Key factors that impact the cost of your New Orleans to San Diego move
What to know before moving from New Orleans to San Diego
Moving from New Orleans to San Diego comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since San Diego is generally more expensive than New Orleans, itโs 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:
New Orleans | San Diego | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,755 | $2,881 |
Average home value | $231,649 | $1,003,444 |
Average income (per capita) | $51,116 | $72,963 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,134 | $3,346 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,905 | $7,719 |
Unemployment rate | 11.0% | 6.6% |
Sales tax | 10.0% | 7.75% |
State income tax | 4.25% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in San Diego are 64% higher than in New Orleans, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in New Orleans.
Home prices in San Diego are 333.2% higher than in New Orleans. - Income in San Diego is 42.7% higher than in New Orleans, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top 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 6.8% higher than in New Orleans. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in San Diego is 2.4% lower than in New Orleans.
- The unemployment rate in San Diego is 40.00% lower than in New Orleans.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in San Diego, since the cityโs sales taxes in San Diego are 22.50% lower than in New Orleans.
- State income taxes in San Diego are 212.94% higher than in New Orleans.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,202.94 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in New Orleans.
How life is different in New Orleans vs. San Diego
San Diego | New Orleans | |
---|---|---|
Population | 1,386,932 | 383,997 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 7 |
Walkability score | 53 | 58 |
Bike friendliness score | 43 | 66 |
Crime Index | 39.83 | 67.31 |
Safety Index | 60.17 | 32.69 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- The population of San Diego is about 261% greater than New Orleans, 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.
- Getting around San Diego without a car might be more difficult than in New Orleans. San Diego has a public transportation score of 6 out of 10, whereas New Orleans is ranked 7. Ratings are based on a cityโs transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- San Diego neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as New Orleans. Based on its score of 53 out of 100, San Diego isnโt as walkable as New Orleans, which has a score of 58 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- You probably wonโt see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in San Diego, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than New Orleans. While New Orleans has a bike-friendliness score of 66 out of 100, San Diego earned a 43. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- San Diego has a lower crime rate than New Orleans based on scores of 39.83 and New Orleans's 67.31, 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 New Orleans, based on San Diegoโs safety index of 60.17 versus 32.69 for New Orleans. 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 isnโt as good as it is in New Orleans, 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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans 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 โT Numberโ 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\โt require moving permits, but it\โs 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. Youโll 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 โ 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
Ready to relocate to "America's Finest City"? Here are some of the top 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
Now that you've made the move to California, itโs the perfect time to explore San Diego. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout San Diego, such as 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 cityโs La Jolla Cove, Balboa Park, La Jolla Shores Park, and Sunset Cliffs Natural Park โ along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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 New Orleans to San Diego?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from New Orleans to San Diego are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in New Orleans are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from New Orleans to San Diego?
With many people choosing to move from New Orleans to San Diego in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from New Orleans to San Diego take?
Moving from New Orleans, LA to San Diego, CA covers 1,816 miles and usually takes five to 16 days. Need to move faster? Some New Orleans movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in San Diego.