($1,451) Cost to Move From Boston, MA to San Diego, CA

1. Boston Best Rate Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
2. Michael’s Moving & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
3. Poseidon Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
4. Esquire Moving & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
5. Flash Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Boston to San Diego

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Boston to San Diego will cost between $1,451 and $5,654. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Boston to Boston will range from $4,167 to $8,117, and a large move from Boston to San Diego will cost from $7,607 to $12,450.

Cost of moving containers from Boston to San Diego

If you’re moving from Boston to San Diego, expect to pay between $1,385 and $3,711 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,584 up to $5,468. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $3,606 and $7,770. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Massachusetts.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Boston to San Diego

Renting a moving truck from Boston to San Diego is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,556 and $3,083. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,739 and $3,670. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $2,219 up to $4,369 for your rental truck.

These quotes include estimated fuel costs.

• If you’re heading to San Diego from Boston, you’ll find that rent is roughly 15% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
• Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 36% greater in San Diego than in Boston.
• Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 18% lower in San Diego compared to Boston.
• Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in San Diego. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 31% lower than in Boston.
• Choosing to move to San Diego can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 32% less than in Boston.
• In San Diego, the unemployment rate is approximately 6% higher than in Boston, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
• Sales taxes rise by 24% in San Diego over Boston, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
• Income taxes are 48% higher in California than in Massachusetts, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.

• San Diego’s population is about 105% greater than Boston.
• San Diego’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Boston’s score of 9.
• San Diego is less walkable than Boston with a score of 53 out of 100 vs Boston’s 98 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 Boston, which has a score of 86.
• San Diego and Boston have a similar crime rate with scores of 39.83 and 39.88, respectively.
• San Diego and Boston have a similar safety level, with scores of 60.17 and 60.12.
• Air quality in San Diego is Moderate, and in Boston it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
• State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: California doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
• Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to San Diego. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.

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

Once you’re settled into your new home in California, it’s time to get out and discover what San Diego has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:

• Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout San Diego, such as 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
• Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an San Diego Padres (MLB)San Diego Gulls (AHL)San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship) game.