Moving from San Diego, CA to Olympia, WA: Movers and Cost

Sergio Ocampo

Last Updated: Mar 1, 2023 · 5 min read

Quick Answer: The cost to move from San Diego, CA to Olympia, WA averages from $840 to $6,401 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself. Hiring movers will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or renting a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Olympia, WA. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Olympia to San Diego guide.

• Best San Diego to Olympia movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from San Diego to Olympia.
• How much will your move cost?: Use our moving calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving costs.
• Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
• San Diego to Olympia car shippers: Moving your car? Here's a list of our top car shipping companies.

Moving 1,196 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from San Diego to Olympia?

Here are average prices to hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck:

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,196 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from San Diego to Olympia will depend on:

• Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
• Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
• Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.

Who Are The Best San Diego to Olympia Movers?

Hiring a moving company is a big deal.

We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.

If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.

Company	Quote	Rating	Price
Safeway Moving Best Overall Value	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
American Van Lines Best industry reputation	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
International Van Lines Best customer service	Get A Quote	4.45 overall rating

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

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

To ship furniture from San Diego to Olympia with a mover will cost between $1,227 to $4,942. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home will range from $2,723 to $6,401, and a 4-bedroom move or bigger move from San Diego to Olympia will cost from $4,605 to $8,626.

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

Moving containers from San Diego to Olympia will cost you $926 to $2,264 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,658 to $3,323. A larger home will cost $2,243 to $4,398.

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

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 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $777 to $1,481. A larger move will cost $840 to $1,761, and a 4+ bedroom move from San Diego to Olympia costs from $1,056 to $2,146.

How to ship a car from San Diego to Olympia?

If you're moving from San Diego to Olympia and need to transport your car, finding a reliable car shipping company is crucial. Look for top-rated San Diego to Olympia car shippers and compare quotes and services to find the best fit for your needs and budget. Keep in mind that the type of transport you choose and the size of your vehicle will affect the cost.

Is moving from San Diego, CA to Olympia, WA a good idea?

Cost of Living: San Diego vs Olympia

• Rent Prices in Olympia, WA are 35% lower than in San Diego, CA.
• Home Prices in Olympia, WA are 43.3% lower than in San Diego, CA.
• Income in Olympia, WA is 5.1% lower than in San Diego, CA.
• Cost of Living for a single person in Olympia, WA is 18.1% lower than in San Diego, CA.
• Cost of Living for a family in Olympia, WA is 20.4% lower than in San Diego, CA.
• Unemployment rate in Olympia, WA is 20.00% lower than in San Diego, CA.
• Sales Taxes in Olympia, WA are 21.29% higher than in San Diego, CA.
• State Income Taxes in Olympia, WA are 100.00% lower than in San Diego, CA.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,457.2 in Olympia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Diego.

How is life different in San Diego, CA to Olympia, WA?

• Olympia’s population is about 96% less than San Diego.
• Olympia’s public transportation is better than San Diego with a score of 5 vs 6.
• Olympia is less walkable than San Diego with a score of 39 vs 53.
• Olympia is more bike-friendly than San Diego with a score of 59 vs 43.
• Olympia's crime rate is lower than San Diego with a score of 10.0 compared to 21.98.
• Olympia is considered to be safer than San Diego with a safety index of 70.61 vs 62.95.
• Air Quality in Olympia is Good, and in San Diego it’s Moderate.

Considerations for moving to Olympia, WA

• Weather: July, August and September are the driest months in Olympia, WA and so it would be best to plan moving during these months. Snow and rain might be a challenge deo relocation during the colder months, specially during December and January..
• HOA Rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
• Elevator Reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• Truck Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• State Licensing: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State Regulator: You can verify a Washington moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
• Moving Permits: Washington does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
• Change of Address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Olympia. Get started here.
• Moving Company Insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
• Moving Checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.

Local San Diego Movers

Visit our Best Movers in San Diego page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Olympia, WA

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Oly", these are the best neighborhoods in Olympia to move to.

Best neighborhoods for singles:

• South Capitol
• Downtown
• Bigelow Highlands
• Upper Eastside
• Eastside
• North East
• Bigelow
• South Westside
• Woodfield Estates
• Wellington West

Best neighborhoods for families:

• Bigelow Highlands
• Holiday Hills
• Woodfield Estates
• Eastside
• Cain Road
• Indian Creek
• Governor Stevens
• Bigelow
• Carlyon-North
• Wellington West

What to do in Olympia

Moving to The “Oly”? These are some of the best things to do in your new Washington home.

• Washington State Capitol Building
• Olympia Farmers Market
• Downtown Historic District
• Capitol Lake
• Boardwalk at Percival Landing
• Capitol Theater
• Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
• Hands on Children's Museum
• Mima Mounds
• Tumwater Falls Park
• Olympic Flight Museum
• Mount Rainier National Park

Get your sports on!

Related articles to your move

Movers and cost

• New York City to Olympia
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• Houston to Olympia
• Phoenix to Olympia
• Philadelphia to Olympia
• San Antonio to Olympia
• Dallas to Olympia
• Austin to Olympia
• Jacksonville to Olympia
• Fort Worth to Olympia

Learn more about Olympia

• What Is The Cost To Move In Olympia?
• What Is The Cost To Move To Washington?
• Tips on Moving to Olympia, WA: Relocation Guide
• Best Moving Companies in Olympia, WA
• Best Moving Companies in Washington