($1,552) Movers From Washington DC, MD to San Diego, CA

What to know before moving from Washington DC to San Diego

Moving from Washington DC to San Diego means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Washington DC than in San Diego, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Washington DC compares to San Diego so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in San Diego are 20% higher than in Washington DC, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Washington DC.
  Home prices in San Diego are 68.8% higher than in Washington DC.
• Income in San Diego is 28.3% lower than in Washington DC, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in San Diego include United States Navy, University of California, San Diego, and Sharp HealthCare.
• The cost of living for a single person in San Diego is 15.6% lower than in Washington DC. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in San Diego is 30.4% lower than in Washington DC.
• The unemployment rate in San Diego is 5.71% lower than in Washington DC.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in San Diego, since the city’s sales taxes in San Diego are 29.17% higher than in Washington DC.
• State income taxes in San Diego are 131.30% higher than in Washington DC.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,532.93 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Washington DC.

How life is different in Washington DC vs. San Diego

• The population of San Diego is about 97% greater than Washington DC, 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 Washington DC. San Diego has a public transportation score of 6 out of 10, whereas Washington DC is ranked 9. Ratings are based on a city’s 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 Washington DC. Based on its score of 53 out of 100, San Diego isn’t as walkable as Washington DC, which has a score of 77 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 won’t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in San Diego, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Washington DC. While Washington DC has a bike-friendliness score of 70 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 Washington DC based on scores of 39.83 and Washington DC's 60.37, 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 Washington DC, based on San Diego’s safety index of 60.17 versus 39.63 for Washington DC. 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 Washington DC, 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 Washington DC 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 Washington DC 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

Ready to relocate to "America's Finest City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in San Diego.

Helpful moving resources