Key factors that impact the cost of your Scottsdale to San Diego move
What to know before moving from Scottsdale to San Diego
Moving from Scottsdale to San Diego means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Scottsdale than in San Diego, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Scottsdale compares to San Diego so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Scottsdale | San Diego | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $3,300 | $2,881 |
Average home value | $827,308 | $1,003,444 |
Average income (per capita) | $64,533 | $72,963 |
Cost of living (single person) | $5,753 | $3,346 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,570 | $7,719 |
Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 6.6% |
Sales tax | 8.05% | 7.75% |
State income tax | 2.5% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in San Diego are 13% lower than in Scottsdale, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Scottsdale.
Home prices in San Diego are 21.3% higher than in Scottsdale. - Income in San Diego is 13.1% higher than in Scottsdale, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in San Diego include United States Navy, University of California, San Diego, and Sharp HealthCare.
- The cost of living for a single person in San Diego is 41.8% lower than in Scottsdale. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre 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.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in San Diego, since the cityโs 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.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,744.83 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Scottsdale.
How life is different in Scottsdale vs. San Diego
San Diego | Scottsdale | |
---|---|---|
Population | 1,386,932 | 241,361 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 5 |
Walkability score | 53 | 32 |
Bike friendliness score | 43 | 56 |
Crime Index | 39.83 | 25.8 |
Safety Index | 60.17 | 74.2 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- 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 youโll 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 cityโs walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- You probably wonโt 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 cityโs crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as youโre 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 Scottsdale's 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 isnโt 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.
Other things to consider for your Scottsdale vs. San Diego move
- 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โT Numberโ 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to San Diego. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Opt for Released Value Protection โ 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in San Diego
Now that you've decided to make the move to "America's Finest City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in San Diego.
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
Now that you've made the move to California, itโs the perfect time to explore San Diego. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout San Diego, such as 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 cityโs La Jolla Cove, Balboa Park, La Jolla Shores Park, and Sunset Cliffs Natural Park โ along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an San Diego Padres (MLB), San Diego Gulls (AHL), or San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Scottsdale to San Diego?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Scottsdale to San Diego are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Scottsdale are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Scottsdale to San Diego?
With many people choosing to move from Scottsdale to San Diego in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Scottsdale to San Diego take?
Moving from Scottsdale, AZ to San Diego, CA covers 365 miles and usually takes one to four days. Need to move faster? Some Scottsdale movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in San Diego.