The best local movers for Tucson to San Diego moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Tucson that also handles long-distance moves to San Diego. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 13 local movers in Tucson who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Tucson to San Diego.
- E-Z Move: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Abba & Sons Moving LLC: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Daniel’s Moving and Storage, Inc.: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 1966983
Alternate Names: Tucson Moving Systems, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 667348
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 1921793
Alternate Names: Abba and Sons Moving, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 47
DOT #: 1293335
Alternate Names: Atlas Van Lines, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Black Wolf Moving Arizona, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Tucson to San Diego?
The average hourly rate for movers in Arizona is $154. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,083 – $2,891 | $632 – $1,562 | $368 – $676 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,799 – $4,686 | $1,111 – $2,085 | $404 – $762 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,053 – $7,117 | $1,503 – $2,719 | $492 – $943 |
Cost to hire movers from Tucson to San Diego
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Tucson to San Diego will cost between $1,083 and $2,891. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Tucson to Tucson will range from $1,799 to $4,686, and a large move from Tucson to San Diego will cost from $3,053 to $7,117.
Cost of moving containers from Tucson to San Diego
If you’re moving from Tucson to San Diego, expect to pay between $632 and $1,562 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,111 up to $2,085. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,503 and $2,719. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Arizona.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Tucson to San Diego
Renting a moving truck from Tucson 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 $368 and $676. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $404 and $762. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $492 up to $943 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Tucson to San Diego
The cost of Tucson movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,471, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $5,920.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Tucson, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($368–$868) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Tucson to San Diego
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – San Diego runs about 40% higher for singles and 28% higher for families than Tucson.
Singles spend around $3,346 in Tucson versus $2,390 in Tucson; families pay $7,719 compared with $6,043.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Tucson | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,265 | $2,704 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,177 | $4,914 |
| Average home value | $327,203 | $1,003,444 |
| Average income (per capita) | $61,749 | $72,963 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,390 | $3,346 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,043 | $7,719 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.4% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.7% | 7.75% |
| State income tax | 2.5% | 13.3% |
- Rent is estimated to be 122% higher in San Diego compared to Tucson; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 207% greater in San Diego than in Tucson.
- Here’s some promising news: the average income is around 18% higher in San Diego than in Tucson, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in San Diego, since the cost of living for a single person in San Diego is 40% higher than in Tucson. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- When relocating to San Diego, it’s important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in San Diego is 28% greater than in Tucson.
- San Diego enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 11% lower compared to Tucson, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 11% in San Diego compared to Tucson, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 432% higher in California than in Arizona, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Tucson and San Diego:
| Living Expense | Tucson | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $271.98 | $277.55 |
| Cell phone plan | $70.53 | $66.79 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.22 | $5.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.33 | $4.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $21.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $35.28 | $65.68 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Tucson than in San Diego, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Tucson than in San Diego.
- Eggs are less expensive in Tucson than in San Diego.
- Bread costs less in Tucson than in San Diego.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Tucson than in San Diego.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Tucson than in San Diego.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Tucson than in San Diego.
How life is different in Tucson vs. San Diego
| Tucson | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 542,629 | 1,386,932 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 43 | 53 |
| Bike friendliness score | 66 | 43 |
| Crime index | 54.43 | 39.83 |
| Safety index | 45.57 | 60.17 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- San Diego’s population is about 156% greater than Tucson.
- San Diego’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Tucson’s score of 5.
- San Diego is more walkable than Tucson with a score of 53 out of 100 vs Tucson’s 43 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 Tucson, which has a score of 66.
- San Diego’s crime rate is lower than Tucson with a score of 39.83 compared to Tucson’s 54.43. This means that San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tucson neighborhoods are safer than 54.43%.
- San Diego is considered to be safer than Tucson with a safety index of 60.17 vs Tucson’s 45.57.
- Air quality in San Diego is Moderate, and in Tucson it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Tucson to San Diego move
- 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.
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
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.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Tucson to San Diego?
The best time to move from Tucson to San Diego is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Tucson.
When is the cheapest time to move from Tucson to San Diego?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Tucson to San Diego, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Tucson to San Diego take?
Moving from Tucson, AZ to San Diego, covers 406 miles and usually takes one to four days. Need to move faster? Some Tucson movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in San Diego.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Tucson?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 11 movers in Tucson advertise piano moving expertise. 9 movers in Tucson provide antique moving services. State totals show 72 piano movers and 48 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
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