If you're moving from Philadelphia to Colorado, you're already past the "should I go?" part. Now you need numbers. This route is roughly 1,792 miles — well into long-distance mover territory — and the gap between a smart hire and a bad one at this distance can mean thousands of dollars and weeks of headaches.
One thing that surprises people on this route: Colorado isn't uniformly cheaper than Philadelphia. Rent edges lower, and the overall cost of living is meaningfully lower. But home prices are dramatically higher, and income taxes will sting more. I'll cover all of it below, along with what you'll actually pay to move and who's worth hiring to get you there.
Top Philadelphia Movers for Your Colorado Move
Out of 69 Philadelphia-area movers capable of handling interstate moves, these five have the track records worth paying attention to for this route:
- Gentle Giant Moving Company — 4.5 / 5
- Transtar Moving Systems — 4.58 / 5
- Anchor Moving & Storage Inc. — 4.52 / 5
- Keep It Moving, LLC — 4.5 / 5
- Bellhop Moving — 4.38 / 5
Gentle Giant Moving Company
98% positive reviews. That's not a number you see often in this industry — it's the kind of consistency that takes decades to build.
Gentle Giant has 44 years in business and a reputation that's held up under scrutiny. Customers highlight efficient crews, careful handling, and final bills that come in at or under the estimate — a rarity on long-distance moves. The rare negatives (about 2% of reviews) focus on claims handling speed after something goes wrong, not on the move itself. The frequency of things actually going wrong is unusually low.
- Yelp reviews
- BBB profile — Grade A+
- Services: local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, pianos, offices, crane vans, storage
- DOT #: 373544 | 44 years in business
Transtar Moving Systems
92% positive reviews across 257 analyzed. Transtar is based in Moorestown, NJ — just across the river — but handles Philadelphia-area long-distance moves regularly and has 63 years of operational history behind them.
What stands out in the reviews: customers specifically call out careful handling and proactive communication, which are the two things that go sideways most often on 1,700-mile hauls. The negative feedback (8%) tends to involve storage-phase issues, billing confusion, or transit damage — not core move execution.
- Yelp reviews
- Google reviews
- BBB profile — Grade A+
- Services: local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, art, antiques, pianos, grandfather clocks, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage
- DOT #: 939629 | 63 years in business
Anchor Moving & Storage Inc.
88% positive out of 237 reviews. Anchor operates out of Pennsauken, NJ, with 51 years in the business and DOD certification — a credential that requires passing more rigorous vetting than most carriers face.
Two things that show up consistently in positive reviews: estimates matching final charges, and crew members called out by name for their professionalism. Both are signals that you're dealing with a company that actually trains and vets who gets in the truck. Negative reviews follow the industry pattern — damaged items and slow claim resolution. If you're shipping anything fragile or irreplaceable, ask upfront how their claims process works.
- Yelp reviews
- Google reviews
- BBB profile — Grade A+
- Services: local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, art, antiques, pianos, crating, shipment tracking, full-valuation coverage, storage, DOD certified
- DOT #: 125550 | 51 years in business
Keep It Moving, LLC
70% positive, 26% negative. The gap is wider than I'd like to see from a company making this list. Keep It Moving gets real praise for affordability, punctuality, and friendly crews — the positive reviews mean it. But the negative reviews aren't statistical noise: recurring complaints about damaged or lost items, significant delays, and unreturned calls appear often enough to flag a pattern.
I'd be more comfortable recommending them for a local Philadelphia job than a 1,700-mile haul to Colorado. If you're considering them for this route, make sure full-valuation coverage is in place and get every commitment in writing before your truck leaves.
- Yelp reviews
- Google reviews
- BBB profile — Grade F
- Services: local, interstate, packing, unpacking, antiques, crating, storage
- DOT #: 2313514 | 19 years in business
Bellhop Moving
58% positive, 38% negative. That ratio is low, and I want to be upfront about why Bellhop still makes the list: their pricing is genuinely competitive and their crews — when they show up — earn consistent praise for energy and efficiency. But last-minute cancellations, scheduling changes, and damage complaints come up more frequently here than with the other four companies above.
Bellhop functions more like a platform than a traditional carrier, which creates real variability in what you get. For a Philadelphia-to-Colorado move with a hard deadline and anything valuable in the truck, I'd upgrade to Gentle Giant or Transtar. If you have flexibility and a tight budget, Bellhop is worth a quote — just go in with eyes open.
