($1,557+) San Diego, CA to Newark, NJ Movers
The cost to move from San Diego, CA to Newark, NJ ranges from $1,342 to $12,451, with an average cost of $4,700. Moves can be as low as $1,557 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,749 miles and usually takes 7 to 21 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
Compare moving options from San Diego, CA to Newark, NJ
Moving options from San Diego to Newark fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,342 - $12,451 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,700, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 2,749 miles and typically takes 7 to 21 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,749-mile route from San Diego to Newark, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,342 - $6,466 | $1,939 - $4,039 | $1,557 - $3,018 | $1,745 - $3,599 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,196 - $8,200 | $2,669 - $5,246 | $1,687 - $3,593 | $2,115 - $4,500 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,817 - $12,451 | $3,574 - $7,741 | $2,197 - $4,544 | $2,831 - $6,017 |
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 San Diego, CA to Newark, NJ
Hiring full-service movers from San Diego, California, to Newark, New Jersey, costs between $1,342 and $12,451. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 2,749-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $441 - $2,940, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between San Diego and Newark. For a rough baseline, movers based in San Diego tend to start around $226 plus $200/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Diego to Newark:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,342 - $6,466
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,196 - $8,200
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,817 - $12,451
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 San Diego to Newark.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to New Jersey. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from San Diego, CA to Newark, NJ
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of San Diego movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Newark, 94% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $735 - $7,350 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: McCarthy Transfer & Storage | $294 - $1,764/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $441 - $3,528 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage53% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs44% of local movers | $1,470 - $4,410 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,675 - $14,700 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,101 - $2,092 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items59% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: McCarthy Transfer & Storage | $1,470 - $3,675 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: McCarthy Transfer & Storage | $1,176 - $5,145 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling47% of local movers | $441 - $2,205 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect41% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Cali Moving & Storage Corp | $956 - $2,940 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $441 - $22,050+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $441 - $5,145+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Diego to Newark?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in New Jersey Warehouse & Movers Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in San Diego, CA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from San Diego, CA to Newark, NJ
Moving containers from San Diego, California, to Newark, New Jersey, cost between $1,939 and $7,741. 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 San Diego typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Diego to Newark:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,939 - $4,039
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,669 - $5,246
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,574 - $7,741
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In San Diego, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $1,029, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $110 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $221 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both San Diego, CA, and Newark, NJ, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to New Jersey 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 $1,939. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,669 - $5,246, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers San Diego to Newark?
- 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 San Diego 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 San Diego:
- McCarthy Transfer & Storage (4.8/5), 106 years in business
- Cali Moving & Storage Corp (4.8/5), 10 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Diego, CA to Newark, NJ
A rental truck for this 2,749-mile move from San Diego, California, to Newark, New Jersey, costs between $1,557 and $4,544. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,286 - $1,469
- Daily insurance: $44/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $29
- San Diego daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| 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 San Diego to Newark based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,557 - $3,018
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,687 - $3,593
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,197 - $4,544
Pro tip: A rental truck from San Diego to Newark looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,557 - $4,544. But once you factor in fuel ($1,286 - $1,469) , overnight lodging ($221/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $110 and $515.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $221.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $1,286 and $1,469 for the 2,749-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $1,029 for 2 movers in San Diego, California, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Diego to Newark?
- 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 San Diego, CA to Newark, NJ
For larger DIY moves from San Diego, California, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Newark, New Jersey.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $2,115 and $4,500.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Diego to Newark:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,745 - $3,599
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,115 - $4,500
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,831 - $6,017
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?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $110 and $221.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in San Diego, California, for roughly five hours typically average $1,029.
What are the best freight companies from San Diego to Newark?
- 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.
- Fast Transportation (4.34/5 stars): Fast Transportation 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: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Newark fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: San Diego, CA vs Newark, NJ
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Newark, side by side with San Diego on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Diego, CA | Newark, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 155 | 135 |
| Average rent | $2,881/mo | $2,300/mo |
| Median home value | $847,715 | $335,418 |
| Average income | $104,321/yr | $48,416/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 13.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 10.7% |
| Walkability score | 53/100 | 76/100 |
| Safety index | 60.17/100 | 24.76/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
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 Newark, NJ to San Diego, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from California to New Jersey, 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 374 movers in California, so you have real options to compare for this 2,749-mile move.
Our take
For a move from San Diego, CA, to Newark, NJ, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,342 for a studio to $12,451 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 2,749-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,939 - $7,741. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,557 - $4,544, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $4,196 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Panasonic Corporation of North America and Prudential Financial.
FAQs: Moving from San Diego, CA, to Newark, NJ
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($1,286 - $1,469), daily insurance ($44/day), and equipment rentals ($10 - $29) on top. Overnight stops can add another $221/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from San Diego, CA to Newark, NJ 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 San Diego, CA to Newark, NJ?
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 San Diego, CA to Newark, NJ?
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 Newark a safe place to live?
Newark has a safety index of 24.76 out of 100 and a crime index of 75.24, compared to 60.17 and 39.83 in San Diego. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of San Diego movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in San Diego handle piano moves, and 59% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.