If you're moving from Jacksonville to Colorado, you're already thinking about a 1,813-mile haul and a lifestyle shift that goes a lot deeper than just geography. You're trading hurricane season and flat terrain for mountain winters and thin air. The financial picture is also more complicated than it looks at first glance — Colorado's income is higher, but so is the housing cost, and you'll be paying state income tax for the first time.
The good news: this is a well-traveled route with solid mover options, and the numbers are pretty knowable. Here's what I've found on what this move actually costs, who's worth hiring out of Jacksonville, and what to work through before moving day.
Local moving companies in Jacksonville
Out of 28 Florida movers based in Jacksonville that handle interstate moves, these five consistently perform at the top for a long-distance move to Colorado.
- Baymeadows Movers — 4.58 / 5
- Stewart Moving & Storage — 4.56 / 5
- Royal Moving and Storage — 4.50 / 5
- Flex Moving & Storage — 4.48 / 5
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.50 / 5
Baymeadows Movers
6419 Philips Highway, Jacksonville, FL 32216
- Yelp reviews: 4.5 / 5 (27 reviews)
- Google reviews: 4.5 / 5 (337 reviews)
- BBB profile: Grade A+
81% positive | 16% negative across 239 reviews analyzed
Baymeadows has 28 years in business and an A+ BBB rating — a combination that matters when you're trusting a crew with everything you own across 1,800 miles. The review pattern is consistent: courteous teams, good communication, efficient packing, and care with belongings. Customers regularly call out the crews' attention to detail as a genuine differentiator.
The 16% negative rate centers on damaged items, late arrivals, and final bills that exceeded initial quotes — plus some frustration with claims handling. For a cross-country move, I'd push hard on two things before signing: get a binding estimate, and ask explicitly how they handle damage claims.
State license: 469 | DOT: 1040023 | Years in business: 28
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, office moves, pianos, crating, storage. Accepts credit card.
(904) 737-3530
Stewart Moving & Storage
6580 W 5th St, Jacksonville, FL 32254
- Yelp reviews: 4.5 / 5 (15 reviews)
- Google reviews: 4.5 / 5 (1,417 reviews)
- BBB profile: Grade A+
97% positive | 3% negative across 234 reviews analyzed
A 97% positive rate is hard to argue with, and at 31 years in business with DOD certification and international move capability, Stewart is an operation that clearly runs at scale. Reviewers consistently praise professional crews that move fast, communicate clearly, and treat belongings carefully. Many describe moves finishing ahead of schedule.
The 3% negative feedback — covering damage, missing items, and insurance disputes — is notable when it happens, but it's genuinely rare here, not a pattern. If I were pointing a friend toward one Jacksonville mover for this route, Stewart is where I'd start.
State license: 1355 | DOT: 1194537 | Years in business: 31
Services: Local, interstate, international moves, packing, unpacking, crating, storage. DOD certified. Accepts credit card.
(904) 783-0715
Royal Moving and Storage
6825 Arlington Expressway, Jacksonville, FL 32211
- Yelp reviews: 4.5 / 5 (39 reviews)
- Google reviews: 4.5 / 5 (1,037 reviews)
- BBB profile: Grade A+
84% positive | 15% negative across 263 reviews analyzed
Royal has the longest track record on this list at 39 years and over 1,000 Google reviews. The majority of customers describe punctual, professional crews who handle items carefully. That depth of history is worth something when you're evaluating who to trust with a long haul.
The 15% negative feedback is worth flagging — damaged belongings, surprise charges, and final bills higher than quoted are the recurring themes. On a move to Colorado, your inventory needs to be locked down precisely before you sign. A binding estimate, not a ballpark, is non-negotiable here.
State license: 426 | DOT: 1472849 | Years in business: 39
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, office moves, pianos, crating, storage. Accepts credit card.
(904) 724-6683
Flex Moving & Storage
4720 Salisbury Rd Suite 122, Jacksonville, FL 32256
- Yelp reviews: 4.4 / 5 (52 reviews)
- Google reviews: 4.4 / 5 (298 reviews)
- BBB profile: Grade B
89% positive | 11% negative across reviews analyzed
Flex is the youngest company on this list — about two years in business — so you're working with a shorter track record. Reviewers praise polite staff, competitive pricing, and punctual arrivals. Customers have specifically named individual crew members for going above and beyond, which I take as a genuine indicator of crew culture.
That said: a Grade B from the BBB, complaints about hidden charges, and a handful of serious reports about missing or improperly handled items give me pause. The 89% positive rate is solid, but for an interstate move of this distance, I'd want everything documented in writing before handing over a deposit.
DOT: 3610638 | Years in business: 2
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, office moves, storage. Accepts cash and credit card.
