Moving from Los Angeles to San Diego, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Los Angeles to San Diego costs between $159 to $5,319 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 120-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Los Angeles to San Diego
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Los Angeles to San Diego are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Los Angeles to driving and unloading in San Diego, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 120 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,376 - $4,018 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,103 - $1,968 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $161 - $286 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Seka Moving | $100/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Los Angeles to San Diego?
It costs between $159 to $5,319 to move from Los Angeles to San Diego. The prices below break down your 120-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $761 - $5,319
- Moving containers: $809 - $2,308
- Rental trucks: $159 - $314
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $761 - $3,450 | $809 - $1,361 | $159 - $237 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,376 - $4,018 | $1,103 - $1,968 | $161 - $286 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,937 - $5,319 | $1,456 - $2,308 | $203 - $314 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $486 - $4,050+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $100/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $110/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $324 - $1,296 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $81 - $324 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Los Angeles to San Diego
At 120 miles, your Los Angeles to San Diego move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Los Angeles to San Diego. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 120 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Best California Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Los Angeles to San Diego. They've been in business since 2019 (7 years of experience) and 98.3% of their 414 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our San Diego to Los Angeles guide.
Considerations when moving from Los Angeles to San Diego
Cost of living: Los Angeles vs. San Diego
When comparing the cost of living between Los Angeles and San Diego, you need to look beyond housing prices. This section breaks down some key financial factors, including rent, home values, income, day-to-day expenses, and employment rates, to help you understand how life in San Diego stacks up against Los Angeles.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Los Angeles | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,960 | $2,881 |
| Average home cost | $878,142 | $847,715 |
| Average income (per capita) | $80,366 | $104,321 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,833 | $3,346 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $12,720 | $7,719 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 6.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 9.5% | 7.75% |
- Rent prices in San Diego are about the same as in Los Angeles, so your housing budget should stay steady and make your move easier on your wallet.
- Since home prices in San Diego and Los Angeles are pretty similar, your housing costs should stay about the same, making it easier for you to stick to your budget.
- Salaries here average 30% higher than in Los Angeles. If your pay matches local rates, you could see a real boost to your financial well-being.
- Cost of living for one person in San Diego is 43% lower than in Los Angeles. You’ll likely have extra room in your budget, perfect for saving, spending, or investing.
- The cost of living for a family in San Diego is 39% lower than in Los Angeles. This can make the move financially beneficial if your family is looking to save or improve your quality of life.
- Unemployment in San Diego is 38% lower than in Los Angeles. That means you’ll enjoy a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- Sales taxes are about 18% cheaper in San Diego than in Los Angeles, which can lighten your cost of living if you tend to spend more on taxable goods and services.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,710 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Los Angeles.
How life is different in Los Angeles vs. San Diego
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in San Diego vs. Los Angeles. Everything from weather and the population to cost of living, politics, and safety can shape your day-to-day experience. Check out this side-by-side comparison to decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Los Angeles | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,820,914 | 1,386,932 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 64-31 | Democratic 60-37 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 79ºF |
| Winter low | 46ºF | 46ºF |
| Annual rain | 16" | 12" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 53.81 | 39.83 |
San Diego sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that San Diego has about 64% fewer people than Los Angeles. Moving to a smaller city usually means more tranquility, extra room, and lower expenses, though you might give up some big-city conveniences.
- In the last presidential election, both Los Angeles and San Diego voted Democratic.
- Both San Diego and Los Angeles average summer highs close to 79°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
- During the coldest part of the year, both Los Angeles and San Diego experience similar winter lows, with Los Angeles reaching 46°F and San Diego getting down to 46°F.
- Both Los Angeles and San Diego see about the same yearly rainfall—Los Angeles averages 16 inches, while San Diego gets 12 inches each year.
- Both Los Angeles and San Diego receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- San Diego is safer than Los Angeles, boasting a lower crime index of 39.83 compared to Los Angeles’s 53.81.
Things to do in San Diego
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? San Diego has you covered.
Museums in San Diego
- USS Midway Museum
- Birch Aquarium at Scripps
- Maritime Museum of San Diego
- San Diego Air & Space Museum
- Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Parks in San Diego
- La Jolla Cove
- Balboa Park
- La Jolla Shores Park
- Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
- Ellen Browning Scripps Park
Sports teams in San Diego
- San Diego Padres (MLB)
- San Diego Gulls (AHL)
- San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship)
Universities in San Diego
- California State University-San Marcos
- California Western School of Law
- San Diego Christian College
- National University
- Point Loma Nazarene University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Los Angeles to San Diego?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Los Angeles to San Diego, expect to pay between $693 and $2,926 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $1,376 and $4,018. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $1,937 up to $5,319 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Los Angeles to San Diego?
If you’re moving from Los Angeles to San Diego and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $573 and go up to $1,411. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $1,103 and $1,968. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $1,456 and $2,308.
How much is a moving truck from Los Angeles to San Diego?
Renting a moving truck is usually 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 one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $149 to $247. A larger move will cost $161 to $286, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Los Angeles to San Diego costs from $203 to $314.
How far in advance should I book Los Angeles-to-San Diego movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Los Angeles to San Diego at least two months before your moving date. Planning a summer move? Aim for at least three months in advance, since that’s the busiest season. Locking in your Los Angeles-to-San Diego movers early not only helps you snag your preferred date, but it can also score you the best prices. Some moving companies even sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts when you book ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to San Diego?
To save money on your move to San Diego, plan it between early October and late April. Moving outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
