Best overall value
Local moving companies in San Diego
- Best California Movers: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Republic Moving & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- One Stop Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- We Like To Move It Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Grizzly Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Inaccurate estimates
- Lack of communication
Company Info
State license #: T0192283
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3489907
Alternate Names: Best California Movers & Storage, An Moving Forward
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Lack of communication
Company Info
State license #: 0190491
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 3369820
Alternate Names: Lovejoy's Family Moving, Republic Relocation Services
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 money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
- Misplaced or lost items
Company Info
State license #: 0190616
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 1956864
Alternate Names: One Stop Moving & Storage Inc, San Diego Expert Movers, Quick San Diego Movers, Coastal Movers, Manpower Movers
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
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Company Info
State license #: 0191446
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2843171
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
- Damage to items
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Company Info
State license #: 0191376
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2642040
Alternate Names: Grizzly Movers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Factors influencing moving costs from San Diego to Philadelphia
What to know before moving from San Diego to Philadelphia
Moving from San Diego to Philadelphia means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in San Diego than in Philadelphia, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how San Diego compares to Philadelphia so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| San Diego | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,881 | $1,695 |
| Average home value | $1,003,444 | $216,914 |
| Average income (per capita) | $72,963 | $70,746 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,346 | $2,541 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,719 | $6,190 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 10.6% |
| Sales tax | 7.75% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 3.07% |
- Rent prices in Philadelphia are 41% lower than in San Diego, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Philadelphia.
Home prices in Philadelphia are 78.4% lower than in San Diego. - Income in Philadelphia is 3.0% lower than in San Diego, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Philadelphia — including Amtak, Comcast, and COFCO — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Philadelphia. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 24.1% lower than in San Diego.
- A move to Philadelphia can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 19.8% less than what it costs in San Diego.
- The unemployment rate in Philadelphia is 60.61% higher than in San Diego.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Philadelphia, since its sales taxes are 3.23% higher than what you are paying in San Diego.
- One perk of moving to Philadelphia is paying less in state income taxes, which are 76.92% lower than in San Diego.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,278.24 in Philadelphia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Diego.
How life is different in San Diego vs. Philadelphia
| Philadelphia | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,603,797 | 1,386,932 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 9 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 75 | 53 |
| Bike friendliness score | 67 | 43 |
| Crime Index | 66.09 | 39.83 |
| Safety Index | 33.91 | 60.17 |
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Philadelphia's population is about 16% greater than San Diego.
- Philadelphia's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus San Diego's lower score of 6.
- Philadelphia is more walkable than San Diego with a score of 75 out of 100 vs San Diego's 53 out of 100.
- With a score of 67 out of 100, Philadelphia is more bike-friendly than San Diego, which has a score of 43 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Philadelphia's crime rate is higher than San Diego with a score of 66.09 compared to San Diego's 39.83. This means that Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83%.
- Philadelphia is considered to be less safe than San Diego with a score of 33.91 vs San Diego's 60.17.
- Air quality in Philadelphia is good, and in San Diego it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Diego vs. Philadelphia move
- Weather: Philadelphia has hot and muggy summers and the fall and spring are generally mild, and winter is moderately cold. If you are planning a summer move make sure to check the weather to avoid overall humid and hot days,
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: For decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUC’s website is no longer functioning. So if you’re moving within Pennsylvania, you’ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Pennsylvania moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Pennsylvania, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- 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 Philadelphia Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Philadelphia
With your sights set on Philly, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Philadelphia.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cedar Park
- Fishtown
- Manayunk
- Point Breeze
- Washington Square West
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bella Vista
- Bustleton
- Chestnut Hill
- Fitler Square/Rittenhouse Square (City Center West)
- Foxchase
Things to do in Philadelphia
After getting comfortable in your new Pennsylvania home, it's time to see what Philadelphia is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Philadelphia features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes, Museum of the American Revolution, and The Franklin Institute.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Wissahickon Valley Park, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Fairmount Park, and Love 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 Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), Philadelphia Flyers (NHL), or Philadelphia Phillies (MLB) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Diego to Philadelphia?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from San Diego to Philadelphia You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in San Diego.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Diego to Philadelphia?
Because spring and fall moves from San Diego to Philadelphia are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from San Diego to Philadelphia take?
The 2,692-mile journey from San Diego, CA to Philadelphia, PA, typically takes seven to 21 days. Some movers in San Diego offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Philadelphia.
