Denver, CO → Santa Monica, CA · Long-distance move
About 1,003 road miles heading southwest. Typical two-bedroom cost $5,390–$8,030, delivery in 3–7 days, 1,411 carriers on the Denver side and 603 in Santa Monica.
Santa Monica sits about 1,003 miles southwest of Denver, which makes this an interstate relocation from Colorado to California that most movers classify as a long-distance move.
At this distance carriers price by shipment weight and mileage rather than by the hour. A two-bedroom home (around 5,000 lb of goods) typically costs $5,390 to $8,030 with a full-service mover, and delivery usually takes 3 to 7 days after pickup because long-haul trucks consolidate several households per trip. Driving it yourself takes about 18 h.
On the Denver side there are 1,411 household-goods carriers registered with the FMCSA in and around the city (531 of them authorized for interstate work), and 603 around Santa Monica (222 interstate). For an interstate move you can book from either end; movers near the origin handle loading and are usually the better first call, while a destination-side company can be useful if you need storage or delivery-day help in Santa Monica.
Denver has a population of about 740,613 and Santa Monica about 92,000. Santa Monica is the denser city (11,069 people per square mile versus 4,674 in Denver), which often means shuttle trucks, parking restrictions or building move-in windows on delivery day. California is a higher-cost state than Colorado, so budget a little more for destination-side help, deposits and first-month expenses.
| Home size | Est. weight | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,000 lb | $2,160 | $2,630 | $3,210 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $3,240 | $3,950 | $4,820 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $5,390 | $6,580 | $8,030 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $8,630 | $10,530 | $12,840 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $11,870 | $14,470 | $17,660 |
$1,480–$2,090
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$1,920–$2,820
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$5,390–$8,030
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for Denver, CO → Santa Monica, CA. Adjust the other options to see your range.
Typical full-service range.
Estimates use market baselines described on the cost guide; your quotes will vary by inventory, access and date.
Legal name: Western Distributing Company
Legal name: Private First Class Worldwide Chauffeured Service LLC
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $2,160 to $3,210 for a studio, $3,240 to $4,820 for a one-bedroom, $5,390 to $8,030 for a two-bedroom, $8,630 to $12,840 for a three-bedroom and $11,870 to $17,660 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 1,003 road miles (850 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 18 h.
Expect a delivery window of 3 to 7 days after pickup. Carriers give a spread rather than a fixed date because long-distance trucks carry several shipments; a dedicated truck or expedited service shortens the window for an extra fee.
Yes. Crossing from Colorado into California makes this an interstate move, so the carrier must hold active FMCSA operating authority (an MC number) in addition to its USDOT number. The company cards on this page flag which carriers are authorized for interstate work.
A one-way rental truck for this distance typically runs $1,480 to $2,090 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $1,920 to $2,820. Both save money versus a full-service crew but you do the loading, and container transit can take longer than a mover's delivery window.
Rates are highest in summer and around the last days of any month, when demand peaks. Mid-month, mid-week and winter dates are usually quoted below the standard rate. Booking four to eight weeks ahead gives you the widest choice of carriers on the Denver–Santa Monica corridor.