$1,467 Movers From Washington DC to San Diego
Fact Checked by: Quick Answer: The cost to move from Washington DC, MD to San Diego, CA averages from $1,784 to $8,933 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.
Hiring a full-service Washington DC moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to San Diego, CA.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from San Diego to Washington DC guide.
Moving from Washington DC to San Diego resources
- Best Washington DC to San Diego movers: We've handpicked the best moving companies from Washington DC to San Diego.
- Moving cost: Use our moving cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving costs.
- Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
- Washington DC to San Diego car shippers: Moving your car? Here's a list of our top car shipping companies.
Moving 2,653 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.
How much does it cost to move from Washington DC to San Diego?
Washington DC movers charge $85 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 | $1,467 - $6,136 | $1,557 - $4,154 | $1,647 - $3,259 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,228 - $8,933 | $2,763 - $6,114 | $1,784 - $3,800 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,788 - $14,247 | $4,003 - $7,766 | $2,372 - $4,906 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,653 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.
The cost to move from Washington DC to San Diego will depend on:
- Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Washington DC, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.
How much are professional moving companies when moving from Washington DC to San Diego?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Washington DC to San Diego will cost between $1,467 to $6,136. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $4,228 to $8,933, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Washington DC to San Diego will cost from $7,788 to $14,247.
How much are moving container companies from Washington DC to San Diego?
Moving containers from Washington DC to San Diego will cost you $1,557 to $4,154 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,763 to $6,114. A larger home will cost $4,003 to $7,766.
How much is a moving truck from Washington DC to San Diego?
Renting a moving truck is usually 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 $1,647 to $3,259. A larger move will cost $1,784 to $3,800, and a four-bedroom move from Washington DC to San Diego costs from $2,372 to $4,906. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.
The best Washington DC to San Diego moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Washington DC to San Diego is a big deal.
There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Washington DC to San Diego.
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If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.
Pros and cons of moving from Washington DC to San Diego
Cost of living: Washington DC vs San Diego
| Washington DC | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,450 | $2,895 |
| Average home value | $609,175 | $961,892 |
| Average income (per capita) | $635,900 | $71,251 |
| Cost of Living (single person) | $1,211 | $3,451 |
| Cost of Living (family of 4) | $4,423 | $7,610 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 6.6% |
| Sales Tax | 6.0% | 7.75% |
| State Income Tax | 5.75% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in San Diego are 18% higher than in Washington DC.
- Home prices in San Diego are 57.9% higher than in Washington DC.
- Income in San Diego is 88.8% lower than in Washington DC.
- The cost of living for a single person in San Diego is 185.0% higher than in Washington DC.
- The cost of living for a family in San Diego is 72.1% higher than in Washington DC.
- The unemployment rate in San Diego is 5.71% lower than in Washington DC.
- 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 into perspective, you would need around $8,549.13 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Washington DC.
How is life different in Washington DC compared to San Diego?
| San Diego | Washington DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,386,932 | 689,545 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 53 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 43 | 70 |
| Crime Index | 23.28 | 46.45 |
| Safety Index | 59.1 | 41.16 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- San Diego's population is about 101% greater than Washington DC.
- San Diego's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Washington DC's lower score of 9.
- San Diego is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 53 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 77 out of 100.
- San Diego is less bike-friendly than Washington DC with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 70.
- San Diego's crime rate is lower than Washington DC with a score of 23.28 compared to Washington DC's 46.45. This means that San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 23.28% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 46.45%.
- San Diego is considered to be safer than Washington DC with a safety index of 59.1 vs Washington DC's 41.16.
- Air quality in San Diego is moderate, and in Washington DC it's moderate.
Considerations for moving to San Diego
- 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.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. 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.
Local Washington DC movers
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
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Get A Quote |
 
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3000 Oak Drive, Kensington, MD, 20895 (301) 928-8669 |
| Olympia Moving & Storage | Get A Quote |
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4814 Frolich Ln, Hyattsville, MD, 20781 (703) 566-4391 |
| Bookstore Movers, LLC | Get A Quote |
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5200 46th Ave, Hyattsville, MD, 20781 (202) 570-4697 |
Visit our best long distance movers in Washington DC page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
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
What to do in San Diego
These are some of the best things to do in your new California home.
- San Diego Zoo
- The Botanical Building and the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden (Balboa Park)
- SeaWorld San Diego
- USS Midway Museum
- Gaslamp Quarter
- Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
- La Jolla Cove and Seal Rock
- Legoland
- Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
- Coronado Island
- North Park
- Hang-gliding and Paragliding Tours
- Seaport Village
- Belmont Park
- Pacific Beach
- Liberty Public Market
- Cabrillo National Monument
- Mexican Food
- Mission San Diego de Alcala
- Museum of US (Balboa Park)
- UCSD Stuart Art Collection
- San Diego Central Library
- Torrey Pines State Reserve
- Maritime Museum of San Diego
- Grant Hill Park
Get your sports on!
San Diego is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:- San Diego Padres (MLB)
- San Diego Gulls (AHL)
- San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship)
FAQs about moving from Washington DC to San Diego
When is the best time to move from Washington DC to San Diego?
The best time to move from Washington DC to San Diego is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 79ºF and the winter lows of 46ºF in San Diego.
When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to San Diego?
Because most people are moving from Washington DC to San Diego in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
