Moving from San Diego to Anaheim, CA

Quick answer: Moving from San Diego to Anaheim costs between $113 to $4,847 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 96-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.

Compare moving options from San Diego to Anaheim

The 4 most common types of movers when moving from San Diego to Anaheim are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.

  • Full-service movers handle everything from packing in San Diego to driving and unloading in Anaheim, 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 96 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
Move type Top pick Average cost Best for Main downside
Full-service mover Safeway Moving $1,227 - $3,903 Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading Highest price of all options
Moving container PODS $986 - $1,849 Pack and load on your own schedule You handle all loading and unloading
Rental truck Budget Truck Rental $115 - $192 Lowest upfront cost You drive, load, and unload everything yourself
Labor-only Republic Moving & Storage $200/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 San Diego to Anaheim?

It costs between $113 to $4,847 to move from San Diego to Anaheim. The prices below break down your 96-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.

  • Full service movers: $685 - $4,847
  • Moving containers: $705 - $2,130
  • Rental trucks: $113 - $213
Home size Full-service mover Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $685 - $2,962 $705 - $1,345 $113 - $168
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,227 - $3,903 $986 - $1,849 $115 - $192
4+ bedrooms $1,672 - $4,847 $1,185 - $2,130 $147 - $213
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 11 years of experience, reviewing 3,155 moving companies, and are updated as of May 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.

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 $465 - $3,875+ Full-service movers
Loading labor $200/hr per mover Moving containers, rental trucks
Storage About $100/month Moving containers
Shuttle fee $310 - $1,240 Full-service movers
Equipment rental $78 - $310 Rental trucks
Added protection 1% - 2% of declared value All move types

Best movers from San Diego to Anaheim

At 96 miles, your San Diego to Anaheim 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 San Diego to Anaheim. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 96 miles.

Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves

Best California Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from San Diego to Anaheim. They've been in business since 2020 (6 years of experience) and 98.5% of their 1,177 verified reviews are positive.

More California moving resources

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Anaheim to San Diego guide.

Considerations when moving from San Diego to Anaheim

Cost of living: San Diego vs. Anaheim

Comparing life in San Diego and Anaheim goes beyond just looking at housing prices. We’ll break down key financial factors, like rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends, so you can get a clear picture of how living in Anaheim stacks up against San Diego.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

San Diego Anaheim
Average rent cost $2,881 $2,550
Average home cost $847,715 $769,966
Average income (per capita) $104,321 $90,583
Cost of living (single person) $3,346 $5,451
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,719 $11,381
Unemployment rate 6.6% 4.1%
Average Sales Tax 7.75% 7.75%
  • Rent prices in Anaheim are 11% lower than in San Diego, meaning you'll likely have more room in your budget for savings, leisure, or other living expenses.
  • Home prices in Anaheim are 9% lower than in San Diego, making it easier for you to buy a home, secure an affordable mortgage, and still have money left for the things you care about most.
  • Income in Anaheim is 13% lower than in San Diego, which could mean a tighter budget, especially if local salaries don’t match up with the cost of living.
  • Cost of living for one person is 63% higher in Anaheim compared to San Diego. Make sure to adjust your budget to account for these higher expenses.
  • If you’re moving your family to Anaheim, expect living costs to be about 47% higher than in San Diego. Expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will probably go up, making Anaheim a pricier choice for families.
  • The unemployment rate in Anaheim is 38% lower than in San Diego, which suggests a stronger job market with more employment opportunities and greater economic stability.
  • Sales taxes match in Anaheim and San Diego, so your day-to-day spending on taxable goods shouldn’t be affected by the move.

If you’re used to living on $3,000 a month in San Diego, you’d need roughly $4,890 to maintain the same lifestyle in Anaheim.

How life is different in San Diego vs. Anaheim

Before you move, see how life stacks up in Anaheim compared to San Diego. You should compare everything from weather and cost of living to politics, safety, and population. This side-by-side breakdown will help you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.

San Diego Anaheim
Population 1,386,932 346,824
Political leaning Democratic 60-37 Democratic 51-46
Summer high 79ºF 84ºF
Winter low 46ºF 46ºF
Annual rain 12" 14"
Annual snow 0" 0"
Crime index 39.83 53.18
  • You’ll find that Anaheim has about 75% fewer people than San Diego. Living in a smaller city often comes with perks like more tranquility, extra space, and lower costs. Just keep in mind you might miss some big-city amenities.
  • San Diego and Anaheim both voted Democratic in the last election.
  • Moving between San Diego and Anaheim won’t bring major summer surprises. With highs near 84°F in both cities, your summer lifestyle should stay consistent.
  • During the chilliest months, both San Diego and Anaheim experience similar lows—expect 46°F in San Diego and 46°F in Anaheim.
  • Both San Diego and Anaheim experience similar annual rainfall, with San Diego receiving 12 inches and Anaheim getting 14 inches.
  • Both San Diego and Anaheim receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
  • Crime is higher in Anaheim (53.18) than in San Diego (39.83).

Things to do in Anaheim

Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in Anaheim.

Museums in Anaheim

  • The Disney Gallery
  • Muzeo
  • Founder's Park

Parks in Anaheim

  • Yorba Regional Park
  • Pearson Park Amphitheatre

Sports teams in Anaheim

  • Anaheim Ducks (NHL)

Universities in Anaheim

  • Anaheim University
  • Southern California Institute of Technology

FAQ

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from San Diego to Anaheim?

Shipping furniture from San Diego to Anaheim with a mover will cost between $626 and $2,746. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,227–$3,903, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from San Diego to Anaheim will cost from $1,672–$4,847.

How much are moving container companies from San Diego to Anaheim?

If you're moving from San Diego to Anaheim and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $479 to $1,205. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $986 and $1,849. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $1,185 up to $2,130.

How much is a moving truck from San Diego to Anaheim?

If you want to keep costs down, renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just remember, you’ll be responsible for driving and all the heavy lifting. We’ve included estimated fuel costs in our pricing, so there are no surprises.

If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, you’ll usually spend between $109 and $163. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $115 to $192. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from San Diego to Anaheim, truck rental prices typically range from $147 up to $213.

How far in advance should I book San Diego-to-Anaheim movers?

For a smooth move from San Diego to Anaheim, book your movers at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, try to secure your moving reservation three months ahead. Early booking not only increases your chances of getting your preferred date but can also help you snag lower rates. Some companies even throw in early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Anaheim?

To score the best moving deals to Anaheim, plan your move between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means you’ll spend less and have an easier time picking your ideal moving date.