local moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing
Thirty-six years in St. Louis is hard to fake. ABC Quality Moving & Storage has 84% positive reviews across 263 verified accounts, with customers specifically highlighting transparent pricing, thorough packing, and crews that handle furniture carefully. They're one of the few local movers equipped for specialty items — hot tubs, pool tables, grandfather clocks — which puts them ahead of most competitors on scope.
Where it falls short: damage claims appear in the reviews, and some customers found the claims resolution process slow. Not unusual at this price point, but worth asking about before you book.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes
Arch Moving has been operating for 22 years at $150/hr, and the star rating looks solid — until you see the underlying review split: 58% positive, 33% negative. That's the widest negative gap on this list. Speed and friendly crews come up often in the good reviews; damaged items and inexperienced movers are the recurring complaints on the other side.
For a 915-mile haul to Colorado, I'd push them directly on their interstate experience and what full-valuation coverage looks like in practice before signing anything.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, art, crating, full-valuation coverage, fragile-only packing, safes
The most recognized brand on this list, and the reviews mostly back up the reputation. Of 361 accounts, about 76% are positive — customers repeatedly mention efficient crews, careful handling, and professional attitudes. The franchise model tends to produce more consistent results than smaller operators.
That said, about 22% of reviewers flagged problems — mostly damaged items and final bills that came in higher than the estimate. Get your quote in writing and ask specifically about how cost overruns are handled before moving day.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, storage, safes
McGuire has 45 years in the business and an 82% positive rate across 130 reviews — customers repeatedly mention professional crews, solid communication, and damage-free moves. That last part is genuinely harder to find than it should be in this industry.
Negatives are mostly about occasional damaged or lost items and slow resolution when something does go wrong. Given the overall track record, those read more like outliers than a pattern. If you value experience and hands-on service, McGuire is worth a call.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves, packing/unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing
Here's how specialty service availability breaks down across the 13 St. Louis movers I reviewed for this route:
| Service | Movers offering | % |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 11 | 84.6% |
| Small moves | 11 | 84.6% |
| Pianos | 9 | 69.2% |
| Art | 6 | 46.2% |
| Antiques | 5 | 38.5% |
| Fragile-only packing | 5 | 38.5% |
Eight movers in St. Louis offer custom crating for specialty items including artwork, antiques, and electronics. Coverage is solid, but confirm your specific items before you book — not the day before the truck arrives.
Use the moving cost calculator for a personalized estimate. The table below covers current ranges by home size and service type for this ~915-mile route.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 BR | $1,105 – $4,293 | $765 – $1,896 | $601 – $1,070 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,380 – $5,676 | $1,359 – $2,746 | $643 – $1,377 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,633 – $7,696 | $1,921 – $3,456 | $790 – $1,641 |
Estimates are based on pricing data as of January 2026 for a 915-mile move from St. Louis, MO to Colorado. Fuel costs are factored into rental truck figures. Your actual cost will vary based on move volume, add-on services, access conditions, timing, and current market rates. Get at least three quotes before committing.
Full-service movers handle the packing, loading, driving, and unloading — and the price reflects that. For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $1,105–$4,293. Two or three bedrooms typically run $2,380–$5,676. A four-bedroom or larger home lands at $3,633–$7,696.
The range is wide because final cost depends heavily on how much you're moving, which add-ons you select, and which mover you hire. The only reliable way to get an accurate number is to collect multiple quotes. Don't anchor on the low end without confirming what's included.
Moving containers let you pack on your own schedule while the company handles transport. For a small move, expect $765–$1,896. Two to three bedrooms runs $1,359–$2,746. A four-bedroom or larger comes to $1,921–$3,456. If flexibility on loading time matters, containers are worth pricing out against full-service options.
Rental trucks are the lowest-cost option — but you're driving 915 miles and handling all the loading yourself. Studio or one-bedroom: $601–$1,070. Two to three bedrooms: $643–$1,377. Four-bedroom or larger: $790–$1,641. These estimates include average fuel costs for the route.
You're leaving one of the more affordable cities in the Midwest for a state that costs noticeably more to live in. Going in with accurate expectations matters.
| St. Louis, MO | Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,250 | $1,594 |
| Average home cost | $171,463 | $541,072 |
| Per capita income | $66,090 | $87,598 |
| Cost of living index | 84 | 91 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.3% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | 4.8% | 5.49% |
St. Louis sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Tax Foundation. Colorado sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo.
What those numbers mean in practice:
| St. Louis, MO | Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 293,310 | 5,877,610 |
| Political leaning | Republican 58-42 | Democrat 54-46 |
| Summer high | 89°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 23°F | 13°F |
| Annual rain | 42″ | 16″ |
| Annual snow | 16″ | 63″ |
| Crime index | 69.65 | 36.4 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, AirNow.
A few things worth flagging:
| Pros of St. Louis | Pros of Colorado |
|---|---|
| Rich cultural scene | Strong economic opportunity |
| Quality public transportation | World-class outdoor recreation |
| Low cost of living | Excellent healthcare |
| Friendly, community feel | High quality of life |
| Strong arts and recreation | Beautiful natural environment |
| Cons of St. Louis | Cons of Colorado |
|---|---|
| High crime rate | High cost of living |
| Poor education outcomes | Extreme weather swings |
| Limited economic opportunity | Altitude sickness (real, especially at first) |
| Urban sprawl | Overcrowding in desirable areas |
| Concentrated poverty | Heavy traffic in major metros |
Moving logistics go beyond renting a truck. Get these handled before your move date:
Worth knowing before you land — Colorado has a lot going on.
Most moves on this route run two to seven days, depending on the service type and whether your mover has additional stops along the route. Summer moves are most prone to delays given the volume. Before you book, ask your mover for a delivery window in writing — not just a verbal estimate.
Eight of the 13 St. Louis movers I reviewed offer custom crating for fragile, oversized, or specialty items — including artwork, antique pieces, and electronics. Capabilities vary significantly, so confirm your specific items directly with the mover before you commit to a booking.
For a 915-mile haul, shipping your car is generally the smarter call over adding the mileage yourself. Focus on carriers with solid insurance, verified interstate experience, and transparent pricing. Use our car shipping calculator to get a quick sense of what to expect on this route.
The two biggest draws are economic opportunity and outdoor lifestyle — Colorado's job market is stronger and more diverse, and the skiing, hiking, and climbing are genuinely in a different class. The two biggest reasons people leave St. Louis are the crime rate and limited economic mobility.
My full breakdown of long-distance movers covers national carriers who handle interstate routes like this one. For a move of this distance, it's worth getting quotes from a national carrier alongside local St. Louis options. SafeShip Moving is one I've had good results with on interstate routes — worth including in your comparison.
Five of the 13 St. Louis movers I tracked accept cash. That said, cash isn't the industry norm — most operators prefer traceable payment methods for legitimate business reasons. Expect to pay a deposit when you book, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm payment timing and accepted methods with your mover well before moving day.
