Moving from St. Paul to Colorado: Costs, Movers & What to Expect
If you're planning a move from St. Paul to Colorado, you're looking at roughly 980 miles and a significant shift in lifestyle. Before you commit to a mover, here's what you need to know about pricing, your best options, and how life in Colorado actually stacks up against the Twin Cities.
Best Local Movers in St. Paul for Colorado Moves
I've reviewed more than 35 movers in the St. Paul area that handle state-to-state relocations. Here are the five that consistently deliver solid results for moves to Colorado.
- Matt's Moving Company — 4.66 / 5
- Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. — 4.62 / 5
- Metcalf Moving & Storage — 4.5 / 5
- The Move Crew — 4.5 / 5
- Daymakers Moving & Storage — 4.5 / 5
Matt's Moving Company
Address: 290 Chester St, St. Paul, MN 55107
Rating: 4.6 / 5 (43 Yelp reviews, 521 Google reviews)
License & DOT: State license #374236 | DOT #1704106 | 17 years in business
Out of 268 total reviews, 92% are positive. What stands out: customers consistently praise Matt's for speed, professionalism, and careful handling. Most reviews highlight efficient, friendly teams who show up on time and communicate well. The negatives—about 7% of feedback—touch on property damage, late crews, or unexpected fees. These aren't unique to Matt's, and most customers say issues were resolved. The neutral 1% mentions broken items or higher pricing on smaller moves, but still acknowledges professionalism.
Compared to other local movers, Matt's delivers reliability and positive energy. A few customers do flag occasional scheduling hiccups and slower claims handling, but the volume of glowing reviews speaks louder.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, office moves, pianos, crating, storage, credit card payments.
Contact: (651) 210-8271
Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc.
Address: 2995 Lone Oak Cir #7, Eagan, MN 55121
Rating: 4.6 / 5 (29 Yelp reviews, 284 Google reviews)
License & DOT: State license #286311 | DOT #286311 | 73 years in business
Piepho's longevity—nearly three-quarters of a century—isn't accidental. Of 250 reviews, 92% are positive. Customers note professional, courteous staff, clear communication, and efficient moves. A common theme: items arrive in perfect condition, and teams show up on schedule. The 7% of negative feedback centers on occasional item damage, communication gaps, or delivery delays. These problems are rarer than the praise, especially for local moves.
The standout: Piepho handles specialized moves. Pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks—if it's fragile or valuable, they've crated it. That breadth matters if you're moving anything unusual alongside a household.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves. Packing, unpacking, offices, specialized items (pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks), crating, crane vans, shipment tracking, full-valuation coverage, safes. Cash, money order, or credit card.
Contact: (651) 372-3494
Metcalf Moving & Storage
Address: 1255 East Highway 36, St. Paul, MN 55109
Rating: 4.5 / 5 (33 Yelp reviews, 180 Google reviews)
License & DOT: DOT #1127088 | 105 years in business
Over a century in business tells you something. Out of 234 reviews, 91% are positive. Customers highlight professional, careful crews with strong communication and respectful handling. Transparent pricing and timely moves also set them apart. The negatives—under 7%—involve damaged or missing items and frustration over inaccurate estimates. That's a real issue, but it's avoidable: pin down your estimate in writing and flag any fragile or high-value items upfront.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves. Packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, credit card payments.
Contact: (651) 484-0211
The Move Crew
Address: 1700 Broadway St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Rating: 4.5 / 5 (60 Yelp reviews, 155 Google reviews)
License & DOT: State license #380620 | DOT #2552505 | 10 years in business
Don't let the younger company age fool you—The Move Crew has built an impressive reputation. Of 295 reviews, 94% are positive. Customers emphasize efficiency, punctuality, professionalism, and careful handling. A major plus: rates usually come in at or under estimates. Competitive pricing and a track record of exceeding expectations drive repeat business.
Complaints are rare, but some customers report furniture damage, unexpected cost overages, or slow follow-up on claims. Ask about insurance limits and get your estimate in writing to avoid surprises.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, crating, storage, credit card payments.