- Yelp reviews
- BBB profile — Grade C
- Services: local, interstate, packing, unpacking, storage
- DOT #: 2878240 | 14 years in business
Specialty Moving Services Available in Philadelphia
If you need more than the standard load-and-drive, here's how the Philadelphia interstate mover pool breaks down on specialty services:
| Service | Movers offering it |
|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 61 (88%) |
| Small moves | 26 (38%) |
| Antiques handling | 41 (59%) |
| Art handling | 37 (54%) |
| Piano moving | 53 (77%) |
| Fragile-only packing | 13 (19%) |
There are also 46 Philadelphia movers that offer custom crating for oversized or irregularly shaped items — artwork, antiques, electronics. Options exist, but confirm the specifics before you sign anything. "We handle antiques" and "we build custom crates for antiques" are different promises.
Cost to Move from Philadelphia to Colorado
Use the moving cost calculator to get an estimate tuned to your specific move size. The table below shows current price ranges based on a ~1,792-mile move from Philadelphia to Colorado across three service types.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,185 – $4,257 | $1,003 – $2,553 | $1,006 – $1,878 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $3,048 – $6,555 | $1,807 – $3,621 | $1,067 – $2,190 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,422 – $8,982 | $2,469 – $5,170 | $1,318 – $2,931 |
Approximate estimates based on a 1,792-mile move, compiled from verified rate data refreshed monthly. Your actual cost will shift based on move size, added services, access conditions, fuel prices, and timing. Get quotes from at least three movers before committing.
What Hiring Movers Costs on This Route
For a studio or one-bedroom, full-service movers on the Philadelphia-to-Colorado route typically run $1,185 to $4,257. Two- to three-bedroom moves land in the $3,048 to $6,555 range. Large four-plus bedroom homes push from $5,422 to $8,982.
Those ranges reflect real variables: summer pricing versus off-season, which company you hire, whether you need packing services, and whether your building has access issues that require a shuttle. Get multiple quotes and ask what's actually included before you compare numbers.
What Moving Containers Cost on This Route
Moving containers give you more scheduling control — you pack on your timeline, and the company handles transit. For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $1,003 to $2,553. Two- to three-bedroom moves run $1,807 to $3,621. Larger homes land at $2,469 to $5,170.
The trade-off is real: you're doing the loading and packing yourself, which saves money but adds time and physical work. If you have the flexibility and the muscle, containers are a solid middle ground between full-service and driving your own truck.
What Truck Rentals Cost on This Route
Renting a truck is the cheapest option by a wide margin, but everything is on you: packing, loading, driving nearly 1,800 miles, and unloading on the other end. For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $1,006 to $1,878. Two- to three-bedrooms run $1,067 to $2,190. Four-plus bedroom moves typically run $1,318 to $2,931.
These estimates factor in average fuel costs — which add up fast on a near-1,800-mile trip. Don't skip that calculation when you're comparing total cost against hiring movers.
What Drives Moving Costs on This Route
Three factors do most of the heavy lifting:
- Move size: Volume is the biggest cost driver. More rooms means more truck space, more labor hours, and higher shipment weight on a long-distance move.
- Time of year: Summer is peak season. Prices climb, availability shrinks, and delivery windows stretch. Moving in fall or winter usually gets you a better rate and more scheduling flexibility.
- Service level: Full-service moves — where the company packs, loads, drives, and unpacks — cost significantly more than labor-only or truck-only setups. Know exactly what you're buying before you compare quotes.
What to Know Before Moving from Philadelphia to Colorado
Colorado is a bigger lifestyle shift than just a change of scenery. Before you commit, here's how the numbers actually stack up.
Cost of Living: Philadelphia vs. Colorado
| Philadelphia, PA | Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,695 | $1,594 |
| Average home cost | $216,914 | $541,072 |
| Per capita income | $70,746 | $87,598 |
| Cost of living index | 104 | 91 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 4.1% |
| State income tax | 3.07% | 5.49% |
Sources: World Population Review, Zumper, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation, Numbeo
What the numbers actually mean:
- Rent is about 6% lower in Colorado — modest, but it works in your favor from day one.
- Home prices are roughly 149% higher in Colorado than in Philadelphia. If buying is part of your plan, run those numbers carefully before assuming the move makes financial sense.
- Income runs about 24% higher per capita in Colorado, which helps offset higher housing costs for a lot of people.
- Overall cost of living is about 13% lower than Philadelphia — that shows up in groceries, utilities, and transportation day-to-day.
- Unemployment is dramatically lower in Colorado (4.1% vs. 10.6%). That signals a meaningfully stronger job market, not just a statistical blip.
- State income tax is higher in Colorado (5.49% vs. Pennsylvania's 3.07%) — about 79% more of your income going to the state. That's a real number worth building into your budget.
