Top local movers for Ann Arbor to San Diego moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Ann Arbor that also provides long-distance services to San Diego can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 31 local movers in Ann Arbor who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Ann Arbor to San Diego.
- Handle With Care Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Corrigan Moving Systems: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Campus Concepts: Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Bos Moving & Services, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 359936
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 808976
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 117864
Years in Business: 74
DOT #: 77949
Alternate Names: Corrigan Moving Systems , Midland Moving & Storage Company , Corrigan United Moving & Storage Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 36269
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2582190
Alternate Names: Wondermove
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 33371
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 22006
Years in Business: 43
DOT #: 1672903
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Ann Arbor to San Diego?
Movers in Michigan generally charge an average of per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,265 – $5,356 | $1,282 – $3,025 | $1,241 – $2,399 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,860 – $7,919 | $2,122 – $4,672 | $1,358 – $3,006 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,319 – $11,518 | $3,130 – $6,333 | $1,768 – $3,685 |
Cost to hire movers from Ann Arbor to San Diego
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Ann Arbor to San Diego typically costs between $1,265 and $5,356. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,860 and $7,919 when moving from Ann Arbor to San Diego. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Ann Arbor to San Diego, you’re looking at costs ranging from $7,319 up to $11,518.
Cost of moving containers from Ann Arbor to San Diego
If you’re relocating from Ann Arbor to San Diego, you’ll typically spend between $1,282 and $3,025 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,122 up to $4,672. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $3,130 and $6,333. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Michigan.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Ann Arbor to San Diego
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Ann Arbor to San Diego move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,241 and $2,399. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,358 to $3,006. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,768 and $3,685.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Ann Arbor to San Diego

What to know before moving from Ann Arbor to San Diego
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – San Diego runs about 54% higher for singles and 44% higher for families than Ann Arbor.
Singles spend around $3,346 in Ann Arbor versus $2,176 in Ann Arbor; families pay $7,719 compared with $5,344.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Ann Arbor | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,831 | $2,704 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,763 | $4,914 |
| Average home value | $474,909 | $1,003,444 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,964 | $72,963 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,176 | $3,346 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,344 | $7,719 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.75% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 13.3% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 27% higher in San Diego than in Ann Arbor, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 111% higher in San Diego than in Ann Arbor.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 9% higher in San Diego than in Ann Arbor, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in San Diego, as the cost of living for a single person in San Diego is 54% greater than in Ann Arbor. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- As you plan your move to San Diego, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 44% more than it is in Ann Arbor.
- The unemployment rate in San Diego exceeds that of Ann Arbor by about 89%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes in San Diego exceed those in Ann Arbor by 29%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Income taxes are 213% higher in California than in Michigan. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Ann Arbor and San Diego, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Ann Arbor | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $158.05 | $277.55 |
| Cell phone plan | $48.64 | $66.79 |
| Dozen eggs | $2.70 | $5.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.60 | $4.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $21.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $44.00 | $65.68 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Ann Arbor than in San Diego, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Ann Arbor than in San Diego.
- Eggs are less expensive in Ann Arbor than in San Diego.
- Bread costs less in Ann Arbor than in San Diego.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Ann Arbor than in San Diego.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Ann Arbor than in San Diego.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Ann Arbor than in San Diego.
How life is different in Ann Arbor vs. San Diego
| Ann Arbor | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 123,851 | 1,386,932 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 52 | 53 |
| Bike friendliness score | 71 | 43 |
| Crime index | 31.0 | 39.83 |
| Safety index | 79.18 | 60.17 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- San Diego’s population is about 1020% greater than Ann Arbor.
- San Diego’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Ann Arbor’s score of 7.
- San Diego and Ann Arbor are similarly walkable.
- San Diego has a bike-friendliness score of 43 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Ann Arbor, which has a score of 71.
- San Diego’s crime rate is higher than Ann Arbor with a score of 39.83 compared to Ann Arbor’s 31.0. This means that San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0%.
- San Diego is considered to be less safe than Ann Arbor with a score of 60.17 vs Ann Arbor’s 79.18.
- Air quality in San Diego is Moderate, and in Ann Arbor it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Ann Arbor to San Diego move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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 check the status of a California moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in California, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to San Diego without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover 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
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, it’s the perfect time to explore San Diego. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in San Diego include museums and art centers like the USS Midway Museum, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Maritime Museum of San Diego, and San Diego Air & Space Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate La Jolla Cove, Balboa Park, La Jolla Shores Park, and Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an San Diego Padres (MLB)San Diego Gulls (AHL)San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor to San Diego?
When is the cheapest time to move from Ann Arbor to San Diego?
How long does a move from Ann Arbor to San Diego take?
How many movers in Ann Arbor can handle specialty items for my move to San Diego?
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