Moving from Austin to Colorado: Costs, Companies & What to Expect
If you're moving from Austin to Colorado, you've probably already worked through the broad trade-offs — cooler summers, better access to the outdoors, and a lower overall cost of living, in exchange for a state income tax bill you've never paid before and winters that will rearrange your wardrobe entirely. The question most people get stuck on is the practical one: what's this going to cost, and which Austin movers can actually handle a 935-mile interstate run without something going wrong?
This is a legitimate long-distance move — not a quick regional hop. Pricing varies significantly by home size, time of year, and service type. Here's what the data shows.
Local Moving Companies in Austin
Out of 32 Austin movers capable of handling state-to-state moves, these five rank highest for an Austin-to-Colorado run:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving — 4.64 / 5
- NorthStar Moving Company — 4.58 / 5
- Greater Austin Moving — 4.66 / 5
- Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage — 4.72 / 5
- 3 Men Movers — 4.56 / 5
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
720 Bastrop Hwy, Austin, TX 78741 | (336) 810-1801
Yelp: 4.6 / 5 (215 reviews) · Google reviews (1,324) · BBB: Grade A
80% positive | 19% negative — 469 total reviews
College Hunks has a large review base, which makes its numbers more reliable than a company with 40 reviews. Customers consistently praise fast crews, friendly attitudes, and solid property care. That said, 19% negative is the highest rate on this list, and the recurring complaints are the ones that matter most: damage to belongings, billing surprises, and missed or late appointments. Get your quote in writing with a full line-item breakdown, and confirm your arrival window explicitly.
State license: 007743472C | DOT: 2378173 | 6 years in business
Services: Local moves, packing, unpacking, office moves, storage. Accepts credit card.
NorthStar Moving Company
2021 Guadalupe St, Suite 260, Austin, TX 78705 | (512) 790-0087
Yelp: 4.5 / 5 (24 reviews) · Google reviews (80) · BBB: A+
93% positive | 7% negative — 43 total reviews
NorthStar has been operating for 30 years and it shows. Reviewers specifically call out careful handling, smooth communication before and after the move, and reliability that's apparently rare in this market. The negative reviews are a small slice, but they're worth noting: missing items, damaged valuables, and a claims process that customers found difficult to navigate. For most people, NorthStar delivers. If you're moving anything irreplaceable, get third-party insurance regardless of which mover you choose.
State license: 009181943C | DOT: 1836576 | 30 years in business
Services: Local and interstate moves, international, packing, unpacking, office moves, pianos, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage. Accepts cash, credit card.
Greater Austin Moving
9201 Brown Ln #180, Austin, TX 78754 | (512) 766-6683
Yelp: 4.6 / 5 (27 reviews) · Google reviews (83) · BBB: A+
95% positive | 5% negative — 110 total reviews
Greater Austin Moving has one of the cleanest feedback profiles of any Austin mover I've tracked — 94.5% positive from 110 reviews. Customers point to courteous, organized crews who protect furniture and communicate clearly at every stage. Booking is smooth, with prompt pre-move communication that many reviewers say is unusual in this industry. The small fraction of negative reviews involves damage and pricing discrepancies, so confirm coverage and total cost before signing anything.
State license: 006252715C | 24 years in business
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, office moves, pianos, crating, storage. Accepts credit card.
Firefighting's Finest Moving & Storage
1800 W Howard Ln, Austin, TX 78728 | (512) 361-6683
Yelp: 4.7 / 5 (24 reviews) · Google reviews (370) · BBB: A+
91% positive | 8% negative — 241 total reviews
Firefighting's Finest has 22 years of operation and a 91% positive rate across a solid 241-review sample. Reviewers specifically mention transparent pricing, protective handling of furniture, and crews who consistently finish on time or ahead of schedule. Negative feedback runs well below the industry average here and tends to involve one-off damage claims or cost discrepancies. The DOD certification is also worth noting if military-standards handling matters to you on this haul.
State license: 007074263C | DOT: 2783472 | 22 years in business
Services: Local moves, packing, unpacking, office moves, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes, DOD certified. Accepts cash, money order, credit card. Deposit required.
3 Men Movers
1005 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701 | (512) 982-9705
Yelp: 4.5 / 5 (91 reviews) · Google reviews (953) · BBB: A+
93% positive | 7% negative — 273 total reviews
Forty years in business, 953 Google reviews, and still 93% positive — that's a track record worth taking seriously. Customers repeatedly cite on-time arrivals, efficient crews, and careful handling on moves of all sizes. The 7% dissatisfied report damage, late arrivals, and jobs that felt rushed. On a 935-mile interstate move, "rushed" is exactly the concern to flag. Confirm packing standards and your specific timeline expectations before the crew shows up.