How Life Changes Moving from Philadelphia to Colorado
| Philadelphia, PA | Colorado | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,603,797 | 5,877,610 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 81–18 | Democrat 54–46 |
| Summer high | 87°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 26°F | 13°F |
| Annual rain | 47″ | 16″ |
| Annual snow | 13″ | 63″ |
| Crime index | 66.09 | 36.4 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia
A few things that catch people off guard:
- Summers feel almost identical by temperature — 86°F vs. 87°F — but Colorado's low humidity makes it feel noticeably different. Most people find it more comfortable once they adjust.
- Winters are genuinely colder. A low of 13°F versus 26°F changes how you dress, how you drive, and what your heating bills look like. Budget for it before your first January.
- Rain drops sharply — from 47 inches annually down to 16. More sunshine and more time outdoors, but the drier landscape takes some getting used to if you've spent your whole life on the East Coast.
- Snow, on the other hand, nearly quintuples. Philadelphia averages 13 inches a year; Colorado averages around 63. Beautiful in the right context, but budget for snow removal if you're buying a home.
- Crime is substantially lower in Colorado (index of 36.4 vs. 66.09 in Philadelphia). Depending on your current neighborhood, this could be one of the biggest practical quality-of-life improvements you notice.
Other Logistics to Handle Before Moving Day
Moving from Pennsylvania to Colorado involves more admin than most people anticipate. Don't let it sneak up on you in the final week:
- HOA rules: If you're moving into a community with an HOA, review their move-in procedures before day one. Some have specific hours, access restrictions, or required advance notice.
- Elevator reservation: Moving into a building with a shared elevator? Reserve it in advance — most buildings have limited slots and require it.
- Truck parking permits: Some Colorado cities require permits for large vehicles parked on residential streets. Verify before moving day to avoid a ticket or a blocked truck.
- State licensing: Colorado moving companies are regulated by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC). Before you hire anyone, verify they hold a current Colorado license on the official state regulator's site.
- Moving permits: Colorado doesn't require a general moving permit, but local parking rules vary by city and neighborhood. Check ahead.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move date so mail forwarding is active when you arrive.
- Moving insurance: Know what you're actually buying. Released Value Protection is free but only covers $0.60 per pound per item — essentially meaningless if a mover damages a flat-screen TV or a piece of furniture with real value. For anything worth protecting, ask about full-value coverage or explore a third-party policy.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to make sure nothing slips through the cracks in the weeks leading up to your move.
Things to Do in Colorado
The state has a lot going for it beyond the mountains, though the mountains are genuinely hard to oversell.
Museums
- Denver Botanic Gardens
- Argo Mill and Tunnel
- Rosemount Museum
- Benson Park Sculpture Garden
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science
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 Barbarians (RSL)
- Denver Nuggets (NBA)
- Colorado Rockies (MLB)
- Colorado Avalanche (NHL)
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 Philadelphia to Colorado take?
Most professional movers complete this route in five to 16 days depending on the company and service level. Summer moves lean toward the longer end of that window because of high demand. Ask every mover you're quoting for an estimated delivery window — in writing — before you sign anything. Vague answers to that question are a red flag.
How many Philadelphia movers offer custom crating for art or antiques?
46 movers in the Philadelphia area offer custom crating for fragile, oversized, or irregularly shaped items — artwork, antiques, and electronics among them. If you need it, confirm it upfront and get specifics on what the crating actually covers, not just a yes-or-no answer.
What's the best way to get a car from Philadelphia to Colorado?
Use a dedicated auto transport company rather than a mover that offers vehicle shipping as an add-on. Licensed, insured car shippers with experience on this specific route will give you better protection and more predictable pricing. Get at least three quotes and verify FMCSA registration before paying any deposit.
Why are people moving from Philadelphia to Colorado?
Economic opportunity and outdoor recreation come up most often. Colorado's job market is significantly stronger than Philadelphia's, incomes run higher, and the access to skiing, hiking, and mountain recreation is genuinely different from anything the East Coast offers. For some, the lower overall cost of living is a factor too — though as noted above, home prices are a countervailing consideration.
Can I pay for my move in cash?
About 30 Philadelphia movers accept cash. That said, traceable payment methods are the industry norm for a reason — they give you a paper trail if something goes wrong or a dispute arises. Expect to pay a deposit upfront to lock your date, with the balance due at pickup or after delivery. Confirm the exact timing and accepted payment methods with your mover before you sign.
Ready to see what your specific move will cost? Compare quotes from Philadelphia movers and get real numbers for your home size and timeline.