Moving from San Diego, CA to Arizona: Movers and Cost

Sergio Ocampo

Last Updated: Mar 1, 2023 · 5 min read

Quick Answer: The cost to move from San Diego, CA to Arizona averages from $450 to $5,288 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself. Hiring movers will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or renting a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Arizona to San Diego, CA guide.

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Arizona. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

• Best San Diego, CA to Arizona movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from San Diego to Arizona.
• How much will your move cost?: Use our moving calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving costs.
• Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
• San Diego, CA to Arizona car shippers: Moving your car? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced.

Moving 485 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from San Diego, CA to Arizona?

Here are average prices to hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck:

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 485 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from San Diego, CA to Arizona will depend on:

• Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
• Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
• Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.

Pick from the Best San Diego to Arizona Movers

Hiring a moving company is a big deal.

We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.

If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.

Company	Quote	Rating	Price
Safeway Moving Best Overall Value	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
American Van Lines Best industry reputation	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
International Van Lines Best customer service	Get A Quote	4.45 overall rating

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to hire movers from San Diego, CA to Arizona?

To ship furniture from San Diego to Arizona with a mover will cost between $1,146 to $3,193. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home from America's Finest City to AZ will range from $2,030 to $5,288, and a large move from San Diego to Arizona will cost from $3,619 to $7,812.

How much are moving containers like PODS from San Diego, CA to Arizona?

Moving pods from San Diego to Arizona will cost you $690 to $1,658 for a small move. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,246 to $2,404. A 4-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,658 to $3,086.

How much is a moving truck from San Diego, CA to Arizona?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $417 to $772. A larger move will cost $450 to $915, and a 4+ bedroom move from San Diego to Arizona costs from $559 to $1,102.

How to ship a car from San Diego, CA to Arizona?

If you're planning a move from San Diego to Arizona and need to ship your car, it's important to find a reputable car shipping company. Look for top-rated companies that specialize in San Diego to Arizona car shipping and compare quotes and services to find the right option for you.

Just like booking a reputable mover, professional car shippers will apply know-how and experience to make sure that your car makes it unscathed during this long-distance move.

Company	Quote	Rating	Price
	Check prices	5 overall rating
	Check prices	4.75 overall rating
	Check prices	4.5 overall rating

The type of transport you choose and the size of the vehicle will influence the final price of shipping your car. Learn more about car shipping costs.

Is moving from San Diego, CA to Arizona a good idea?

If you’re moving to Arizona from San Diego, CA, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of Living: San Diego, CA vs Arizona

• Rent is about 88% less expensive in Arizona than in San Diego.
• Home prices are about 70.7% lower in Arizona than in San Diego.
• The average income is about 10.2% lower in Arizona than in San Diego.
• Arizona has a lower unemployment rate than San Diego by about 50.0%.
• Income taxes are 66.17% lower in Arizona than in San Diego.

How is life different in San Diego, CA from Arizona?

• The population of Arizona is approximately 425% greater than the population of San Diego.
• In the last presidential election, Arizona voted Democrat and San Diego voted Democratic.
• The average high in the summertime in Arizona is 99ºF and in San Diego, it’s 79ºF.
• During the coldest part of the year, Arizona reaches the temperature of 34ºF and San Diego gets down to 46ºF.
• You can expect about 12 inches of annual rainfall in Arizona vs 12 inches of rainfall in San Diego.
• In Arizona, it snows about 6 inches annually vs 0 inches of snow in San Diego.
• Arizona has a higher crime rate than San Diego with a crime index of 28.15 vs 21.98.

Considerations for moving to Arizona

• Weather: Arizona may be on of the top states where your move is least likely to be affected by climate due to the unlikelihood of extremely cold days and natural disasters. .
• 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: Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State Regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
• Moving Permits: Arizona 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 forward to . Get started here.
• Mover's Insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
• Moving Checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local San Diego movers?

Visit our Best Movers in San Diego page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Arizona?

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Arizona.

Museums in Arizona

• Musical Instrument Museum
• Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
• Commemorative Air Force Museum
• Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
• Jerome State Historic Park
• Arizona Museum of Natural History
• O.K. Corral
• Zelma Basha Salmeri Gallery
• Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West
• Mesa Arts Center

Parks in Arizona

• Canyon de Chelly National Monument
• Sunset Crater & Wupatki National Monuments
• Petrified Forest National Park
• Walnut Canyon National Monument
• Saguaro National Park
• Grand Canyon National Park
• Dead Horse Ranch
• Slide Rock State Park
• Kartchner Caverns State Park
• Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
• Gilbert Regional Park in Gilbert
• Lake Pleasant Regional Park in Morristown
• McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale
• Papago Park in Phoenix
• South Mountain Park and Preserve in Phoenix

Sports Teams in Arizona

• Arizona Cardinals (NFL)
• Phoenix Suns Basketball (NBA)
• Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)
• Arizona Coyotes (NHL)
• Arizona Rattlers (IFL)
• Phoenix Mercury (WNBA)
• Phoenix Rising FC (USL)
• FC Tucson (USL)
• FC Arizona (NPSL)
• Tucson Roadrunners (AHL)
• Tucson Saguaros (Pecos League)
• Arizona Sidewinders (WUL)

Universities in Arizona

• Arizona State Universit
• Northern Arizona University
• University of Arizona
• American Indian College
• Carrington College
• Arizona Christian University
• Art Center College of Design
• Art Institute of Tucson
• Art Institute of Phoenix
• A.T. Still University
• Brookline College
• Brown Mackie College
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Grand Canyon University
• International Baptist College
• Midwestern University
• Northcentral University
• Ottawa University
• Park University
• University of Phoenix
• Penn Foster College
• Prescott College
• Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
• Thunderbird School of Global Management
• University of Advancing Technology
• Western Governors University
• Western International University
• Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences

Where to move in Arizona

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Grand Canyon State," these are the best cities in Arizona to move to.

Most popular cities to move to in Arizona:

• Chandler
• Gilbert
• Mesa
• Phoenix
• Scottsdale

Related articles to your move

Movers and cost

• California to Arizona
• San Diego to Phoenix
• San Diego to Tucson
• San Diego to Mesa
• San Diego to Chandler
• New York City to Arizona
• Chicago to Arizona
• Houston to Arizona
• Philadelphia to Arizona
• San Antonio to Arizona
• Dallas to Arizona
• Austin to Arizona
• Jacksonville to Arizona
• Fort Worth to Arizona
• Columbus to Arizona

Learn more about Arizona

• What Is The Cost To Move To Arizona?
• Best Moving Companies in Arizona