Moving from San Diego to Los Angeles, CA
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: Moving from San Diego to Los Angeles costs between $157 to $5,015 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 San Diego to Los Angeles
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from San Diego to Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles, 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 | $1,362 - $3,978 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,071 - $1,851 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $161 - $306 | 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 Los Angeles?
It costs between $157 to $5,015 to move from San Diego to Los Angeles. The prices below break down your 120-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $784 - $5,015
- Moving containers: $834 - $2,356
- Rental trucks: $157 - $344
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $784 - $3,383 | $834 - $1,432 | $157 - $254 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,362 - $3,978 | $1,071 - $1,851 | $161 - $306 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,955 - $5,015 | $1,428 - $2,356 | $205 - $344 |
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 Los Angeles
At 120 miles, your San Diego to Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles. 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 San Diego to Los Angeles. 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 Los Angeles to San Diego guide.
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 | $847,715 | $878,142 |
| Average income (per capita) | $104,321 | $80,366 |
| 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.
- Since home prices in Los Angeles and San Diego are pretty similar, your housing costs should stay about the same, making it easier for you to stick to your budget.
- Income in Los Angeles is 23% lower than in San Diego. You might want to watch your budget, especially if local salaries don’t keep up with living expenses.
- 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? Los Angeles 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 $714 and $2,757 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $1,362 and $3,978. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $1,955 up to $5,015 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 $596 and go up to $1,397. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $1,071 and $1,851. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $1,428 and $2,356.
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 $151 to $254. A larger move will cost $161 to $306, and a four-bedroom or larger move from San Diego to Los Angeles costs from $205 to $344.
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.