Contact: (612) 361-6787
Daymakers Moving & Storage
Address: 919 Old Hwy 8 NW Suite 100, New Brighton, MN 55112
Rating: 4.5 / 5 (353 Google reviews)
License & DOT: DOT #2593674 | 8 years in business
The highest positive-review percentage in this group: 99% of 352 reviews praised Daymakers' speed, professionalism, and careful handling. Customers describe friendly, efficient teams and stress-free moves. Transparent pricing and quick booking are consistent strengths. The rare negatives involve communication delays or gaps between estimates and final costs—both avoidable with upfront clarity.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, safes, credit card payments.
Contact: (651) 955-1283
Local Moving Services in St. Paul
Here's how St. Paul movers break down by specialty service:
| Service | Count | % of Movers |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 27 | 77% |
| Small moves | 21 | 60% |
| Antiques | 13 | 37% |
| Art | 13 | 37% |
| Pianos | 28 | 80% |
| Fragile-only packing | 1 | 3% |
Most St. Paul movers handle interstate work, and about 80% can move pianos—useful if you're relocating with specialty items.
Cost to Move from St. Paul to Colorado
I'll be direct: pricing varies widely based on move size, season, and service type. Below are typical ranges for a ~980-mile move.
| Move Size | Full-Service Mover | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,117 – $4,665 | $827 – $1,938 | $606 – $1,173 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,548 – $5,778 | $1,456 – $2,696 | $635 – $1,367 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,113 – $8,167 | $1,905 – $3,618 | $813 – $1,662 |
These estimates include fuel and are based on verified rates as of early 2026. Final costs depend on your exact inventory, add-ons (packing, storage), access constraints, and timing. Summer moves cost more. Get multiple quotes to compare.
Full-Service Movers: St. Paul to Colorado
Expect to pay $1,117–$4,665 for a studio or one-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom household runs $2,548–$5,778. Larger homes (4–5 bedrooms) typically cost $4,113–$8,167.
You're paying for the labor, truck, fuel, and risk of damage—which is why professional movers cost more than DIY options. But you also get peace of mind.
Moving Containers: St. Paul to Colorado
Moving containers like PODS give you flexibility: drop-off, you load at your pace, they transport, you unload. Costs range from $827–$1,938 (small load) to $1,905–$3,618 (4+ bedrooms). It's a middle ground—cheaper than full-service, easier than renting a truck yourself.
Truck Rentals: St. Paul to Colorado
The cheapest option if you're willing to do the work. Budget $606–$1,173 (studio/1-bed) to $813–$1,662 (4+ bedrooms). These figures include estimated fuel. You handle loading, driving, unloading, and mileage risk. Most people underestimate the physical toll and hidden costs (equipment rental, extra fuel, tolls, time).
What Drives Moving Costs from St. Paul to Colorado
Move size: Larger homes and more belongings = higher costs. That's straightforward.
Season: Summer (May–September) is peak moving season. Demand is high, and movers charge accordingly. Moving in winter or spring can save you 10–30%.
Service level: A full-service mover costs more upfront but saves you physical labor and liability. DIY saves cash but demands your time and energy.
Timing: Rush moves (less than two weeks' notice) often cost more. Booking ahead gets you better rates.
Extras: Packing, crating fragile items, piano moving, storage, or short-term warehousing all add cost. Ask what's included and what's extra.
Cost of Living: St. Paul vs. Colorado
Here's the financial reality of the move:
| Metric | St. Paul, MN | Colorado | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,350 | $1,594 | +18% |
| Average home price | $278,221 | $541,072 | +94% |
| Per capita income | $63,483 | $87,598 | +38% |
| Cost of living index | 102 | 91 | –11% |
| Unemployment | 4.9% | 4.1% | –16% |
| State income tax | 9.85% | 5.49% | –44% |
Rent: Expect to pay about 18% more in Colorado. Budget accordingly.
