If you're moving from Aurora to California, you're looking at roughly 1,154 miles and a price range that varies considerably depending on how you approach it. Below I've broken down what full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks typically cost on this route — and what you should actually know about the cost-of-living shift before you land in California.
Local Moving Companies in Aurora for Your Move to California
Out of 53 Aurora-area movers capable of handling interstate moves, these five consistently earn the strongest marks for moves to California:
- Moving U — 4.64 / 5
- A Simple Move, LLC — 4.58 / 5
- Moving Brothers LLC — 4.52 / 5
- Skyline Moving Company — 4.52 / 5
- You Move Me — 4.50 / 5
Moving U
7700 E Iliff Ave B, Denver, CO 80231 | (303) 653-1486 DOT #: 2267448 | State License: 2267448 | 13 years in business
90% positive | 8% negative | Grade A+ (BBB) | Yelp reviews | BBB profile
Moving U draws strong marks from the overwhelming majority of its customers. Across 400+ reviews, nine in ten come away satisfied — citing punctual arrivals, careful handling, and pricing that holds up reasonably well against the Aurora market. Crews frequently get called out for going above expectations on packing and furniture wrapping.
The recurring complaints: occasional item damage, arrivals outside the agreed window, and final invoices that exceed the original quote. Nothing unusual for the industry, but worth noting if you're moving fragile items or working with a firm budget. Solid choice for an Aurora to California run.
Services: Local, interstate, packing/unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art/antiques, crating, storage, full-valuation coverage, shipment tracking
A Simple Move, LLC
2323 S Troy St, Building 2 Suite 105, Aurora, CO 80015 | (303) 368-0700 DOT #: 2121225 | State License: 2121225 | 14 years in business
92% positive | 7% negative | Grade A+ (BBB) | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB profile
Based right in Aurora, A Simple Move has a legitimate track record for interstate jobs. Among 316 reviews, 91% are positive — customers point to fast, organized crews, clear communication, and genuine care for belongings. Multiple reviewers specifically chose them over a national brand and didn't regret it.
Where it gets complicated: damage claims that weren't resolved satisfactorily, and limited recourse for items that were self-packed. If you're moving high-value or fragile pieces from Aurora to California, nail down the coverage terms before anything gets loaded. Don't assume.
Services: Local, interstate, packing/unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, crating, storage, safes, full-valuation coverage
Moving Brothers LLC
7301 Montview Blvd, Denver, CO 80220 | (720) 222-9596 DOT #: 2371440 | State License: 00376 | 11 years in business
95% positive | 4% negative | Grade A+ (BBB) | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB profile
Moving Brothers has the highest satisfaction rate of any Aurora-area mover I've reviewed for this route. A 94.7% positive rate across 358 reviews is genuinely uncommon. The drivers: efficient crews, pricing that doesn't surprise you at delivery, and consistent communication from booking through completion. Repeat customers are common — which tells you more than any star rating.
Negative feedback, while infrequent, covers extended move times, missed appointments, and minor damage. If your Aurora to California timeline is rigid, address that directly when you call for a quote.
Services: Local, interstate, international, packing/unpacking, pianos, pool tables, art/antiques, crating, storage
Skyline Moving Company
5455 Dahlia St Unit B, Commerce City, CO 80022 | (970) 685-3942 DOT #: 2840634 | State License: 00472 | 9 years in business
92% positive | 8% negative | Grade A+ (BBB) | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB profile
Skyline's 91.8% satisfaction rate across 318 reviews puts it solidly in the upper tier for this region. Customers repeatedly highlight speed, careful packing, and communication — the fundamentals done right. It consistently tops recommendation lists among Aurora reviewers.
The caveat: a subset of customers hit issues with item damage and found the insurance claims process difficult. If you're moving antiques, art, or anything genuinely irreplaceable on this Aurora to California route, get specific about policy terms before you book. Also note that Skyline's listed services don't explicitly include interstate — confirm your route when you get a quote.
Services: Local, packing/unpacking, offices, crating, storage
You Move Me
7925 East Harvard Avenue, Denver, CO 80231 | (720) 572-1600 DOT #: 2518689 | State License: 00381 | 11 years in business
69% positive | 27% negative | Grade A+ (BBB) | Yelp reviews | Google reviews | BBB profile
You Move Me has a more polarized track record than the others on this list. Among 67 reviewed customers, 69% had a strong experience — friendly, careful crews who show up prepared. But 27% reported problems: damaged items, cost underestimates, and limited accountability when things went sideways. That's a meaningful complaint rate on any move, and it's amplified on a 1,100-mile run to California where things are harder to fix in real time.
