Quick answer: A typical 2,630-mile move from Baltimore to San Diego runs $2,026–$9,398 and takes seven to 21 days. Price and timing vary based on how much stuff you are moving, move date, and choice of DIY or full-service.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from San Diego to Baltimore guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from Baltimore to San Diego
Choosing a long-distance mover for your move from Baltimore to San Diego can be tough. With so many options, it's hard to know which companies you can actually trust.
Skip the hassle of endless research — we've narrowed down the top choices for you. We picked these movers based on real reviews, competitive pricing, and the variety of services they offer.
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 MD to CA move
The top local movers servicing Baltimore to San Diego moves
It's not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Baltimore 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore to San Diego.
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Orly Moving Systems, Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Von Paris Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Advance Relocation Systems: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
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
Years in Business: 32
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
Company Info
Years in Business: 133
DOT #: 070851
Alternate Names: Von Paris Moving & Storage, Inc., Von Paris Moving & Storage, B Von Paris Moving & Storage, Commercial Relocation Systems, CRS
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 125550
Years in Business: 59
DOT #: 125550
Alternate Names: Advance Storage Movers, Advance Corporation, Advance Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 2878240
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhops Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Baltimore to San Diego?
Baltimore movers charge $110 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 | $1,591 - $6,135 | $1,702 - $4,194 | $1,888 - $3,375 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,529 - $9,398 | $2,960 - $6,044 | $2,026 - $4,399 |
4+ bedrooms | $8,434 - $13,713 | $4,371 - $8,486 | $2,585 - $5,449 |
Cost to hire movers from Maryland to California
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Maryland to California typically costs between $1,591 and $6,135. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $4,529 and $9,398 when moving from MD to CA. If you're tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Maryland to California, you're looking at costs ranging from $8,434 up to $13,713.
Cost of moving containers from Maryland to California
If you're relocating from Maryland to California, you'll typically spend between $1,702 and $4,194 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,960 up to $6,044. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $4,371 and $8,486. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Maryland.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Maryland to California
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,888 and $3,375 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $2,026 to $4,399. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $2,585 to $5,449.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Baltimore to San Diego move
What to know before moving from Baltimore to San Diego
Moving from Baltimore to San Diego comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since San Diego is generally more expensive than Baltimore, 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:
Baltimore | San Diego | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,600 | $2,881 |
Average home value | $180,790 | $1,003,444 |
Average income (per capita) | $58,349 | $72,963 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,223 | $3,346 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,088 | $7,719 |
Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 6.6% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.75% |
State income tax | 5.75% | 13.3% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in San Diego, since prices are typically 80% higher than in Baltimore.
- The home prices in San Diego are 455.0% higher than in Baltimore, 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, 25.0% higher than in Baltimore. 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 50.5% higher than in Baltimore. 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 51.7% higher than in Baltimore.
- The unemployment rate in San Diego is 16.46% lower than in Baltimore.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in San Diego, since its sales taxes are 29.17% higher than what you are paying in Baltimore.
- State income taxes in San Diego are 131.30% higher than in Baltimore.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,515.52 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Baltimore.
How life is different in Baltimore vs. San Diego
San Diego | Baltimore | |
---|---|---|
Population | 1,386,932 | 585,708 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 8 |
Walkability score | 53 | 64 |
Bike friendliness score | 43 | 53 |
Crime Index | 39.83 | 72.72 |
Safety Index | 60.17 | 27.28 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- San Diego's population is about 137% greater than Baltimore.
- San Diego's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Baltimore's higher score of 8.
- San Diego is less walkable than Baltimore with a score of 53 out of 100 vs Baltimore's 64 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 Baltimore, which has a score of 53 out of 100.
- San Diego's crime rate is lower than Baltimore with a score of 39.83 compared to Baltimore's 72.72. This means that San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Baltimore neighborhoods are safer than 72.72%.
- San Diego is considered to be safer than Baltimore with a safety index of 60.17 vs Baltimore's 27.28.
- Air quality in San Diego is moderate, and in Baltimore it's good.
Other things to consider for your Baltimore 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: 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: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- 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: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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 will help you have the peace of mind that you\'ve got everything covered.
Where to live in San Diego
Now that you've decided to make the move to America's Finest City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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 is home to museums and cultural arts 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 — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.'
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer 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 Baltimore to San Diego?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Baltimore to San Diego are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Baltimore. are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Baltimore to San Diego?
Because most people are moving from Baltimore to San Diego in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Baltimore to San Diego take?
Moving from Baltimore, MD to San Diego, CA covers 2,630 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days Need to move faster? Some Baltimore movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in San Diego.