Average Cost of Movers in San Diego

Based on the price calculation of 9 reviews, we estimate that a move within San Diego should very roughly cost $1529.

That's a very rough estimate. To get real, competitive quotes for your move, please fill in this moving quote form.

310 movers in San Diego

What to know when moving to San Diego, CA

San Diego at a Glance

The Vibe:
A highly educated area with 57.3% of residents holding a bachelor's degree and nearly 75% renting.
The Major Draw:
Median household income is $90,477, which supports a relatively high standard of living.
The Reality Check:
16.8% of residents live below the poverty line, indicating some economic challenges.
Commute:
Only 4.8% use public transit for commuting.
Top Tip:
Budget for $2,351 a month in rent.

The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?

San Diego's character is marked by a significant percentage of highly educated residents, with 57.3% holding a bachelor's degree. The housing market reflects a strong rental culture, with 74.9% of the population renting their homes. However, the area faces challenges, as 16.8% of residents live in poverty, highlighting economic disparities. With a low public transit usage rate of just 4.8%, most residents likely rely on cars for their daily commutes.

Probably not your spot if you prefer a vibrant public transportation system or are looking for an area with a lower poverty rate.

Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot

  • Median rent is $2,351, which may require a substantial budget.
  • Median home value is $740,500, making homeownership a significant investment.
  • The community is educated, with 57.3% holding bachelor's degrees, but the poverty rate stands at 16.8%.
  • With 74.9% of residents renting, this area shows a strong rental market.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.

Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say

In California, the property crime rate stands at 1,764 per 100,000 residents, which is 14% higher than the national average of 1,547. The violent crime rate is 415.5 per 100,000, significantly above the national rate of 325.3. However, both property and violent crime rates have seen a decline, with property crime dropping by 26.1% and violent crime by 17.4% from 2022 to 2025.

  • Violent crime: 415.5 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 325.3
  • Property crime: 1,764 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 1,547
  • Notable trend: Homicide rate down 44.9% since 2022, now at 3.2 per 100,000

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for California).

Schools & Higher Ed

San Diego has a robust educational landscape with access to numerous institutions. There are a total of 42 postsecondary schools in the area, providing a range of options for higher education.

  • Total postsecondary institutions: 42
  • Institutions with College Scorecard data: 38

Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.

Weather & Getting Outside

San Diego County experiences an average annual precipitation of about 12.1 inches, with around 50 rainy days each year. Winter typically brings the most rain, with an average of 7.3 inches. The area enjoys a mild climate, making outdoor activities appealing year-round.

  • Balboa Park - 4.8 stars (78,275 reviews)
  • USS Midway Museum - 4.8 stars (52,287 reviews)
  • Old Town San Diego State Historic Park - 4.7 stars (31,244 reviews)
  • Mission Bay Park - 4.6 stars (25,081 reviews)

Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.

Jobs & the Local Economy

In San Diego County, the unemployment rate is currently at 4.4%, with a labor force of approximately 1,678,915. There are about 1,604,783 employed individuals in the county, indicating a fairly stable job market.

  • Unemployment rate: 4.4% (December 2025)
  • Employed: 1,604,783
  • Labor force: 1,678,915

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.

Where do people move from San Diego?

People move long distance from San Diego to popular cities like Austin TX, Denver CO and Portland OR.

Popular destinations within California include Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Here are other popular long distance destinations:

See all popular local, long distance and international moving routes from San Diego here.

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Who regulates San Diego interstate movers?

San Diego moving companies are required to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) if they perform interstate moves. No matter if it is a moving company or a broker, they should have a valid DOT number. You can look up a mover here.

Agency: United States Department of Transportation
Address: 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE, Washington DC 20590
Phone: (855) 368-4200
Website: www.fmcsa.dot.gov

To see if a specific movers complies with regulations, simply select a company from the list.

Moving within vs moving out of California

Let's see how many people move within California versus those who moved from The Golden State to another state.

Moved Within CA
46%
Moved out of CA
54%

Out of all California household moves, approximately 46% of them have been local ones, with 54% of the people moving to another state in the country.

Despite being the home of the nation’s second- and third-largest urban economies (the Greater Los Angeles Area and the San Francisco Bay Area respectively), the majority of Californians have still chosen to move out of the state.

Who regulates California local movers

When contacting local California moving companies, make sure to check their cal-T number issued by the California Public Utilities Commission.

Household goods moving companies must obtain permits from the PUC after proving financial and safety fitness.

They must also prove that they have adequate insurance and they are subject to criminal background clearance by the California Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Agency: California Public Utilities Commission
Address: SSRS Unit 505, Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102-3298
Phone: (800) 848-5580
Website: www.cpuc.ca.gov

The CPUC controls privately owned electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water, railroad, rail transit, along with passenger transportation companies.

What do people move within California?

Ever wondered which are the most popular move sizes when people move locally in CA?

Studio (7%)
1 Bedroom (22%)
2 Bedroom (26%)
3 Bedroom (22%)
4 Bedroom (7%)

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Check out our detailed moving guides:

Moving to San Diego Guide

The weather is one of the things that drives people here. What’s better than enjoying the beach and the mountains. Amongst the activities for teens you can count spending time on the beach like surfing, swimming, volleyball and more!

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