($353+) Gilbert, AZ to San Diego, CA Movers
Moving from Gilbert, AZ, to San Diego, CA, runs anywhere from $349 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,620 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $1,165, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $6,620 or more.
- Moving containers run $907 - $2,791, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $349 - $915.
- 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 $1,891 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
There are 3 main ways to move from Gilbert to San Diego: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,891 - $5,096. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 359 miles, expect 1 to 4 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
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:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,165 - $4,059 with full-service movers, $907 - $1,609 with a container, $349 - $658 with a rental truck, or $842 - $1,478 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $1,891 - $5,096 full-service, $1,220 - $2,306 by container, $395 - $773 by rental truck, or $956 - $1,826 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $3,000 - $6,620 full-service, $1,505 - $2,791 by container, $456 - $915 by rental truck, or $1,216 - $2,233 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Gilbert, AZ to San Diego, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 359-mile move from Gilbert, Arizona, to San Diego, California, with costs ranging from $1,165 - $6,620. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $389 - $2,596. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Gilbert and San Diego. Local movers in Gilbert typically start around $140 as a base rate plus $85/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Gilbert to San Diego:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,165 - $4,059
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,891 - $5,096
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,000 - $6,620
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Arizona to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 — 85% of Gilbert movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In San Diego, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing98% of local movers | $649 - $6,490 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready85% of local movers85% 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 coverage38% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% 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 items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Gilbert Moving & Storage | $1,298 - $3,245 |
| Piano | Any piano type77% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Just-In Time Moving & Storage | $1,038 - $4,543 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling30% of local movers | $389 - $1,947 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect30% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Just-In Time Moving & Storage | $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?
All three below meet the standards set by the California Moving & Storage Association, the group most California movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
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 $1,909 - $5,146. Working with a local mover based in Gilbert, AZ often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
Flex Moving & Storage (4.22/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Gilbert, based on our analysis of feedback from 144 customers, 83.3% 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 $907 and $2,791. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Gilbert typically costs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Gilbert to San Diego:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $907 - $1,609
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,220 - $2,306
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,505 - $2,791
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 $907. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,220 - $2,306, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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:
- Gilbert Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 9 years in business
- Just-In Time Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 21 years in business
- Mentors Moving & Storage (4.7/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Gilbert, AZ to San Diego, CA
Plan on $349 - $915 for a rental moving truck on the 359-mile route from Gilbert, Arizona, to San Diego, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- 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: $349 - $658
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $395 - $773
- 4+ bedrooms: $456 - $915
Pro tip: The base rate of $349 - $915 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Gilbert to San Diego. Fuel ($148 - $169) , lodging at around $195/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Gilbert, Arizona, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $909.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $148 - $169 for the 359-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $78 and $422, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $195 per night for hotel stops on the 359-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $389 - $584.
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 a solid option for larger DIY moves from Gilbert, Arizona, to San Diego, California. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,168 and $1,826.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Gilbert to San Diego:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $842 - $1,478
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $956 - $1,826
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,216 - $2,233
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Empire Transport (4.84/5 stars): Empire Transport is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
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 makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Arizona to California, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 97 movers in Arizona, so you have real options to compare for this 359-mile move.
Our take
The 359-mile move from Gilbert, AZ, to San Diego, CA, costs between $1,165 and $6,620 with full-service movers, $907 - $2,791 with a moving container, and $349 - $915 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $1,891 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer 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
How long does a move from Gilbert, AZ to San Diego, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 is the best time of year to move from Gilbert, AZ to San Diego, CA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Gilbert, AZ to San Diego, CA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
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.
How walkable is San Diego?
San Diego has a walkability score of 53 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 43, compared to 29 and 53 in Gilbert. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Gilbert movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 77% of movers in Gilbert handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