On the right day with the right crew, they're very good. But inconsistency on a long-distance move is harder to absorb than on a local job. If you go with You Move Me, get a detailed written estimate and confirm insurance coverage in writing before a single item is loaded.
Services: Local, interstate, packing/unpacking, pianos, offices, crating
Local Moving Services in Aurora, CO
Here's how the 53 Aurora movers we track stack up on specialty service availability:
| Service | # of Movers | % of Aurora Movers |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate | 44 | 83% |
| Small moves | 29 | 55% |
| Antiques | 27 | 51% |
| Art | 29 | 55% |
| Pianos | 38 | 72% |
| Fragile-only packing | 13 | 25% |
Fragile-only packing is notably limited — only 1 in 4 Aurora movers offer it. If that's a requirement for your move, confirm it explicitly when you're getting quotes, not after you've signed.
Cost to Move from Aurora, CO to California
The table below gives you planning ranges for a ~1,154-mile move from Aurora to California. Use our moving cost calculator to get a more precise estimate based on your home size, timeline, and service type — the ranges below can swing significantly based on your specific situation.
| Move Size | Full-Service Movers | Moving Containers | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,169 – $4,668 | $858 – $2,077 | $667 – $1,389 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,449 – $5,894 | $1,432 – $2,868 | $751 – $1,556 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,471 – $8,402 | $1,978 – $3,793 | $904 – $1,838 |
Estimates based on pricing data compiled as of January 2026 for a ~1,154-mile move from Aurora, CO to California. Actual costs vary by home size, access conditions, timing, and services selected. Rental truck estimates include average fuel costs.
Cost to Hire Movers from Aurora to California
Full-service movers handle everything — packing, loading, driving, unloading — and price accordingly. A studio or one-bedroom move typically runs $1,169 to $4,668. Two- or three-bedroom homes land between $2,449 and $5,894. Large four- or five-bedroom households should budget $4,471 to $8,402.
For a long-distance move of this distance, get at least three quotes before you commit. If you want a national carrier with a solid track record on interstate routes, SafeShip Moving is one I'd include in that comparison — they handle cross-country moves regularly and their pricing tends to be competitive.
Cost of Moving Containers from Aurora to California
Moving containers are the practical middle ground — you do the packing, they handle the transit. For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $858 to $2,077. A two- to three-bedroom move runs $1,432 to $2,868. Four-plus bedroom households should plan for $1,978 to $3,793.
Cost of Rental Trucks from Aurora to California
Going the rental truck route is the cheapest option on paper, but you're driving 1,154 miles through the Rockies and Nevada and doing all the loading yourself. A studio or one-bedroom runs $667 to $1,389. Two to three bedrooms: $751 to $1,556. Four or more bedrooms: $904 to $1,838.
Factor in your time, energy, and the very real possibility of something going wrong on a solo drive of that length before you commit to DIY.
Factors That Affect Moving Costs from Aurora to CA
Three things drive most of the variation in what you'll actually pay:
- Move size: More rooms, more volume, more weight — each bumps the cost directly.
- Time of year: Summer is peak season in Colorado. Higher demand means higher prices across all service types. Moving in fall or early spring usually gets you better rates and more scheduling flexibility.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks cost the least but require the most effort. Full-service movers cost more and require considerably less of you on moving day.
What You Should Know Before Moving from Aurora to CA
Beyond the logistics, you're walking into a meaningfully different cost structure and daily life. Here's an honest look at what that actually means.
Compare Cost of Living: Aurora vs. California
| Aurora, CO | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,850 | $1,856 |
| Average home cost | $476,793 | $771,057 |
| Per capita income | $72,052 | $91,905 |
| Cost of living index | 124 | 134 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.6% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | 5.49% | 13.3% |
Aurora sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation. California sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo.
A few things worth flagging:
- Rent is nearly the same. That's genuinely unusual and means your monthly housing budget won't spike if you're renting.
- Home prices are a different story. California's median runs about 62% higher than Aurora's. If you're buying, your mortgage payment will feel it.
- Per capita income in California is about 28% higher than Aurora's — enough to offset some of the cost difference depending on your industry and role.
