($1,697) Movers From Missoula, MT to San Diego, CA

What to know before moving from Missoula to San Diego

Moving from Missoula to San Diego comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since San Diego is generally more expensive than Missoula, 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:

• Rent prices in San Diego are 118% higher than in Missoula, 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 Missoula.
  Home prices in San Diego are 84.3% higher than in Missoula.
• Income in San Diego is 23.3% higher than in Missoula, 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 66.4% higher than in Missoula. 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 32.4% higher than in Missoula.
• The unemployment rate in San Diego is 50.00% higher than in Missoula.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in San Diego, since the city’s sales taxes in San Diego are 7.75% higher than in Missoula.
• State income taxes in San Diego are 97.04% higher than in Missoula.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,991.55 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Missoula.

How life is different in Missoula vs. San Diego

• The population of San Diego is about 1,684% greater than Missoula, 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.
• San Diego offers better access to buses and trains than Missoula, based on public transportation ratings. San Diego has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 5 in Missoula. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
• Living in San Diego means you’ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Missoula. San Diego is considered more walkable than Missoula, with a score of 53 out of 100 versus 45 out of 100 in Missoula. A city’s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
• You probably won’t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in San Diego, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Missoula. While Missoula has a bike-friendliness score of 60 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.
• The crime rate in San Diego is higher than in Missoula, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 39.83 in San Diego, it is 33.27 in Missoula. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city’s crime levels.
• You may want to exercise more caution as you’re getting used to your new surroundings in San Diego. With a crime index of 60.17, San Diego ranks lower in overall safety than Missoula, whose index is Missoula's 66.73. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
• The air quality in San Diego isn’t as good as it is in Missoula, 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 Missoula 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 Missoula 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