Quick answer: A move from Columbus to San Diego costs $1,649–$9,374 and takes six to 17 days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 2,086-mile move yourself.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from San Diego to Columbus guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
When you’ve got 8 interstate movers to choose from like you do in Columbus, the search for the right one can quickly become overwhelming. And that’s after you decide whether to hand the job over to a full-service team or keep more control — and save a little money — with a DIY approach.
We’ve already done the hard work for you. Each Columbus mover was reviewed for services offered, pricing, and overall value, with customer experiences drawn from online reviews. From there, we narrowed the field to the best long-distance movers in Columbus, so you can move forward with confidence.
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Best professional movers from Columbus to San Diego
A full-service mover can make your interstate relocation from Columbus to San Diego far less complicated. From wrapping and packing your belongings to transporting them safely, these companies cover the entire process so you can spend your time on what matters most.
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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What moving services are available in Columbus?
How we chose the best moving companies for your GA to CA move
Find trusted moving companies for your Columbus to San Diego journey
Organizing a move from Columbus to San Diego can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. The choices are vast, but which ones stand out?
We've done the groundwork for you, evaluating local movers in Columbus known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Columbus to San Diego.
- Coleman Worldwide Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Apple Moving : 4.58 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- American International Movers Inc.: 4.1 out of 5 stars
- JIT Movers Inc.: 4.04 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 110
DOT #: 2897746
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9128
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 1934458
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 500159
Years in Business: 18
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Trad Holdings, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 34
DOT #: 270715
Alternate Names: IHS Technologies, Inc., Trading Post Moving & Storage, American International Movers, Inc., Covenant Storage, Inc., Southern Choice Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $125/hr
Years in Business: 14
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Columbus to San Diego?
Columbus movers charge $140 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 | $1,628 - $6,169 | $1,539 - $3,518 | $1,554 - $2,998 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,384 - $9,374 | $2,606 - $5,481 | $1,649 - $3,566 |
4+ bedrooms | $8,056 - $14,135 | $3,464 - $7,622 | $2,020 - $4,075 |
Cost to hire movers from Georgia to California
If you're packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Georgia to California, you can expect prices to land between $1,628 and $6,169. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $4,384 to $9,374 for the trip from GA to CA. If you're moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you're likely looking at a price tag between $8,056 and $14,135.
Cost of moving containers from Georgia to California
Moving from Georgia to California? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $1,539 and $3,518. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,606 to $5,481. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,464 up to $7,622. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Georgia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Georgia 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 $1,554 and $2,998. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,649 to $3,566. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $2,020 and $4,075.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors that influence moving costs from Columbus to San Diego
What to know before moving from Columbus to San Diego
Moving to San Diego typically means higher monthly totals — roughly 64% more for singles and 101% more for families compared with Columbus.
Singles spend around $3,346 in San Diego vs. $2,041 in Columbus, and families see $7,719 vs. $3,834.
Use the breakdown below to plan your budget:
- You may want to budget more for rent in San Diego, since prices are typically 162% higher than in Columbus.
- The home prices in San Diego are 535.7% higher than in Columbus, 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, 44.4% higher than in Columbus. 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 63.9% higher than in Columbus. 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 101.3% higher than in Columbus.
- The unemployment rate in San Diego is 24.53% higher than in Columbus.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in San Diego, since the city's sales taxes in San Diego are 13.89% lower than in Columbus.
- State income taxes in San Diego are 142.26% higher than in Columbus.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Columbus and San Diego, from monthly bills to routine purchases.
Columbus | San Diego | |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $211.4 | $277.55 |
Cell phone plan | $40.33 | $66.79 |
Dozen eggs | $2.24 | $5.26 |
Loaf of bread | $3.52 | $4.5 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18 | $21 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $50 | $100 |
Gym membership | $10 | $65.68 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Columbus than in San Diego, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Columbus than in San Diego.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbus than in San Diego.
- Bread costs less in Columbus than in San Diego.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Columbus than in San Diego.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbus than in San Diego.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Columbus than in San Diego.
How life is different in Columbus vs. San Diego
San Diego | Columbus | |
---|---|---|
Population | 1,386,932 | 206,922 |
Transportation Score | 6 | 2 |
Walkability score | 53 | 25 |
Bike friendliness score | 43 | 31 |
Crime Index | 39.83 | 72.18 |
Safety Index | 60.17 | 27.82 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- The population of San Diego is about 570% greater than Columbus, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- San Diego offers better access to buses and trains than Columbus, based on public transportation ratings. San Diego has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 2 in Columbus. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in San Diego means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Columbus. San Diego is considered more walkable than Columbus, with a score of 53 out of 100 versus 25 out of 100 in Columbus. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- If cycling is your thing, San Diego is considered more bike-friendly than Columbus in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. San Diego has a bike-friendliness score of 43 out of 100, while Columbus is rated as 31 out of 100.
- San Diego has a lower crime rate than Columbus based on scores of 39.83 and Columbus's 72.18, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in San Diego than in Columbus, based on San Diego's safety index of 60.17 versus 27.82 for Columbus. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in San Diego isn't as good as it is in Columbus, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. San Diego has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Columbus is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.
Other things to consider for your Columbus 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: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While California doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to San Diego without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in San Diego
With your sights set on America's Finest City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in San Diego.
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
After getting comfortable in your new California home, it's time to see what San Diego is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: San Diego features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during 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 Columbus to San Diego?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Columbus to San Diego. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Columbus.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbus to San Diego?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Columbus to San Diego moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Columbus to San Diego take?
Covering 2,086 miles, the move from Columbus, GA to San Diego, CA typically takes six to 17 days. Some Columbus movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in San Diego can help bridge the gap.
What kinds of discounts do Columbus movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Columbus?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 5 movers in Columbus provide piano moving services. 3 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 53 piano movers and 39 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2173 and 1399.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.