San Diego, CA to Jersey City, NJ Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from San Diego to Jersey City typically costs $4,500–$8,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,756 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from San Diego to Jersey City
Moving from San Diego, CA to Jersey City, NJ typically costs $4,500–$8,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,756-mile move from San Diego to Jersey City, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $5,595 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $5,143 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $11,339 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
Key factors that impact the cost of your San Diego to Jersey City move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,800 for a one-bedroom, or up to $13,100 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in San Diego.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $1,600 to $5,000, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Jersey City, NJ to San Diego, CA guide.
Best San Diego to Jersey City movers by type
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Best professional movers from San Diego to Jersey City
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from San Diego to Jersey City much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
How we chose the best CA→NJ movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 372 California movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from San Diego to Jersey City
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Jersey City runs about 31% higher for singles and 28% higher for families than San Diego.
Singles spend around $4,397 in Jersey City versus $3,346 in San Diego; families pay $9,861 compared with $7,719.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| San Diego | Jersey City | |
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| Average 1 BR rent | $2,704 | $3,306 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,914 | $5,833 |
| Average home value | $1,003,444 | $589,419 |
| Average income (per capita) | $72,963 | $75,265 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,346 | $4,397 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,719 | $9,861 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 8.3% |
| Sales tax | 7.75% | 6.63% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 10.7% |
- Moving to Jersey City from San Diego won't change your financial plan too much, as rent costs are comparable.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 41% more affordable in Jersey City compared to San Diego.
- In terms of average income, Jersey City and San Diego are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Jersey City, as living costs for a single person are 31% higher than in San Diego. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you're moving your family to Jersey City, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Jersey City is 28% higher than in San Diego.
- Jersey City shows an unemployment rate that exceeds San Diego by around 26%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes are 14% less in Jersey City relative to San Diego. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in New Jersey are 20% below those in California. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between San Diego and Jersey City:
| Living Expense | San Diego | Jersey City |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $277.55 | $118.73 |
| Cell phone plan | $66.79 | $41.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.26 | $4.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.50 | $3.97 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $21.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $65.68 | $80.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in San Diego than in Jersey City.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in San Diego than in Jersey City.
- Eggs cost more in San Diego than in Jersey City.
- Bread is more expensive in San Diego than in Jersey City.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in San Diego than in Jersey City.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in San Diego than in Jersey City.
How life is different in San Diego vs. Jersey City
| San Diego | Jersey City | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,386,932 | 292,449 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 53 | 87 |
| Bike friendliness score | 43 | 64 |
| Crime index | 39.83 | 43.21 |
| Safety index | 60.17 | 56.79 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- Jersey City's population is about 79% less than San Diego.
- Jersey City's public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than San Diego's score of 6.
- Jersey City is more walkable than San Diego with a score of 87 out of 100 vs San Diego's 53 out of 100.
- With a score of 64 out of 100, Jersey City is more bike-friendly than San Diego, which has a score of 43 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Jersey City's crime rate is higher than San Diego with a score of 43.21 compared to San Diego's 39.83. This means that Jersey City neighborhoods are safer than 43.21% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83%.
- Jersey City is considered to be less safe than San Diego with a score of 56.79 vs San Diego's 60.17.
- Air quality in Jersey City is Moderate, and in San Diego it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Diego to Jersey City 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: In New Jersey, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs handles the regulation of in-state moving companies. The state’s Division of Consumer Affairs works to ensure that warehousemen (public storage companies) and public movers provide safe, reliable, and ethical services while adhering to all relevant state rules and regulations. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: New Jersey’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: New Jersey 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 Jersey City. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Released Value Protection is the most economical option as it incurs no cost. It is provided by movers at no additional charge, but the coverage is minimal. Under this option, no more than 60 cents per pound per article is the responsibility of the mover. For example, if a delicate china set weighing 20 pounds is lost or damaged by the mover, only $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds) would be received. If coverage for the full value of your items is needed, consultation with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider is recommended.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Jersey City
Planning your move to J.C.? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Jersey City.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Journal Square
- Mcginley Square
- The Heights
- The Waterfront
- Liberty Park
- Downtown
Best neighborhoods for families
- Greenville
- Mcginley Square
- West Side
- Hackensack Waterfront
- Grove Street
- Downtown
Things to do in Jersey City
After settling into your new New Jersey home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Jersey City has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Jersey City features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Liberty Science Center, Mana Contemporary, 107 Bowers Gallery & ArtSpace, and Novado Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Liberty State Park, Liberty Landing Marina, J. Owen Grundy Park, and Lincoln 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 Saint Peter’s Peacocks (MAAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Diego to Jersey City?
Planning your move from San Diego to Jersey City? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in San Diego.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Diego to Jersey City?
Because most people are moving from San Diego to Jersey City 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 San Diego to Jersey City take?
The 2,756-mile journey from San Diego, CA to Jersey City, NJ, typically takes seven to 21 days. Some movers in San Diego offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Jersey City.
Are there special savings available from movers in San Diego?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 provide savings for AAA members. 1 have discounts for military personnel. 1 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 San Diego?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In San Diego, 22 movers can manage piano relocations. 17 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, California has 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.