($356+) Mesa, AZ to San Diego, CA Movers
Moving from Mesa, AZ, to San Diego, CA, runs anywhere from $356 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,968 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 360 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $1,087, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $6,968 or more.
- Moving containers run $879 - $2,964, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $356 - $887.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Mesa, AZ, to San Diego, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,782 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Mesa, AZ to San Diego, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Mesa 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 $1,782 - $4,996. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 360 miles, expect 1 to 4 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 360-mile route from Mesa to San Diego, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,087 - $3,943 with full-service movers, $879 - $1,642 with a container, $356 - $658 with a rental truck, or $867 - $1,404 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $1,782 - $4,996 full-service, $1,149 - $2,238 by container, $364 - $742 by rental truck, or $918 - $1,808 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $2,857 - $6,968 full-service, $1,614 - $2,964 by container, $470 - $887 by rental truck, or $1,278 - $2,394 by freight.
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 Mesa, AZ to San Diego, CA
Full-service movers for the 360-mile relocation from Mesa, Arizona, to San Diego, California, cost between $1,087 and $6,968. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $389 - $2,596, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Mesa typically charge a base rate around $175 plus $85 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Mesa to San Diego:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,087 - $3,943
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,782 - $4,996
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,857 - $6,968
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 Mesa to San Diego.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Arizona to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Mesa, AZ to San Diego, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Mesa movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In San Diego, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing98% of local movers | $649 - $6,490 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready85% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Gilbert Moving & Storage | $260 - $1,558/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $389 - $3,115 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage38% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,298 - $3,894 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,245 - $12,980 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $972 - $1,847 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Gilbert Moving & Storage | $1,298 - $3,245 |
| Piano | Any piano type77% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $1,038 - $4,543 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling30% of local movers | $389 - $1,947 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect30% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $844 - $2,596 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $389 - $19,470+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $389 - $4,543+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Mesa to San Diego?
California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Mesa, AZ?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Mesa to San Diego with a local mover averages $1,747 - $4,897. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Mesa, AZ often offer competitive pricing on nearby routes. Smaller crews and regional focus translate to lower overhead and more scheduling flexibility.
Just make sure they're properly licensed for interstate moves and equipped to handle the full distance.
Flex Moving & Storage (4.22/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Mesa, based on our analysis of feedback from 144 customers, 83.3% of which is positive.
Address: 5335 North 55th Ave, Phoenix, AZ, 85031 | Founded: 2022
Moving container costs from Mesa, AZ to San Diego, CA
Moving containers from Mesa, Arizona, to San Diego, California, cost between $879 and $2,964. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Mesa costs roughly $90/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Mesa to San Diego:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $879 - $1,642
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,149 - $2,238
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,614 - $2,964
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $97 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $195 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $909 in Mesa, AZ, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your San Diego, CA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Arizona 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 $879. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,149 - $2,238, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Mesa 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 Mesa 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 Mesa:
- Gilbert Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 9 years in business
- Mentors Moving & Storage (4.7/5), 9 years in business
- Camelback Moving (4.8/5), 21 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Mesa, AZ to San Diego, CA
Plan on $356 - $887 for a rental moving truck on the 360-mile route from Mesa, Arizona, to San Diego, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $149 - $170
- Daily insurance: $39/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
- Mesa daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 Mesa to San Diego based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $356 - $658
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $364 - $742
- 4+ bedrooms: $470 - $887
Pro tip: The base rate of $356 - $887 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Mesa to San Diego. Fuel ($149 - $170) , lodging at around $195/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 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 Mesa, Arizona, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $909.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $149 - $170 for the 360-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 $78 and $422, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $195 per night for hotel stops on the 360-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $389 - $584.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Mesa 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 Mesa, AZ to San Diego, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Mesa, Arizona, 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 $1,168 and $1,808.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Mesa to San Diego:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $867 - $1,404
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $918 - $1,808
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,278 - $2,394
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 Mesa, Arizona, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $909.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $97 - $195 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 Mesa to San Diego?
- 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.
- Empire Transport (4.84/5 stars): Empire Transport 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 move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Mesa to San Diego. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Mesa, AZ 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 Mesa on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Mesa, AZ | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 155 |
| Average rent | $1,786/mo | $2,881/mo |
| Median home value | $354,997 | $847,715 |
| Average income | $78,779/yr | $104,321/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.1% | 6.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 2.5% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 38/100 | 53/100 |
| Safety index | 55.33/100 | 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 Mesa, AZ guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Arizona to California, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Arizona alone has 97 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 360-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Mesa, AZ, to San Diego, CA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,087 - $6,968 on the 360-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $879 - $2,964, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $356 - $887. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,782 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock 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 Mesa, AZ, to San Diego, CA
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Mesa?
Local movers based in Mesa typically start around $175 as a base rate, plus $85/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.
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
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.
What are the best neighborhoods in San Diego?
For families, Carmel Valley, Del Mar Heights, and Loma Portal are worth a look in San Diego. If you're moving solo or without kids, Gaslamp Quarter, Hillcrest, and North Park tend to be popular picks instead.
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 38 and 60 in Mesa. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Mesa movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 77% of movers in Mesa handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