State license: 000534796B | DOT: 1914113 | 40 years in business
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, office moves, pianos, storage, safes. Accepts credit card.
Local Moving Services in Austin, TX
Here's how Austin's 32 long-distance-capable movers break down on specialty add-ons:
| Service | # of Movers | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 20 | 62.5% |
| Small moves | 17 | 53.1% |
| Pianos | 18 | 56.3% |
| Antiques | 13 | 40.6% |
| Art | 11 | 34.4% |
| Fragile-only packing | 4 | 12.5% |
If you have a piano, specialty art, or antiques, check service availability before you get attached to any one company — not every Austin mover that handles interstate work also handles these items.
Cost to Move from Austin, TX to Colorado
The table below covers expected price ranges by home size and service type, based on a ~935-mile move. Plug your specifics into our moving cost calculator to get a tighter estimate for your situation.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 BR | $1,174 – $4,330 | $795 – $1,897 | $613 – $1,171 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,265 – $5,657 | $1,359 – $2,775 | $617 – $1,299 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,802 – $7,777 | $1,904 – $3,677 | $831 – $1,627 |
Estimates based on ~935-mile Austin-to-Colorado pricing data, updated January 2026. Actual costs vary by move size, services, access conditions, fuel prices, and timing. Get quotes from at least three movers before committing.
Cost to Hire Movers from Austin to Colorado
For a studio or one-bedroom, full-service movers typically run $1,174 to $4,330. That range is wide on purpose — it reflects the real difference between bare-bones transport-only service and a full-service job with packing, wrapping, and comprehensive coverage. A two- or three-bedroom home runs $2,265 to $5,657. For four bedrooms and up, plan for $3,802 to $7,777.
At the upper end of those ranges, getting three or four quotes pays off meaningfully. Safe Ship Moving is one operator worth including in that comparison — they handle interstate routes like this one and tend to be competitive on pricing for long-haul moves.
Cost of Moving Containers from Austin to Colorado
Moving containers let you handle packing and unpacking yourself while the company takes care of transport. For a studio or one-bedroom, that runs $795 to $1,897. A two-to-three-bedroom move lands at $1,359 to $2,775. Four bedrooms and up: $1,904 to $3,677. You save on labor costs, but the physical lifting is yours to manage on both ends.
Cost of Rental Trucks from Austin to Colorado
Renting a truck is the cheapest option by the numbers — $613 to $1,171 for a small move, $617 to $1,299 for two to three bedrooms, $831 to $1,627 for larger homes. These estimates factor in average fuel for the trip. What they don't account for: your time, your back, and the experience of piloting a 26-foot box truck through mountain terrain in Colorado. Make sure that trade-off makes sense before you book.
Factors That Shape Your Moving Cost from Austin to Colorado
Three variables move your number more than anything else:
- Home size: More rooms means more truck space and more labor hours. It's the single biggest cost driver on this route.
- Time of year: Austin moves in summer fall squarely in peak season. Expect higher prices and less availability June through August — book early if that's your window.
- DIY vs. full service: Handling your own packing and driving cuts costs. Over 935 miles, whether those savings are worth the effort depends on what your time and energy are actually worth to you.
What to Know Before Moving from Austin to Colorado
Texas has no state income tax and a reputation for high costs in its major cities. Colorado's financial picture is more nuanced than most people expect when they start researching the move.
Compare Cost of Living: Austin vs. Colorado
| Austin, TX | Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,765 | $1,594 |
| Average home price | $508,841 | $541,072 |
| Per capita income | $68,258 | $87,598 |
| Cost of living index | 129 | 91 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | 0% | 5.49% |
Sources: World Population Review, Zumper, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Tax Foundation, Numbeo
What these numbers actually mean:
- Rent is about 10% cheaper in Colorado than in Austin — a real monthly savings if you're renting and not buying right away.
- Home prices run about 6% higher in Colorado, so if you're purchasing, adjust your mortgage math accordingly.
- Per capita income in Colorado is 28% above Austin's. If the move is job-driven, that spread can offset other costs quickly.
- The overall cost of living index is about 29% lower in Colorado (91 vs. Austin's 129). Day-to-day purchasing power is meaningfully better.
