($367+) Phoenix, AZ to San Diego, CA Movers
Moving from Phoenix, AZ, to San Diego, CA, runs anywhere from $353 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,689 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 354 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 $1,109, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $6,689 or more.
- Moving containers run $898 - $2,993, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $353 - $952.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Phoenix, AZ, to San Diego, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,746 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Phoenix, AZ to San Diego, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Phoenix to San Diego: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $1,746 - $4,746. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 4 days for this 354-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 354-mile route from Phoenix to San Diego, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,109 - $3,750 with full-service movers, $898 - $1,560 with a container, $353 - $677 with a rental truck, or $817 - $1,478 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $1,746 - $4,746 full-service, $1,137 - $2,216 by container, $391 - $788 by rental truck, or $966 - $1,899 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $2,971 - $6,689 full-service, $1,536 - $2,993 by container, $470 - $952 by rental truck, or $1,291 - $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 Phoenix, AZ to San Diego, CA
For the 354-mile move from Phoenix, Arizona, to San Diego, California, full-service movers cost between $1,109 and $6,689. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $389 - $2,596 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Phoenix generally start around $140 plus $85 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Phoenix to San Diego:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,109 - $3,750
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,746 - $4,746
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,971 - $6,689
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 Phoenix 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: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Phoenix, AZ to San Diego, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Phoenix 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: Camelback Moving | $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: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,298 - $3,245 |
| Piano | Any piano type77% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $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 Phoenix to San Diego?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in California Moving & Storage 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.
How much do local movers cost in Phoenix, AZ?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Phoenix to San Diego with a local mover averages $1,798 - $4,888. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Phoenix, 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 Phoenix, 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 Phoenix, AZ to San Diego, CA
Moving containers from Phoenix, Arizona, to San Diego, California, cost between $898 and $2,993. 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 Phoenix costs roughly $90/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Phoenix to San Diego:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $898 - $1,560
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,137 - $2,216
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,536 - $2,993
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 Phoenix, 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 $898. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,137 - $2,216, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix:
- Camelback Moving (4.8/5), 21 years in business
- Mentors Moving & Storage (4.7/5), 9 years in business
- Budget Movers (4.6/5), 32 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Phoenix, AZ to San Diego, CA
Truck rentals from Phoenix, Arizona, to San Diego, California, range from $353 - $952 for the 354-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $146 - $167
- Daily insurance: $39/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
- Phoenix 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 Phoenix to San Diego based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $353 - $677
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $391 - $788
- 4+ bedrooms: $470 - $952
Pro tip: The base rate of $353 - $952 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Phoenix to San Diego. Fuel ($146 - $167) , 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?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $97 and $454.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $195.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $146 and $167 for the 354-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 $909 for 2 movers in Phoenix, Arizona, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Phoenix 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 Phoenix, AZ to San Diego, CA
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Phoenix, Arizona, to San Diego, California. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $966 and $1,899.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Phoenix to San Diego:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $817 - $1,478
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $966 - $1,899
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,291 - $2,394
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $97 - $195 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Phoenix, Arizona, for about five hours typically runs $909.
What are the best freight companies from Phoenix to San Diego?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Empire Transport (4.84/5 stars): Empire Transport is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Phoenix 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: Phoenix, 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 Phoenix on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Phoenix, AZ | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 155 |
| Average rent | $1,695/mo | $2,881/mo |
| Median home value | $380,294 | $847,715 |
| Average income | $77,041/yr | $104,321/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 6.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 2.5% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 41/100 | 53/100 |
| Safety index | 46.94/100 | 60.17/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 Phoenix, AZ guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Arizona to California, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 97 movers licensed in Arizona, useful context for sizing up this 354-mile move.
Our take
The 354-mile move from Phoenix, AZ, to San Diego, CA, costs between $1,109 and $6,689 with full-service movers, $898 - $2,993 with a moving container, and $353 - $952 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $1,746 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer 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 Phoenix, AZ, to San Diego, CA
How long does a move from Phoenix, AZ to San Diego, CA 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($146 - $167), daily insurance ($39/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $26) on top. Overnight stops can add another $195/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Phoenix, AZ to San Diego, CA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $391 - $788. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Phoenix, AZ to San Diego, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,109 to $6,689, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,109 and $6,689, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
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 percentage of Phoenix movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 77% of movers in Phoenix handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
