Top Scottsdale, AZ to San Diego, CA Movers

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from San Diego to Scottsdale guide.

1. Gilbert Moving & Storage: 5.0 out of 5 stars
2. Camelback Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
3. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.72 out of 5 stars
4. Mentors Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
5. NorthStar Moving Company : 4.76 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Arizona to California

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Arizona to California typically costs between $1,246 and $3,762. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,061 and $6,259 when moving from AZ to CA. If you're tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Arizona to California, you're looking at costs ranging from $3,545 up to $8,065.

Cost of moving containers from Arizona to California

When you're heading from Arizona to California, and you're only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $741 and $1,810. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,456 and $2,805. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,833 to $3,537. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Arizona easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Arizona to California

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you'll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.

If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $417 and $738. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $444 to $931. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $539 and $1,158.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

• Rent prices in San Diego are 13% lower than in Scottsdale, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
• The home prices in San Diego are 21.3% higher than in Scottsdale, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
• You're likely to make a higher income living in San Diego, where incomes are, on average, 13.1% higher than in Scottsdale. Major employers in San Diego include United States Navy, University of California, San Diego, and Sharp HealthCare.
• 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 41.8% lower than in Scottsdale.
• If you're moving your family to San Diego, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in San Diego is 68.9% higher than in Scottsdale.
• The unemployment rate in San Diego is 40.43% higher than in Scottsdale.
• You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in San Diego, since the city's sales taxes in San Diego are 3.73% lower than in Scottsdale.
• State income taxes in San Diego are 432.00% higher than in Scottsdale.

• The population of San Diego is about 475% greater than Scottsdale, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
• San Diego offers better access to buses and trains than Scottsdale, based on public transportation ratings. San Diego has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 5 in Scottsdale. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
• Living in San Diego means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Scottsdale. San Diego is considered more walkable than Scottsdale, with a score of 53 out of 100 versus 32 out of 100 in Scottsdale. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
• You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in San Diego, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Scottsdale. While Scottsdale has a bike-friendliness score of 56 out of 100, San Diego earned a 43. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
• The crime rate in San Diego is higher than in Scottsdale, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 39.83 in San Diego, it is 25.8 in Scottsdale. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
• You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in San Diego. With a crime index of 60.17, San Diego ranks lower in overall safety than Scottsdale, whose index is 74.2. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
• The air quality in San Diego isn't as good as it is in Scottsdale, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. San Diego has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Scottsdale is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.

• Weather: San Diego's climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters, with most of the annual precipitation falling between December and March. The city has a mild climate year-round.
• HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• 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 check the status of a California moving license 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: 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 San Diego. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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.

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: San Diego features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the USS Midway Museum, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Maritime Museum of San Diego, San Diego Air & Space Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.
• Outdoor recreation: The city's La Jolla Cove, Balboa Park, La Jolla Shores Park, and Sunset Cliffs Natural Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an San Diego Padres (MLB), San Diego Gulls (AHL), or San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship) game.