($854+) San Diego, CA to Garland, TX Movers
The cost to move from San Diego, CA to Garland, TX ranges from $1,269 to $9,257, with an average cost of $3,450. Moves can be as low as $854 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,376 miles and usually takes 3 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from San Diego, CA to Garland, TX
Moving options from San Diego to Garland fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,269 - $9,257 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,450, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 39% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 68% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,376 miles and typically takes 3 to 8 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,376-mile route from San Diego to Garland, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,269 - $4,861 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,245 - $2,470), rental truck ($804 - $1,651), or freight trailer ($1,227 - $2,091). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,931 - $6,480 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $9,257.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from San Diego, CA to Garland, TX
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,376-mile move from San Diego, California, to Garland, Texas, with costs ranging from $1,269 - $9,257. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $399 - $2,660. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between San Diego and Garland. Local movers in San Diego typically start around $226 as a base rate plus $200/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Diego to Garland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,269 - $4,861
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,931 - $6,480
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,669 - $9,257
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from San Diego to Garland.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from San Diego, CA to Garland, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 72% of San Diego movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Garland, 56% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing87% of local movers | $665 - $6,650 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready72% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Stella Moving & Delivery | $266 - $1,596/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $399 - $3,192 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage9% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $1,330 - $3,990 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,325 - $13,300 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $996 - $1,893 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items30% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Stella Moving & Delivery | $1,330 - $3,325 |
| Piano | Any piano type52% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Stella Moving & Delivery | $1,064 - $4,655 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $399 - $1,995 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect12% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $865 - $2,660 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $399 - $19,950+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $399 - $4,655+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Diego to Garland?
Movers licensed to operate in Texas are typically members of the Southwest Movers Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in San Diego, CA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from San Diego, CA to Garland, TX
Moving containers from San Diego, California, to Garland, Texas, cost between $1,245 and $4,635. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in San Diego costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Diego to Garland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,245 - $2,470
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,774 - $3,482
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,203 - $4,635
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $100 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $200 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $931 in San Diego, CA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Garland, TX, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Texas move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,245. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,774 - $3,482.
What are the best moving containers San Diego to Garland?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in San Diego to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in San Diego:
- 24/7 Moving and Storage (5.0/5), 14 years in business
- Coast 2 Coast Moving Inc (5.0/5), 8 years in business
- Best California Movers (5.0/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Diego, CA to Garland, TX
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,376 miles from San Diego, California, to Garland, Texas, running $804 - $2,444. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $582 - $665
- Daily insurance: $40/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- San Diego daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from San Diego to Garland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $804 - $1,651
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $951 - $1,945
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,152 - $2,444
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from San Diego to Garland starts at $804 - $2,444, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($582 - $665), overnight lodging ($200/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $200 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $86 and $432 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $582 - $665 in fuel for the 1,376-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $931 in San Diego, California, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Diego to Garland?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from San Diego, CA to Garland, TX
For larger DIY moves from San Diego, California, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Garland, Texas.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,378 and $2,841.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Diego to Garland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,227 - $2,091
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,378 - $2,841
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,799 - $3,672
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $100 - $200 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in San Diego, California, for about five hours typically runs $931.
What are the best freight companies from San Diego to Garland?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Garland fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: San Diego, CA vs Garland, TX
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Garland, side by side with San Diego on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Diego, CA | Garland, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 155 | 100 |
| Average rent | $2,881/mo | $1,624/mo |
| Median home value | $847,715 | $249,342 |
| Average income | $104,321/yr | $74,717/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 6.5% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
| Walkability score | 53/100 | 40/100 |
| Safety index | 60.17/100 | 62.87/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Garland, TX to San Diego, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from California to Texas, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 1,154 movers in California, so you have real options to compare for this 1,376-mile move.
Our take
A move from San Diego, CA, to Garland, TX, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,269 - $9,257 on the 1,376-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,245 - $4,635, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $804 - $2,444. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,931 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Garland tend to point to quality education and diversity, though severe storms and extreme heat come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Garland Independent School District and City of Garland.
FAQs: Moving from San Diego, CA, to Garland, TX
How do I know a mover is licensed in Texas?
In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers.
What is the best time of year to move from San Diego, CA to Garland, TX?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. Texas also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Garland a safe place to live?
Garland has a safety index of 62.87 out of 100 and a crime index of 37.13, compared to 60.17 and 39.83 in San Diego. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from San Diego, CA to Garland, TX?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $951 - $1,945. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of San Diego movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 52% of movers in San Diego handle piano moves, and 30% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.