Housing: Homes in Colorado cost nearly double. If you're buying, your mortgage will jump. If you're renting, the increase is manageable compared to ownership.
Income: Colorado's average per-capita income is 38% higher—a signal of economic opportunity, though it also reflects higher living costs.
Overall cost of living: Colorado's index is 11% lower than St. Paul, meaning everyday goods and services are cheaper. That's the silver lining.
Taxes: Colorado's income tax (5.49%) is roughly half Minnesota's (9.85%). If you're moving from Minnesota, that's a meaningful win for take-home pay.
Jobs: Colorado's unemployment is lower, suggesting easier job placement. If you're relocating for work or considering a career change, that's a plus.
Lifestyle: St. Paul vs. Colorado
Beyond dollars, how does life actually differ?
| Factor | St. Paul | Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| Population | ~303,000 | ~5.9 million |
| Political lean | Democratic | Democratic |
| Summer high | 83°F | 86°F |
| Winter low | 7°F | 13°F |
| Annual rainfall | 32″ | 16″ |
| Annual snowfall | 52″ | 63″ |
| Crime index | 50.86 | 36.4 |
Politics: Both lean Democratic, so no shock there.
Climate: Summer highs are nearly identical (83°F vs. 86°F). Winter is milder in Colorado (13°F vs. 7°F), meaning lower heating bills and easier snow removal—though you'll see more total snowfall (63″ vs. 52″). Colorado is also much drier (16″ rain vs. 32″), so expect more sunshine and less humidity.
Crime: Colorado's crime index (36.4) is significantly lower than St. Paul's (50.86), suggesting safer neighborhoods on average.
Population: St. Paul is a compact city (~303K). Colorado as a state has nearly 6 million people, but the state itself is sprawling. Denver's metro is where most people concentrate, so it depends on where you land.
Before You Move: Key Details
Colorado's Moving Regulations
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) regulates intrastate and local movers. Make sure your mover is licensed. You can verify licenses on COPUC's official website.
Parking & Permits
Some cities in Colorado require truck parking permits for moving vehicles. Check with your city or neighborhood HOA before move day. No statewide moving permit is required, but always confirm locally.
Elevator Reservation
If you're moving from or to a high-rise, reserve the elevator well in advance.
Address Change
File your USPS change of address at least one week before moving. Go to USPS.com and set your official move date so mail forwarding starts smoothly.
Moving Insurance
Released Value Protection is the default (and free with most movers)—but it caps liability at 60 cents per pound per item. For valuable possessions, discuss full-value protection or third-party insurance with your mover.
Use a Checklist
Our moving checklist keeps you organized and ensures nothing slips through the cracks.
Things to Do in Colorado
Museums & Gardens
- Denver Botanic Gardens
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science
- Rosemount Museum
- Benson Park Sculpture Garden
- Argo Mill and Tunnel
Parks & Outdoor Spaces
- 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
- 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 the move take?
Typically 2–7 days, depending on the service type and season. Summer moves may take longer due to higher demand. Ask for a delivery timeframe before booking.
Do St. Paul movers offer custom crating?
Yes. About 23 movers in St. Paul can build custom crates for art, antiques, electronics, and other fragile items. Confirm materials and dimensions match your needs.
How do I ship a car from St. Paul to Colorado?
Choose a car shipping specialist who knows how to handle vehicles professionally. See our recommendations for car shipping from Minnesota to Colorado.
Why do people move from St. Paul to Colorado?
Economic opportunity, outdoor recreation (skiing, hiking), milder winters, and lower state income taxes are common reasons.
What payment methods do St. Paul movers accept?
Most accept credit cards. About 12 movers in St. Paul also accept cash, though it's less common in the industry. Expect a deposit to reserve your date; the balance is due at pickup or delivery.
Next Steps
Ready to compare movers and get real quotes? Use our moving cost calculator to estimate your move and request quotes from multiple companies. The more estimates you gather, the better your negotiating position.
For a deeper dive into your options, check out how to choose a mover and our full guide to moving costs.