- The cost of living index is roughly 8% higher in California. Noticeable, but manageable with planning.
- California's unemployment rate is lower (5.4% vs. 7.6%), which points to a stronger labor market overall.
- State income tax is the number that catches people off guard. California's top rate of 13.3% is more than double Colorado's 5.49%. Know which bracket applies to your income before you go.
How Life in California Compares to Aurora
| Aurora, CO | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 386,261 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Democratic (49.8–48.3) | Democratic (59–41) |
| Summer high | 88°F | 87°F |
| Winter low | 18°F | 59°F |
| Annual rain | 17″ | 22″ |
| Annual snow | 62″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 59.05 | 28.43 |
Aurora sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces. California sources: Wikipedia, NeighborhoodScout.
- Summer temperatures are nearly identical. The real differences are humidity and air quality, which vary significantly across California's regions.
- Winters are dramatically different. California's average low of 59°F versus Aurora's 18°F means lighter routines, lower heating bills, and far less shoveling.
- Snow: 7 inches annually in California versus 62 in Aurora. If winter weather has shaped your daily life, that changes considerably.
- Crime: California's index of 28.43 is notably lower than Aurora's 59.05. Where you land in the state matters, but the statewide picture is meaningfully better.
Other Considerations When Moving to California
The things that tend to catch people off guard on this move:
- HOA rules: Check community regulations at your destination before moving day — some have strict rules around truck access and timing.
- Elevator reservations: If you're moving into a building with a shared elevator, reserve it ahead of time. Many require it.
- Truck parking permits: Some California cities require permits for large vehicles on moving day. Look up the local rules for your specific destination.
- State licensing: Any mover operating in California should have a "T Number" issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). This confirms they've met state insurance and safety requirements and passed DOJ background checks. Verify it before signing anything.
- Moving permits: California doesn't require a state moving permit, but local parking ordinances can still create problems. Check your destination city's rules in advance.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address at least a week before you move. Set your move date and mail forwarding starts from there.
- Moving insurance: The default released value protection movers include for free caps out at 60 cents per pound per item. A 25-pound TV that gets destroyed nets you $15. If you have items worth protecting, either upgrade to full valuation coverage through your mover or buy a third-party policy.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to track everything and avoid the last-minute scramble.
Things to Do in California
Once you're settled, there's no shortage of things to explore.
Museums
- The Getty Center
- USS Midway Museum
- Hess Persson Estates
- California State Railroad Museum
- The Getty Villa
Parks
- La Jolla Cove
- Heisler Park
- Sonoma Plaza
- Mount Rubidoux Park
- Redwood Regional Park
Sports Teams
- Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
- San Jose Sharks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
Universities
- Stanford University
- UC Berkeley
- UCLA
- University of Southern California
- UC San Diego
FAQ
How long does a move from Aurora to California take?
Most moves on this route take two to eight days, depending on service type and time of year. Summer moves are more susceptible to delays given demand. Ask your mover for a specific delivery window — not just a range — and get it in writing before you book.
How many Aurora movers offer custom crating for art or antiques?
There are 37 Aurora movers that provide custom crating for fragile, oversized, or irregularly shaped items — art, antiques, electronics. If you need this service, confirm it specifically when you call. "We can do it" and "we do it routinely" are not the same thing.
What's the best way to ship a car from Aurora to California?
Professional auto transport is the right call on a move this long. Driving your car cross-country adds mileage and wear you'll feel later. Look for a carrier with a valid DOT number, clear insurance terms, and verified reviews. Use our car shipping calculator to get a quick estimate on the Aurora to California route.
Why are people moving from Aurora to California?
The main drivers are economic opportunity and climate. California's job market — particularly in tech, entertainment, and healthcare — draws a consistent flow of people from Colorado. Milder winters are a secondary factor for many.
Where can I find long-distance movers serving Aurora?
Our best long-distance movers guide covers vetted options that handle interstate moves from the Aurora area to California and beyond.
Can I pay for my Aurora to California move with cash?
Ten Aurora movers accept cash. That said, cash payments aren't standard in the moving industry — traceable payment methods are strongly preferred for a move of this size. Most movers require a deposit to lock your booking, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm accepted payment methods and timing before you sign.
Compare quotes from multiple Aurora movers before you commit — prices on this route vary enough to matter. Start with the MoveFinders cost calculator to get a realistic baseline for your home size and timeline.