Top-rated movers to make your Dallas to San Diego move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Dallas that offers long-distance services to San Diego can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 73 top local movers in Dallas 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 Dallas to San Diego.
- Element Moving and Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- AB Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- AM Moving Company LLC: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Fantastic Moves: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 006519926C
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2038052
Alternate Names: Element Moving and Wine Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 000571862B
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 1939700
Alternate Names: Baker Relocation, Inc. , AB Movers , AB Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International 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 #: 006870171C
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2571411
Alternate Names: AM Moving Company, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 000534796B
Years in Business: 40
DOT #: 1914113
Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 000521440B
Years in Business: 29
DOT #: 1032910
Alternate Names: Lone Star Loaders, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Dallas to San Diego?
In Texas, moving services typically cost around $131 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 | $1,242 – $4,714 | $918 – $2,414 | $801 – $1,516 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,684 – $6,705 | $1,709 – $3,552 | $848 – $1,840 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,908 – $9,356 | $2,321 – $4,274 | $1,078 – $2,269 |
Cost to hire movers from Dallas to San Diego
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to San Diego from Dallas, you can expect prices to land between $1,242 and $4,714. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,684 to $6,705 for the trip from Dallas to San Diego. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $4,908 and $9,356.
Cost of moving containers from Dallas to San Diego
Moving containers from Dallas to San Diego will cost you $918 to $2,414 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,709 to $3,552. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,321 to $4,274. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Texas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Dallas to San Diego
Renting a moving truck from Dallas 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 $801 and $1,516 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $848 to $1,840. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,078 to $2,269.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Dallas to San Diego move
The cost of Dallas movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,295 for a one-bedroom, or up to $8,355 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Dallas.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $801 to $2,053, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Dallas to San Diego
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – San Diego runs about 18% higher for singles and -1% higher for families than Dallas.
Singles spend around $3,346 in Dallas versus $2,828 in Dallas; families pay $7,719 compared with $7,793.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Dallas | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,616 | $2,704 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,504 | $4,914 |
| Average home value | $303,900 | $1,003,444 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,291 | $72,963 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,828 | $3,346 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,793 | $7,719 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 7.75% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- Planning a move to San Diego? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 62% higher than in Dallas, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in San Diego are about 230% higher than those in Dallas.
- Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 7% higher in San Diego compared to Dallas, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in San Diego, as living costs for a single person are 18% higher than in Dallas. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- The cost of living for a family is within about 5% of the same in San Diego and Dallas, so you probably won’t see a major difference in expenses.
- San Diego shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Dallas by around 83%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes are 6% less in San Diego relative to Dallas. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- California has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Dallas and San Diego:
| Living Expense | Dallas | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $227.04 | $277.55 |
| Cell phone plan | $76.44 | $66.79 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.76 | $5.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.64 | $4.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $21.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $41.69 | $65.68 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Dallas than in San Diego, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Dallas than in San Diego.
- Eggs are less expensive in Dallas than in San Diego.
- Bread costs less in Dallas than in San Diego.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Dallas than in San Diego.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Dallas than in San Diego.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Dallas than in San Diego.
How life is different in Dallas vs. San Diego
| Dallas | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,304,379 | 1,386,932 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 46 | 53 |
| Bike friendliness score | 49 | 43 |
| Crime index | 51.4 | 39.83 |
| Safety index | 48.6 | 60.17 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- San Diego’s population is about 6% greater than Dallas.
- San Diego’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Dallas, making them very similar.
- San Diego is more walkable than Dallas with a score of 53 out of 100 vs Dallas’s 46 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 Dallas, which has a score of 49.
- San Diego’s crime rate is lower than Dallas with a score of 39.83 compared to Dallas’s 51.4. This means that San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Dallas neighborhoods are safer than 51.4%.
- San Diego is considered to be safer than Dallas with a safety index of 60.17 vs Dallas’s 48.6.
- Air quality in San Diego is Moderate, and in Dallas it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Dallas 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 Dallas to San Diego?
Planning your move from Dallas to San Diego? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Dallas.
When is the cheapest time to move from Dallas to San Diego?
Because most people are moving from Dallas 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 Dallas to San Diego take?
The 1,358-mile journey from Dallas, TX to San Diego, , typically takes three to eight days. Some movers in Dallas 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 Dallas?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 12 have discounts for military personnel. 9 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 Dallas?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Dallas, 49 movers can manage piano relocations. 40 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Texas has 180 piano movers and 125 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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