($1,261) Cost to Move From Madison, WI to San Diego, CA

1. Above Average Moving LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
2. The Armstrong Company: 4.44 out of 5 stars
3. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
4. Top Notch Moving and Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
5. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.28 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Madison to San Diego

When planning a move to San Diego from Madison, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,261 and $5,124. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,439 and $7,460 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $6,767 to $11,726.

Cost of moving containers from Madison to San Diego

When you’re heading from Madison to San Diego, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,164 and $2,855. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,053 and $4,015. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,925 to $5,990. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Wisconsin easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Madison to San Diego

A moving rental truck from Madison to San Diego is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,178 to $2,274. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,313 to $2,786, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Madison to San Diego costs around $1,579 to $3,153.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 80% more expensive in San Diego than in Madison. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
• Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 173% steeper in San Diego compared to Madison.
• Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 16% greater in San Diego than in Madison, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
• Prepare for elevated costs in San Diego, with the cost of living for a single person being 46% more than in Madison. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
• When considering a family move to San Diego, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 41% higher than in Madison.
• San Diego has a higher unemployment rate than Madison by about 100%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
• Sales taxes in San Diego surpass those in Madison by 41%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
• Income taxes are 74% more in California than in Wisconsin. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.

• San Diego’s population is about 414% greater than Madison.
• San Diego’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Madison, making them very similar.
• San Diego is more walkable than Madison with a score of 53 out of 100 vs Madison’s 50 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 Madison, which has a score of 66.
• San Diego’s crime rate is higher than Madison with a score of 39.83 compared to Madison’s 34.57. This means that San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
• San Diego is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 60.17 vs Madison’s 65.43.
• Air quality in San Diego is Moderate, and in Madison it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Madison and San Diego are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in California, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in California, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
• Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to San Diego. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

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

With your move to California complete, you can dive right into experiencing San Diego. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:

• Arts and culture: San Diego is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
• Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an San Diego Padres (MLB)San Diego Gulls (AHL)San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship) game.