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Top-rated local movers that handle Cleveland to San Diego moves
When planning a move from Cleveland to San Diego, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 28 local movers in Cleveland who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Cleveland to San Diego.
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Bright Eyed Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Weleski Transfer of Cleveland, Inc.: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Berger Allied Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 136562
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1237577
Alternate Names: Leaders Moving And Storage Company , L.E.A.D.E.R.S Moving & Storage Co.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 653905
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 157491
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 1657726
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00136482
Years in Business: 116
DOT #: 2508132
Alternate Names: Weleski – Fridrich Moving & Storage Cleveland Ohio , Weleski Transfer of Cleveland, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 144651-HG
Years in Business: 115
DOT #: 125665
Alternate Names: Berger Transfer & Storage International, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Cleveland to San Diego?
Movers in Ohio charge $153 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,359 – $5,544 | $1,207 – $3,092 | $1,315 – $2,491 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,780 – $7,477 | $2,324 – $4,587 | $1,367 – $3,088 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,964 – $11,802 | $3,103 – $6,599 | $1,852 – $3,749 |
Cost to hire movers from Cleveland to San Diego
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Cleveland to San Diego, you can expect to spend between $1,359 and $5,544. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,780 to $7,477 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Cleveland to San Diego typically runs between $6,964 and $11,802.
Cost of moving containers from Cleveland to San Diego
When moving from Cleveland to San Diego, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,207 and $3,092. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,324 to $4,587. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,103 up to $6,599. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Ohio.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Cleveland to San Diego
Renting a moving truck in Cleveland is usually your cheapest option to get to San Diego. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,315 and $2,491. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,367 and $3,088. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,852 and $3,749.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Cleveland to San Diego
The cost of Cleveland movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,621, but larger homes can run up to $10,558.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Cleveland.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,315–$3,521) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Cleveland to San Diego
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – San Diego runs about 34% higher for singles and 15% higher for families than Cleveland.
Singles spend around $3,346 in Cleveland versus $2,490 in Cleveland; families pay $7,719 compared with $6,729.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Cleveland | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,338 | $2,704 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,733 | $4,914 |
| Average home value | $108,509 | $1,003,444 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,965 | $72,963 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,490 | $3,346 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,729 | $7,719 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.8% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 7.75% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 13.3% |
- As you consider relocating to San Diego, note that rent can be roughly 122% more expensive than it is in Cleveland; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 825% higher in San Diego than in Cleveland.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 12% higher in San Diego compared to Cleveland, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in San Diego, since the cost of living for a single person is 34% more than in Cleveland. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to San Diego, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in San Diego is 15% more than it is in Cleveland.
- Both San Diego and Cleveland present nearly identical unemployment rates, within a 5% range, signifying stability in employment conditions.
- Sales taxes are similar in San Diego and Cleveland (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
- Income taxes are 280% higher in California compared to Ohio. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Cleveland with San Diego:
| Living Expense | Cleveland | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $310.82 | $277.55 |
| Cell phone plan | $48.93 | $66.79 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.11 | $5.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.06 | $4.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.00 | $21.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $55.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $35.00 | $65.68 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Cleveland than in San Diego.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Cleveland than in San Diego.
- Eggs are less expensive in Cleveland than in San Diego.
- Bread costs less in Cleveland than in San Diego.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Cleveland than in San Diego.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Cleveland than in San Diego.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Cleveland than in San Diego.
How life is different in Cleveland vs. San Diego
| Cleveland | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 372,624 | 1,386,932 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 57 | 53 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 43 |
| Crime index | 63.41 | 39.83 |
| Safety index | 36.59 | 60.17 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- San Diego’s population is about 272% greater than Cleveland.
- San Diego’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Cleveland’s score of 8.
- San Diego is less walkable than Cleveland with a score of 53 out of 100 vs Cleveland’s 57 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 Cleveland, which has a score of 52.
- San Diego’s crime rate is lower than Cleveland with a score of 39.83 compared to Cleveland’s 63.41. This means that San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Cleveland neighborhoods are safer than 63.41%.
- San Diego is considered to be safer than Cleveland with a safety index of 60.17 vs Cleveland’s 36.59.
- Air quality in San Diego is Moderate, and in Cleveland it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Cleveland to San Diego move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While California doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches San Diego smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in San Diego
Now that you’ve chosen America’s Finest City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in San Diego to check out.
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 getting comfortable in your new California home, it’s time to see what San Diego is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, San Diego offers cultural landmarks 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during 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 Cleveland to San Diego?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Cleveland to San Diego are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Cleveland are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Cleveland to San Diego?
Because spring and fall moves from Cleveland to San Diego are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Cleveland to San Diego take?
A move of 2,366 miles from Cleveland, OH to San Diego, generally takes seven to 18 days. Movers in Cleveland sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in San Diego is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Cleveland?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In Cleveland, 2 movers provide AAA member discounts. 1 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 1 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Cleveland offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 17 movers in Cleveland have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 11 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across OH, there are 59 piano movers and 37 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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