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Local moving companies in San Diego
Picking one of the 370 local moving companies in California for your San Diego to Los Angeles relocation takes the hassle out of your move. Their local expertise means you get tailored service, plus they handle all the packing, loading, and transport, making your move quicker and way less stressful.
- One Stop Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Republic Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Dominant Moving Company: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- McCarthy Transfer & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- We Like To Move It Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
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
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
Company Info
State license #: 191165
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2718191
Alternate Names: Velorom LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0154190
Years in Business: 105
DOT #: 2059504
Alternate Names: McCarthy Transfer & Storage Incorporated
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
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
Cost to move from San Diego to Los Angeles
Check the table below for average moving cost estimates from San Diego to Los Angeles. We’ve organized prices by home size and service type to make comparison simple.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $545 – $2,347 | $464 – $1,098 | $131 – $192 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,070 – $3,093 | $884 – $1,609 | $130 – $246 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,568 – $3,941 | $1,090 – $1,889 | $163 – $273 |
Cost to hire movers from San Diego to Los Angeles
A studio or one-bedroom relocation from San Diego to Los Angeles will usually cost $545– $2,347. For a two- to three-bedroom move from San Diego to Los Angeles, plan on $1,070–$3,093. Large moves from San Diego to Los Angeles often land between $1,568 and $3,941.
Cost of moving containers from San Diego to Los Angeles
If you’re using moving containers from San Diego to Los Angeles, a small move typically costs $464 to $1,098. Two- to three-bedroom moves commonly range from $884 to $1,609. For four bedrooms or more, expect $1,090 to $1,889. Learn more about PODS cost.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move in California.
Cost of renting a moving truck from San Diego to Los Angeles
Choosing a moving rental truck from San Diego to Los Angeles is typically the budget-friendly option, but you’re on the hook for all the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $131 to $192. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $130 to $246, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from San Diego to Los Angeles costs around $163 to $273.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Considerations when moving from San Diego to Los Angeles
Cost of living: San Diego vs. Los Angeles
When comparing the cost of living between San Diego and Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles stacks up against San Diego.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| San Diego | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,881 | $2,960 |
| Average home cost | $1,003,444 | $2,368,088 |
| Average income (per capita) | $72,963 | $74,993 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,346 | $5,833 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,719 | $12,720 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 10.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.75% | 9.5% |
- Rent prices in Los Angeles are about the same as in San Diego, so your housing budget should stay steady and make your move easier on your wallet.
- Home prices in Los Angeles are 136% higher than in San Diego, which could make buying a home more challenging. It might require a larger upfront investment and could increase your monthly mortgage payments.
- You’ll find that income levels in San Diego and Los Angeles are pretty similar, so you can count on consistent earning potential, making it easier to manage your finances.
- Living expenses for one person in Los Angeles are 74% higher than in San Diego, so you’ll probably need to tweak your budget to cover the extra expenses.
- Living costs here run about 65% higher than in San Diego. Essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare all come with a steeper price tag, making Los Angeles one of the more expensive cities for families.
- Unemployment in Los Angeles is 61% higher than in San Diego. Finding a good, stable job might be more challenging if you’re moving without having lined up a job.
- Sales taxes run 23% higher in Los Angeles than in San Diego, so you should plan on higher costs for regular taxable purchases.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,220 in Los Angeles to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in San Diego.
How life is different in San Diego vs. Los Angeles
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Los Angeles vs. San Diego. 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.
| San Diego | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,386,932 | 3,820,914 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 60-37 | Democratic 64-31 |
| Summer high | 79ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 46ºF | 46ºF |
| Annual rain | 12″ | 16″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 0″ |
| Crime index | 39.83 | 53.81 |
Los Angeles sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Los Angeles is around 175% bigger than San Diego. A move to a larger city brings more people, fresh opportunities, and richer cultural experiences, but also comes with higher living costs and a busier lifestyle. Whether that sounds thrilling or daunting really depends on what you’re looking for in your next home.
- In the last presidential election, both San Diego and Los Angeles voted Democratic.
- Both Los Angeles and San Diego average summer highs close to 84°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
- During the coldest part of the year, both San Diego and Los Angeles experience similar winter lows, with San Diego reaching 46°F and Los Angeles getting down to 46°F.
- Both San Diego and Los Angeles see about the same yearly rainfall—San Diego averages 12 inches, while Los Angeles gets 16 inches each year.
- Both San Diego and Los Angeles receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Los Angeles has a higher crime rate than San Diego, with a crime index of 53.81 vs 39.83.
Things to do in Los Angeles
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? San Diego has you covered.
Museums in Los Angeles
- The Getty Center
- Griffith Observatory
- Petersen Automotive Museum
- Battleship USS Iowa Museum
- The Broad
Parks in Los Angeles
- Griffith Park
- Runyon Canyon Park
- Lake Hollywood Park
- Echo Park
- Venice Skatepark
Sports teams in Los Angeles
- Los Angeles Clippers (NBA)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
- Los Angeles FC (MLS)
- Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
- Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)
Universities in Los Angeles
- California State University, Los Angeles
- California State University, Northridge
- University of California, Los Angeles
- American Film Institute Conservatory
- Alliant International University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from San Diego to Los Angeles?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from San Diego to Los Angeles, expect to pay between $545 and $2,347 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $1,070 and $3,093. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $1,568 up to $3,941 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from San Diego to Los Angeles?
If you’re moving from San Diego to Los Angeles and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $464 and go up to $1,098. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $884 and $1,609. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $1,090 and $1,889.
How much is a moving truck from San Diego to Los Angeles?
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 $131 to $192. A larger move will cost $130 to $246, and a four-bedroom or larger move from San Diego to Los Angeles costs from $163 to $273.
How far in advance should I book San Diego-to-Los Angeles movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from San Diego to Los Angeles 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 San Diego-to-Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles?
To save money on your move to Los Angeles, 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.
Learn more about your move to Los Angeles
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