Top-rated movers to make your Arlington to San Diego move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Arlington that offers long-distance services to San Diego can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 78 top local movers in Arlington who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Arlington to San Diego.
- BoxStar Movers: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Olympia Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Bookstore Movers, LLC: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- My Pro Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Artisan Movers: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Pricing: $145/hr
Years in Business: 4
DOT #: 3455884
Alternate Names: BoxStar Moving Services , BoxStar Moving Services, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 70719
Years in Business: 32
DOT #: 70719
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 2005212
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 2005212
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3116640
Alternate Names: MyProMovers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 2957382
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2957382
Alternate Names: Artisan Movers Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Arlington to San Diego?
In Virginia, moving services typically cost around $161 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,261 – $4,830 | $1,334 – $3,390 | $1,459 – $2,857 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,546 – $7,031 | $2,513 – $4,837 | $1,549 – $3,503 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,804 – $10,667 | $3,331 – $6,659 | $2,098 – $4,048 |
Cost to hire movers from Arlington to San Diego
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to San Diego from Arlington, you can expect prices to land between $1,261 and $4,830. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $3,546 to $7,031 for the trip from Arlington to San Diego. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $6,804 and $10,667.
Cost of moving containers from Arlington to San Diego
Moving containers from Arlington to San Diego will cost you $1,334 to $3,390 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,513 to $4,837. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,331 to $6,659. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Arlington to San Diego
Renting a moving truck from Arlington to San Diego typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,459 and $2,857 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,549 to $3,503. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $2,098 to $4,048.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Arlington to San Diego move
The cost of Arlington movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,592 for a one-bedroom, or up to $9,878 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Arlington.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $1,459 to $3,656, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Arlington to San Diego
Many movers find San Diego easier on the wallet than Arlington – roughly 51% less for singles and 36% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,346 for one person in San Diego versus $6,867 in Arlington. For a family of four, it’s $7,719 compared with $11,970.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Arlington | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,475 | $2,704 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,350 | $4,914 |
| Average home value | $810,670 | $1,003,444 |
| Average income (per capita) | $128,145 | $72,963 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,867 | $3,346 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,970 | $7,719 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.75% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 13.3% |
- Planning a move to San Diego? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 6% higher than in Arlington, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in San Diego are about 24% higher than those in Arlington.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 43% lower in San Diego compared to Arlington.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in San Diego, as the cost of living for a single person is 51% lower compared to Arlington.
- A move to San Diego can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 36% less than what it costs in Arlington.
- San Diego shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Arlington by around 65%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes in San Diego are 29% more than in Arlington, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in California are 131% above those in Virginia. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Arlington and San Diego:
| Living Expense | Arlington | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $208.70 | $277.55 |
| Cell phone plan | $59.67 | $66.79 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $5.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.18 | $4.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $24.50 | $21.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $77.25 | $65.68 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Arlington than in San Diego, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Arlington than in San Diego.
- Eggs are less expensive in Arlington than in San Diego.
- Bread costs less in Arlington than in San Diego.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Arlington than in San Diego.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Arlington than in San Diego.
- Gym memberships cost more in Arlington than in San Diego.
How life is different in Arlington vs. San Diego
| Arlington | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 238,643 | 1,386,932 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 71 | 53 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 43 |
| Crime index | 15.67 | 39.83 |
| Safety index | 79.15 | 60.17 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- San Diego’s population is about 481% greater than Arlington.
- San Diego’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Arlington’s score of 9.
- San Diego is less walkable than Arlington with a score of 53 out of 100 vs Arlington’s 71 out of 100.
- San Diego has a bike-friendliness score of 43 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Arlington, which has a score of 72.
- San Diego’s crime rate is higher than Arlington with a score of 39.83 compared to Arlington’s 15.67. This means that San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Arlington neighborhoods are safer than 15.67%.
- San Diego is considered to be less safe than Arlington with a score of 60.17 vs Arlington’s 79.15.
- Air quality in San Diego is Moderate, and in Arlington it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Arlington to San Diego move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: California’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to San Diego. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in San Diego
Planning your move to America’s Finest City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in San Diego.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Gaslamp Quarter
- Hillcrest
- North Park
- Ocean Beach
- Pacific Beach
Best neighborhoods for families
- Carmel Valley
- Del Mar Heights
- Loma Portal
- Rancho Bernardo
- Rancho Penasquitos
Things to do in San Diego
After settling into your new California home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, San Diego has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: San Diego features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the USS Midway Museum, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Maritime Museum of San Diego, and San Diego Air & Space Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s La Jolla Cove, Balboa Park, La Jolla Shores Park, and Sunset Cliffs Natural Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an San Diego Padres (MLB)San Diego Gulls (AHL)San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Arlington to San Diego?
Planning your move from Arlington to San Diego? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Arlington.
When is the cheapest time to move from Arlington to San Diego?
Because most people are moving from Arlington to San Diego in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Arlington to San Diego take?
The 2,683-mile journey from Arlington, VA to San Diego, , typically takes seven to 21 days. Some movers in Arlington offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in San Diego.
Are there special savings available from movers in Arlington?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 7 have discounts for military personnel. 13 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Arlington?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Arlington, 56 movers can manage piano relocations. 43 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Virginia has 77 piano movers and 47 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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