- Unemployment is slightly higher in Colorado at 4.1% versus Austin's 3.5% — worth knowing if you're job hunting after you land.
- Colorado charges 5.49% state income tax. Texas charges zero. This is the one financial detail that catches people off guard. Run the numbers on your specific income before you move, not after.
How Life Differs: Austin, TX vs. Colorado
| Austin, TX | Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 974,447 | 5,877,610 |
| Political lean | Democrat 71-26 | Democrat 54-46 |
| Summer high | 96°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 38°F | 13°F |
| Annual rain | 35" | 16" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 63" |
| Crime index | 42.91 | 36.4 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia
A few things worth flagging:
- Politics: Both Austin and Colorado lean Democrat, though Austin leans harder. Not a major culture adjustment politically.
- Summers are genuinely cooler in Colorado — an 86°F average high versus Austin's 96°F. If the heat is part of why you're leaving, you'll feel the difference immediately.
- Winters are a different world. Colorado bottoms out at 13°F with 63 inches of annual snow. If you've spent your life in central Texas, give yourself real time to adjust to snow driving, heating costs, and winter gear before that first storm hits.
- Colorado gets about half Austin's rain — 16 inches versus 35. More sunshine, but drier air and higher UV exposure take some getting used to.
- Crime is lower in Colorado — index of 36.4 versus Austin's 42.91. A real, if moderate, improvement.
Comparing the Pros: Austin, TX vs. Colorado
| Austin, TX | Colorado |
|---|---|
| Live music scene | Strong economic opportunity |
| Exceptional BBQ | Snow sports and outdoor recreation |
| Relaxed, laid-back culture | Quality healthcare system |
| Festival scene | High quality of life |
| Abundant lake access | Stunning natural scenery |
Comparing the Cons: Austin, TX vs. Colorado
| Austin, TX | Colorado |
|---|---|
| Brutal summers | Extreme weather |
| Heavy traffic | High cost of living |
| High cost of living | Altitude adjustment (not trivial) |
| Limited major sports venues | Overcrowding in popular corridors |
Other Practical Considerations Before Your Move
A few logistics specific to moving into Colorado that are worth handling before moving day:
- HOA rules: If you're moving into a community with an HOA, check their move-in policies in advance — restricted hours, notice requirements, and parking rules vary by community.
- Elevator reservation: Moving into a multi-unit building? Reserve the elevator. Most buildings require it, and forgetting costs you hours on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some Colorado cities require permits for large vehicles parked on residential streets. Check your destination city's requirements before you schedule.
- State licensing: The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) regulates local and intrastate movers in Colorado. Verify your mover's license before signing a contract.
- Moving permits: Colorado doesn't require a state-level moving permit, but check local parking rules at your specific destination.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address at least one week before your move date. You can set your official move date online and mail will forward automatically to Colorado.
- Moving insurance: Every mover must offer Released Value Protection at no charge — but it only covers 60 cents per pound per item. On a 935-mile move, that's inadequate for anything of real value. Ask about full-value protection or purchase a third-party policy before your move date, not after something breaks.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every task in the weeks leading up to moving day.
Things to Do in Colorado
Once you're there, Colorado keeps you occupied:
Museums
- Denver Botanic Gardens
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science
- Argo Mill and Tunnel
- Rosemount Museum
- Benson Park Sculpture Garden
National Parks & Public Lands
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Sports Teams
- Denver Broncos (NFL)
- Denver Nuggets (NBA)
- Colorado Rockies (MLB)
- Colorado Avalanche (NHL)
- Denver Barbarians (RSL)
Universities
- University of Colorado Boulder
- Colorado State University
- University of Denver
- United States Air Force Academy
- University of Colorado Denver
FAQ
How long does a move from Austin to Colorado take?
Most Austin-to-Colorado moves take two to seven days from pickup to delivery. Summer moves run toward the longer end of that window because carriers are stretched during peak demand. Ask your mover for a contractual delivery window in writing before booking — not an estimate, a range they're actually committed to.
How many Austin movers offer custom crating for art or antiques?
Sixteen Austin movers offer custom crating for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items — artwork, antiques, electronics. If any of your belongings require it, confirm crating capability explicitly before you book. Don't assume it's included.
What's the best way to ship a car from Austin to Colorado?
Use a carrier with documented experience on this specific corridor. The Austin-to-Colorado route is well-traveled, so availability is generally good. Get a binding quote and review customer