($1,201) Cost to Move From Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA

1. New City Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
2. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
3. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.66 out of 5 stars
4. H2H Movers Inc: 4.64 out of 5 stars
5. Move-tastic: 4.64 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Chicago to San Diego

When planning a move to San Diego from Chicago, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,201 and $4,832. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,331 and $7,265 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $6,368 to $10,210.

Cost of moving containers from Chicago to San Diego

When you’re heading from Chicago to San Diego, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,228 and $2,868. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,018 and $4,204. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,995 to $5,678. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Illinois easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to San Diego

A moving rental truck from Chicago to San Diego is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,122 to $2,233. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,329 to $2,629, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Chicago to San Diego costs around $1,613 to $3,221.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 41% more expensive in San Diego than in Chicago. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
• Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 239% steeper in San Diego compared to Chicago.
• There’s good news: the average income differences between San Diego and Chicago are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
• Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in San Diego. The cost of living for a single person there is 8% below that of Chicago.
• A move to San Diego can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 17% lower compared to Chicago.
• San Diego has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 27%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
• Sales taxes are 24% cheaper in San Diego compared to Chicago. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
• Income taxes are 169% more in California than in Illinois. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.

• San Diego’s population is about 49% less than Chicago.
• San Diego’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
• San Diego is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 53 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 out of 100.
• San Diego has a bike-friendliness score of 43 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
• San Diego’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 39.83 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• San Diego is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 60.17 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
• Air quality in San Diego is Moderate, and in Chicago it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Chicago and San Diego are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the 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: 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. Ensure the company you choose is 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: Moving permits aren’t typically required in California, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
• Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to San Diego. Get started 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

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

With your move to California complete, you can dive right into experiencing San Diego. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:

• Arts and culture: San Diego is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the USS Midway Museum, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Maritime Museum of San Diego, and San Diego Air & Space Museum.
• 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: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an San Diego Padres (MLB)San Diego Gulls (AHL)San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship) game.