Top Raleigh, NC to San Diego, CA Movers

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from San Diego to Raleigh guide.

1. Athens Moving Experts: 4.8 out of 5 stars
2. Little Guys Movers : 4.66 out of 5 stars
3. Bellhop Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
4. Excel Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
5. Miracle Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from North Carolina to California

If you're packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from North Carolina to California, you can expect prices to land between $1,447 and $6,310. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $4,223 to $8,781 for the trip from NC to CA. If you're moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you're likely looking at a price tag between $8,105 and $14,434.

Cost of moving containers from North Carolina to California

Moving from North Carolina to California? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $1,611 and $4,009. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,921 to $5,892. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,981 up to $8,345. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from North Carolina.

Cost of moving truck rentals from North Carolina to California

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, 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 $1,755 and $3,568. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,842 to $4,165. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $2,449 and $4,810.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

• You may want to budget more for rent in San Diego, since prices are typically 73% higher than in Raleigh.
• The home prices in San Diego are 132.4% higher than in Raleigh, 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, 2,736.8% higher than in Raleigh. Major employers in San Diego include United States Navy, University of California, San Diego, and Sharp HealthCare.
• Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in San Diego. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 44.9% lower than in Raleigh.
• 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 27.0% higher than in Raleigh.
• The unemployment rate in San Diego is 53.49% higher than in Raleigh.
• Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in San Diego, since its sales taxes are 6.90% higher than what you are paying in Raleigh.
• State income taxes in San Diego are 195.56% higher than in Raleigh.

• The population of San Diego is about 197% greater than Raleigh, 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 Raleigh, based on public transportation ratings. San Diego has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 4 in Raleigh. 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 Raleigh. San Diego is considered more walkable than Raleigh, with a score of 53 out of 100 versus 31 out of 100 in Raleigh. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
• If cycling is your thing, San Diego is considered more bike-friendly than Raleigh in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. San Diego has a bike-friendliness score of 43 out of 100, while Raleigh is rated as 39 out of 100.
• You can anticipate the same crime rate in San Diego as Raleigh. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80–100.
• San Diego is generally as safe as Raleigh, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
• The air quality in San Diego and Raleigh is generally the same (Moderate). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

• 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.

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

Once you're settled into your new home in California, it's time to get out and discover what San Diego has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:

• 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.