Quick answer: Expect to pay $1,922–$9,007 for a move from Miami to San Diego, with most moves taking seven to 21 days. Your cost depends on load size, timing, and whether you move yourself or hire help for the 2,656 miles.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from San Diego to Miami guide.
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Best Movers By Type
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Best Professional Movers from Miami to San Diego
Choosing a long-distance mover for your trip from Miami to San Diego can be tough. With so many options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed about who you can truly count on.
Save yourself the hassle of sorting through countless moving companies — we've already narrowed down the best for you. Our favorites earned their spots thanks to rave reviews, budget-friendly prices, and versatile services to suit any type of move.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your FL to CA move
The top local movers servicing Miami to San Diego moves
It's not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Miami that also handles long-distance moves to San Diego. With so many options, figuring out which ones you can trust takes time.
Luckily, we've done the research for you. We evaluated the top local movers in Miami who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Miami to San Diego.
- Miami Move For Less: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Xpress Relocations LLC: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Ciao Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Pro Movers Miami: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 1717780
Alternate Names: Move for Less, Inc., Miami Movers for Less, City Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2301
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 2521
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2438489
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 3143
DOT #: 3252722
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2721
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2855891
Alternate Names: ProMovers, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Miami to San Diego?
Miami movers charge $65 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,452 - $6,071 | $1,712 - $4,476 | $1,849 - $3,655 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,438 - $9,007 | $3,160 - $6,588 | $1,922 - $4,138 |
4+ bedrooms | $7,553 - $13,154 | $4,230 - $8,714 | $2,556 - $4,973 |
Cost to hire movers from Florida to California
If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Florida to California, you can expect to spend between $1,452 and $6,071. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $4,438 to $9,007 on the same route (FL to CA). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Florida to California typically runs between $7,553 and $13,154.
Cost of moving containers from Florida to California
If you're relocating from Florida to California, you'll typically spend between $1,712 and $4,476 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $3,160 up to $6,588. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $4,230 and $8,714. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Florida.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Florida to California
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you'll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,849 and $3,655. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,922 to $4,138. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $2,556 and $4,973.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Miami to San Diego
What to know before moving from Miami to San Diego
Moving from Miami to San Diego comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since San Diego is generally more expensive than Miami, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Miami | San Diego | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,990 | $2,881 |
Average home value | $579,925 | $1,003,444 |
Average income (per capita) | $54,858 | $72,963 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,103 | $3,346 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,450 | $7,719 |
Unemployment rate | 8.3% | 6.6% |
Sales tax | 7.0% | 7.75% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in San Diego are 4% lower than in Miami, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
- The home prices in San Diego are 73.0% higher than in Miami, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- You're likely to make a higher income living in San Diego, where incomes are, on average, 33.0% higher than in Miami. Major employers in San Diego include United States Navy, University of California, San Diego, and Sharp HealthCare.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in San Diego, since the cost of living for a single person in San Diego is 7.8% higher than in Miami. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to San Diego, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in San Diego is 3.6% higher than in Miami.
- The unemployment rate in San Diego is 20.48% lower than in Miami.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in San Diego, since its sales taxes are 10.71% higher than what you are paying in Miami.
- State income taxes in San Diego are 13.30% higher than in Miami.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,234.93 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Miami.
How life is different in Miami vs. San Diego
San Diego | Miami | |
---|---|---|
Population | 1,386,932 | 442,241 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 8 |
Walkability score | 53 | 77 |
Bike friendliness score | 43 | 64 |
Crime Index | 39.83 | 52.54 |
Safety Index | 60.17 | 47.46 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- San Diego's population is about 214% greater than Miami.
- San Diego's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Miami's higher score of 8.
- San Diego is less walkable than Miami with a score of 53 out of 100 vs Miami's 77 out of 100.
- San Diego has a bike-friendliness score 43 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Miami, which has a score of 64 out of 100.
- San Diego's crime rate is lower than Miami with a score of 39.83 compared to Miami's 52.54. This means that San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Miami neighborhoods are safer than 52.54%.
- San Diego is considered to be safer than Miami with a safety index of 60.17 vs Miami's 47.46.
- Air quality in San Diego is moderate, and in Miami it's good.
Other things to consider for your Miami vs. San Diego move
- Weather: San Diego's climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters, with most of the annual precipitation falling between December and March. The city has a mild climate year-round.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: California doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to San Diego. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in San Diego
Now that you've chosen America's Finest City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in San Diego to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Gaslamp Quarter
- Hillcrest
- North Park
- Ocean Beach
- Pacific Beach
Best neighborhoods for families
- Carmel Valley
- Del Mar Heights
- Loma Portal
- Rancho Bernardo
- Rancho Penasquitos
Things to do in San Diego
Once you're settled into your new home in California, it's time to get out and discover what San Diego has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in San Diego include museums and art centers like the USS Midway Museum, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Maritime Museum of San Diego, San Diego Air & Space Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's La Jolla Cove, Balboa Park, La Jolla Shores Park, and Sunset Cliffs Natural Park — and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an San Diego Padres (MLB), San Diego Gulls (AHL), or San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Miami to San Diego?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Miami to San Diego You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Miami.
When is the cheapest time to move from Miami to San Diego?
Because spring and fall moves from Miami to San Diego are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Miami to San Diego take?
The 2,656-mile journey from Miami, FL to San Diego, CA, typically takes seven to 21 days. Some movers in Miami offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in San Diego.