($344+) Gilbert, AZ to San Diego, CA Movers
Moving from Gilbert, AZ, to San Diego, CA, runs anywhere from $344 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,585 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 359 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,059, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $6,585 or more.
- Moving containers run $893 - $2,664, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $344 - $891.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Gilbert, AZ, to San Diego, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,719 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Gilbert, AZ to San Diego, CA
Moving options from Gilbert to San Diego fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $1,719 - $4,578 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 32% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 79% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 359-mile route typically takes 1 to 4 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 359-mile route from Gilbert to San Diego, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,059 - $3,616 | $893 - $1,630 | $344 - $591 | $795 - $1,439 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,719 - $4,578 | $1,176 - $2,115 | $366 - $752 | $913 - $1,692 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,836 - $6,585 | $1,481 - $2,664 | $454 - $891 | $1,220 - $2,197 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Gilbert, AZ to San Diego, CA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 359-mile move from Gilbert, Arizona, to San Diego, California, with prices running from $1,059 - $6,585. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $389 - $2,596 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Gilbert and San Diego are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Gilbert movers tend to run around $140 as a base rate plus $85/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Gilbert to San Diego:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,059 - $3,616
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,719 - $4,578
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,836 - $6,585
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Gilbert to San Diego.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Gilbert, AZ to San Diego, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 66% of Gilbert movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In San Diego, 69% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $649 - $6,490 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready66% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Gilbert Moving & Storage | $260 - $1,558/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $389 - $3,115 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs54% of local movers | $1,298 - $3,894 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,245 - $12,980 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $972 - $1,847 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: A to Z Valley Wide Movers LLC | $1,298 - $3,245 |
| Piano | Any piano type36% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $1,038 - $4,543 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $389 - $1,947 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc. (AZ) | $844 - $2,596 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $389 - $19,470+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $389 - $4,543+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Gilbert to San Diego?
California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Gilbert, AZ?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Gilbert to San Diego with a local mover averages $1,719 - $4,578. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Gilbert, AZ often offer competitive pricing on nearby routes. Smaller crews and regional focus translate to lower overhead and more scheduling flexibility.
Just make sure they're properly licensed for interstate moves and equipped to handle the full distance.
Flex Moving & Storage (4.28/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Gilbert, based on our analysis of feedback from 146 customers, 82.9% of which is positive.
Address: 5335 North 55th Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85031 | Founded: 2022
Moving container costs from Gilbert, AZ to San Diego, CA
Moving containers from Gilbert, Arizona, to San Diego, California, cost between $893 and $2,664. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to San Diego. If you go over that window, storage in Gilbert adds around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Gilbert to San Diego:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $893 - $1,630
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,176 - $2,115
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,481 - $2,664
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $97 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $195 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in San Diego, CA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $909 in Gilbert, AZ. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Arizona to California move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $893. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,176 - $2,115.
What are the best moving containers Gilbert to San Diego?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Gilbert to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Gilbert:
- B Line Movers (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 29 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.2/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Gilbert, AZ to San Diego, CA
A rental truck for this 359-mile move from Gilbert, Arizona, to San Diego, California, costs between $344 and $891. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $148 - $169
- Daily insurance: $39/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
- Gilbert daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Gilbert to San Diego based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $344 - $591
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $366 - $752
- 4+ bedrooms: $454 - $891
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Gilbert to San Diego starts at $344 - $891, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($148 - $169), overnight lodging ($195/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $195 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Gilbert, Arizona, usually costs about $909 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 359-mile drive falls between $148 and $169, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $65 and $389 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Gilbert to San Diego?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Gilbert, AZ to San Diego, CA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Gilbert, Arizona, to San Diego, California, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $913 and $1,692.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Gilbert to San Diego:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $795 - $1,439
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $913 - $1,692
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,220 - $2,197
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Gilbert, Arizona, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $909.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $97 - $195 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Gilbert to San Diego?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Gilbert, AZ vs San Diego, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in San Diego, side by side with Gilbert on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Gilbert, AZ | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 155 |
| Average rent | $2,250/mo | $2,881/mo |
| Median home value | $518,558 | $847,715 |
| Average income | $121,351/yr | $104,321/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 6.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 2.5% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 29/100 | 53/100 |
| Safety index | 85.23/100 | 60.17/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our San Diego, CA to Gilbert, AZ guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Arizona to California, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Arizona alone has 228 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 359-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Gilbert, AZ, to San Diego, CA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,059 - $6,585 on the 359-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $893 - $2,664, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $344 - $891. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,719 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include United States Navy and University of California, San Diego.
FAQs: Moving from Gilbert, AZ, to San Diego, CA
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is San Diego a safe place to live?
San Diego has a safety index of 60.17 out of 100 and a crime index of 39.83, compared to 85.23 and 14.77 in Gilbert. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Gilbert, AZ to San Diego, CA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $366 - $752. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in San Diego?
For families, Carmel Valley, Del Mar Heights, and Loma Portal are worth a look in San Diego. If you're moving solo or without kids, Gaslamp Quarter, Hillcrest, and North Park tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Gilbert, AZ to San Diego, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 4 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What percentage of Gilbert movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 36% of movers in Gilbert handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.