(786) 738-9516
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
9450 Philips Highway, Jacksonville, FL 32256
- Yelp reviews: 4.5 / 5 (64 reviews)
- Google reviews: 4.5 / 5 (750 reviews)
- BBB profile: Grade A-
85% positive | 15% negative across 288 reviews analyzed
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is a national franchise with 27 years of local operation in Jacksonville. Their speed and organization are the things reviewers mention most — teams frequently finish under budget. For a cross-country move, that efficiency matters.
The main concern is damage claims. Their standard Released Value Protection covers just 60 cents per pound per article, which is nearly nothing for furniture or electronics. If you're moving anything valuable, price out Full Value Protection or a third-party policy before you book. The 15% negative rate is primarily driven by this issue, not crew quality.
DOT: 2527384 | Years in business: 27
Services: Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage, safes. Accepts credit card.
(904) 263-5523
Local moving services in Jacksonville, FL
Here's a breakdown of specialty services available among Jacksonville's interstate movers:
| Service | Movers offering it | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate | 22 | 78.57% |
| Small moves | 16 | 57.14% |
| Pianos | 19 | 67.86% |
| Art | 8 | 28.57% |
| Antiques | 6 | 21.43% |
| Fragile-only packing | 5 | 17.86% |
Cost to move from Jacksonville, FL to Colorado
The table below reflects typical price ranges for a Jacksonville-to-Colorado move based on the 1,813-mile route, using pricing data current as of early 2026. Use the moving cost calculator to get a figure dialed in to your specific inventory and timing.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,027 – $4,322 | $1,001 – $2,496 | $968 – $1,959 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,575 – $6,048 | $1,913 – $3,916 | $1,069 – $2,354 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,828 – $8,397 | $2,564 – $5,316 | $1,375 – $2,966 |
Final costs vary based on inventory, access and parking conditions at pickup and delivery, timing, and add-ons. Fuel costs are included in truck rental estimates.
Cost to hire movers from Jacksonville to Colorado
For a studio or one-bedroom, full-service movers run $1,027 to $4,322. That wide spread reflects how much inventory and add-ons can vary — two people moving a studio lightly furnished versus fully packed are very different jobs. A two- or three-bedroom home typically runs $2,575 to $6,048, and a larger household of four bedrooms or more lands between $4,828 and $8,397.
Shopping long-distance movers is genuinely worth the effort here. Getting three quotes on the same route can reveal $500 to $1,000 in variation for identical service.
Cost of moving containers from Jacksonville to Colorado
Containers occupy the middle ground: the carrier handles the driving, you handle packing and loading. A studio or one-bedroom runs $1,001 to $2,496 on this route. Two- or three-bedroom homes typically cost $1,913 to $3,916, and larger households run $2,564 to $5,316.
The trade-off is real labor on both ends, but you get more control over how your belongings are packed. If that appeals to you, compare carriers — pricing among moving containers varies more than most people expect before they start calling around.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Jacksonville to Colorado
If you want the cheapest option and you're willing to drive every mile yourself, a rental truck delivers. Studio or one-bedroom: $968 to $1,959. Two or three bedrooms: $1,069 to $2,354. Four-plus bedrooms: $1,375 to $2,966. Fuel is factored into these estimates.
Be honest about what that drive actually involves before you book. Truck rentals look appealing on paper — and they can be the right call — but 1,813 miles behind a 26-foot truck through the Rockies is a different experience than a local in-town haul.
Factors influencing moving costs from Jacksonville to CO
Three variables will have the most impact on your final number:
- Move size: The single biggest driver. More rooms and more items equal higher cost across every service type.
- Time of year: Summer is peak season. Rates go up and availability tightens June through August. If you have flexibility, spring and fall will save you money.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Full-service is convenient but expensive. DIY is cheaper but costs time, physical effort, and sleep. Neither is wrong — just know what you're trading.
What you should know before moving from Jacksonville to CO
The top-line numbers on cost of living are close between Jacksonville and Colorado, but the details tell a more complicated story. Housing costs are dramatically higher, income averages are also higher, and Florida's zero income tax becomes Colorado's 5.49%. Worth understanding before you commit.
Compare cost of living: Jacksonville vs. Colorado
| Jacksonville, FL | Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,520 | $1,594 |
| Average home cost | $287,628 | $541,072 |
| Per capita income | $64,138 | $87,598 |
| Cost of living index | 96 | 91 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 5.49% |
Sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation, Zumper, Numbeo
Here's what the data actually means for your wallet:
- Rent is nearly identical. You won't feel much difference month-to-month on an apartment — $74 spread on average rent is noise.
- Home prices are about 88% higher in Colorado. That's not a rounding error. A median home that costs $287K in Jacksonville runs $541K in Colorado. Budget accordingly if you're planning to buy.
- Income runs about 37% higher in Colorado. That helps offset housing costs depending on your field, but do the math specifically for your salary before assuming the averages apply to you.
