($801+) Dallas, TX to San Diego, CA Movers
Moving from Dallas, TX, to San Diego, CA, runs anywhere from $801 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,910 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,358 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 3 to 8 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 $2,224, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,910 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,312 - $4,679, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $801 - $2,269.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Dallas, TX, to San Diego, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,880 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 Dallas, TX to San Diego, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Dallas 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 $2,880 - $6,511. Containers cost roughly 42% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 69% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,358 miles, expect 3 to 8 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 1,358-mile route from Dallas to San Diego, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,224 - $4,998, container $1,312 - $2,375, rental truck $801 - $1,642, freight trailer $1,193 - $2,269.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,880 - $6,511, container $1,676 - $3,552, rental truck $892 - $1,784, freight trailer $1,340 - $2,814.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $5,102 - $8,910, container $2,298 - $4,679, rental truck $1,067 - $2,269, freight trailer $1,838 - $3,492.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Dallas, TX to San Diego, CA
For the 1,358-mile move from Dallas, Texas, to San Diego, California, full-service movers cost between $2,224 and $8,910. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $366 - $2,440 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Dallas generally start around $179 plus $60 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Dallas to San Diego:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,224 - $4,998
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,880 - $6,511
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,102 - $8,910
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 Dallas 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 Dallas, TX to San Diego, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 55% of Dallas movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In San Diego, 72% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing74% of local movers | $610 - $6,100 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready55% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: 3 Men Movers | $244 - $1,464/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $366 - $2,928 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs62% of local movers | $1,220 - $3,660 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,050 - $12,200 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $914 - $1,736 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items24% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: 3 Men Movers | $1,220 - $3,050 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: 3 Men Movers | $976 - $4,270 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $366 - $1,830 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $793 - $2,440 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $366 - $18,300+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $366 - $4,270+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Dallas to San Diego?
Movers licensed to operate in California are typically members of the California Moving & Storage Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Dallas, TX. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Dallas, TX to San Diego, CA
Moving containers from Dallas, Texas, to San Diego, California, cost between $1,312 and $4,679. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Dallas typically runs around $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Dallas to San Diego:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,312 - $2,375
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,676 - $3,552
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,298 - $4,679
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $92 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $183 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 $854 in Dallas, TX. 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 Texas 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 $1,312. 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 $1,676 - $3,552.
What are the best moving containers Dallas 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 Dallas 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 Dallas:
- AB Moving (4.5/5), 26 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 6 years in business
- 3 Men Movers (4.8/5), 41 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Dallas, TX to San Diego, CA
Plan on $801 - $2,269 for a rental moving truck on the 1,358-mile route from Dallas, Texas, to San Diego, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $527 - $602
- Daily insurance: $37/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $24
- Dallas daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Dallas to San Diego based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $801 - $1,642
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $892 - $1,784
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,067 - $2,269
Pro tip: The base rate of $801 - $2,269 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Dallas to San Diego. Fuel ($527 - $602), lodging at around $183/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging 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 Dallas, Texas, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $854.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $527 - $602 for the 1,358-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 $73 and $397, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $183 per night for hotel stops on the 1,358-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $366 - $549.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Dallas 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 Dallas, TX to San Diego, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Dallas, Texas, 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 $1,098 and $2,814.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Dallas to San Diego:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,193 - $2,269
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,340 - $2,814
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,838 - $3,492
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Dallas, Texas, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $854.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $92 - $183 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 Dallas to San Diego?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Dallas to San Diego, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Dallas, TX 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 Dallas on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Dallas, TX | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 100 | 155 |
| Average rent | $1,774/mo | $2,881/mo |
| Median home value | $303,018 | $847,715 |
| Average income | $67,760/yr | $104,321/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 6.6% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 46/100 | 53/100 |
| Safety index | 48.6/100 | 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 Dallas, TX guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Texas to California in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 843 movers based in Texas, handy for sizing up options on this 1,358-mile route.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Dallas, TX, to San Diego, CA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,224 - $8,910 on the 1,358-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,312 - $4,679 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $801 - $2,269 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,880 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 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 Dallas, TX, to San Diego, CA
How long does a move from Dallas, TX to San Diego, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 3 to 8 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 do local movers charge in Dallas?
Local movers based in Dallas typically start around $179 as a base rate, plus $60/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in San Diego run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Dallas, TX 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.
How much does it cost to move from Dallas, TX to San Diego, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $801 to $8,910, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,224 and $8,910, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
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 46 and 49 in Dallas. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Dallas movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 41% of movers in Dallas handle piano moves, and 24% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.