- The overall cost of living index is slightly lower in Colorado (91 vs. 96), so day-to-day expenses like groceries and utilities may actually run a bit cheaper.
- Unemployment is lower in Colorado — 4.1% versus 4.9% — pointing to a tighter, more competitive labor market.
- Colorado's 5.49% state income tax is a real hit to take-home pay. Florida has no state income tax. Run the actual math on your salary before assuming the higher average income makes up the difference.
How life is different in Jacksonville, FL from Colorado
| Jacksonville, FL | Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 971,319 | 5,877,610 |
| Political leaning | Democratic (51–47) | Democrat (54–46) |
| Summer high | 91°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 44°F | 13°F |
| Annual rainfall | 50 inches | 16 inches |
| Annual snowfall | 0 inches | 63 inches |
| Crime index | 56.38 | 36.4 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia
The climate shift is the lifestyle adjustment most people underestimate:
- Summer temperatures are a few degrees cooler in Colorado (86°F vs. 91°F), but the bigger difference is humidity. Jacksonville summers are relentlessly humid. Colorado's heat is dry, which most people find far more bearable.
- Winter is a fundamentally different experience. Lows of 13°F versus Jacksonville's 44°F isn't a minor tweak — budget for heating costs, winter gear, and a vehicle that handles snow.
- Colorado gets 63 inches of snow per year. Jacksonville gets zero. If you've only ever dealt with rain, the logistics of a real winter take adjustment — shoveling, vehicle maintenance, and the occasional iced-over morning.
- Rainfall drops from 50 inches to 16 inches annually. More sunshine and less weather disruption, but dry air affects everything from your skin to your wood furniture.
- Crime is meaningfully lower in Colorado — an index of 36.4 versus Jacksonville's 56.38. That gap tracks across most Colorado cities and is one of the more compelling quality-of-life factors for this move.
- Colorado is a far larger state by population (5.87 million versus Jacksonville's 971,000). Denver and the Front Range metros offer more amenities, cultural options, and professional networking — along with more traffic.
Other considerations when moving to Colorado
Before the truck is booked and the boxes are packed, work through this list:
- HOA rules: Many Colorado communities have specific rules about when moves can happen and how trucks can access the property. Check before booking your move date.
- Elevator reservations: If you're moving into a building with an elevator, reserve it in advance. Don't assume availability on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some Colorado cities and neighborhoods require parking permits for moving vehicles. Check local rules for your specific destination address.
- State licensing: The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) regulates intrastate moving companies. Verify that any carrier serving the Colorado end of your move is properly licensed before you pay a deposit.
- Moving insurance: Federal law gives you two basic options. Released Value Protection is free but limits reimbursement to 60 cents per pound per item — next to worthless for electronics or quality furniture. Full Value Protection costs more but covers actual repair or replacement. For a 1,813-mile move, it's worth pricing out your options carefully, including third-party coverage.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving day so your mail starts forwarding from the right date.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay organized in the weeks before the move. On a long-distance haul, the details add up fast.
Things to do in Colorado
A preview of what you're heading toward:
Museums
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science
- Denver Botanic Gardens
- Argo Mill and Tunnel
- Rosemount Museum
- Benson Park Sculpture Garden
Parks
- 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 Jacksonville to Colorado take?
Expect five to sixteen days, depending on the service level you choose and the time of year. Summer moves trend toward the longer end. Get a written delivery window from your mover before you sign — don't leave this vague.
What's the availability of custom crating among movers in Jacksonville?
Of the 28 Jacksonville movers we track, 19 offer custom crating for items like art, antiques, and sensitive electronics. Confirm that materials and dimensions match your specific items before you book — not every crating service is built the same.
What is the best way to get a car from Jacksonville to Colorado?
You have solid options for auto transport on this route. Use the car shipping calculator to get a baseline estimate and compare carriers for Florida-to-Colorado vehicle shipment. Prices vary more than people expect depending on vehicle size and delivery window.
Why are people moving from Jacksonville to Colorado?
Economic opportunity and outdoor recreation are the two consistent drivers. Colorado's job market is strong across tech, aerospace, and healthcare. The access to skiing, hiking, and climbing is a genuine pull for people who want outdoor access built into their daily life — not just vacations.
Can I use cash to pay a mover in Jacksonville, FL?
Two Jacksonville movers currently accept cash. It's not the industry norm — most movers prefer traceable payment methods, and cash doesn't give you much recourse if something goes wrong. You'll typically pay a deposit upfront to hold your move date, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm the payment schedule and accepted methods with your mover before signing.
Where can I find long-distance movers for this route?
Start with our vetted list of long-distance movers that serve the Jacksonville-to-Colorado corridor. If budget is the primary constraint, our guide to affordable movers covers the lower end of the market with options worth looking at.
Get actual numbers for your specific move — home size, inventory, and timing all affect the price. Compare quotes with our moving cost calculator.