$1,414 Movers from Raleigh to San Diego

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Raleigh, NC to San Diego, CA averages from $1,780 to $8,400 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself. Hiring movers will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or renting a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to San Diego, CA. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

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

Moving From Raleigh to San Diego

Moving 2,545 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The Best Raleigh to San Diego Moving Companies

Hiring a moving company is a big deal.

We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.

If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
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(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 15% discounts
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(855) 929-4120

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
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(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
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(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
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(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to move from Raleigh to San Diego?

Here are average prices to hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck:

Move Size Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,414 - $5,855 $1,542 - $3,835 $1,644 - $3,183
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,082 - $8,400 $2,738 - $5,695 $1,780 - $3,790
4+ bedrooms $7,674 - $13,003 $3,770 - $7,744 $2,250 - $4,649
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,545 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 Raleigh to San Diego will depend on:

  • Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
  • Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Raleigh to San Diego?

To ship furniture from Raleigh to San Diego with a mover will cost between $1,414 to $5,855. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home will range from $4,082 to $8,400, and a 4-bedroom move or bigger move from Raleigh to San Diego will cost from $7,674 to $13,003.

How much are moving container companies from Raleigh to San Diego?

Moving containers from Raleigh to San Diego will cost you $1,542 to $3,835 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,738 to $5,695. A larger home will cost $3,770 to $7,744.

How much is a moving truck from Raleigh to San Diego?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,644 to $3,183. A larger move will cost $1,780 to $3,790, and a 4+ bedroom move from Raleigh to San Diego costs from $2,250 to $4,649.

Pros and Cons of Moving from Raleigh, NC to San Diego, CA

Cost of Living: Raleigh vs San Diego

Raleigh San Diego
Average rent cost $1,156 $2,374
Average home value $412,599 $944,228
Average income (per capita) $59,492 $66,995
Cost of Living (single person) $894 $1,028
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,187 $3,686
Unemployment rate 4.3% 7.0%
Sales Tax 7.25% 7.75%
State Income Tax 5.25% 13.3%
  • Rent Prices in San Diego, CA are 105% higher than in Raleigh, NC.
  • Home Prices in San Diego, CA are 128.8% higher than in Raleigh, NC.
  • Income in San Diego, CA is 12.6% higher than in Raleigh, NC.
  • Cost of Living for a single person in San Diego, CA is 15.0% higher than in Raleigh, NC.
  • Cost of Living for a family in San Diego, CA is 15.7% higher than in Raleigh, NC.
  • Unemployment rate in San Diego, CA is 62.79% higher than in Raleigh, NC.
  • Sales Taxes in San Diego, CA are 6.90% higher than in Raleigh, NC.
  • State Income Taxes in San Diego, CA are 153.33% higher than in Raleigh, NC.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,550.3 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Raleigh.

How is life different in Raleigh, NC to San Diego, CA?

San Diego Raleigh
Population 1,386,932 467,665
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 4
Walkability score 53 31
Bike friendliness score 43 39
Crime Index 21.98 25.49
Safety Index 62.95 64.89
Air Quality Moderate Moderate
  • San Diego’s population is about 197% greater than Raleigh.
  • San Diego’s public transportation is not as good as Raleigh with a score of 6 vs 4.
  • San Diego is more walkable than Raleigh with a score of 53 vs 31.
  • San Diego is more bike-friendly than Raleigh with a score of 43 vs 39.
  • San Diego's crime rate is lower than Raleigh with a score of 21.98 compared to 25.49.
  • San Diego is considered to be less safe than Raleigh with a score of 62.95 vs 64.89.
  • Air Quality in San Diego is Moderate, and in Raleigh it’s Moderate.

Considerations for moving to San Diego, CA

  • 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 on the state regulator's official website.
  • 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 forward to San Diego. Get started here.
  • Moving Company Insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving Checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.

Local Raleigh Movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Athens Moving Experts Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.86 overall rating
6601 Hillsborough St, Suite 111, Raleigh, NC, 27606
(919) 760-7774
Excel Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.66 overall rating
2612 Discovery Dr, Raleigh, NC, 27616
(919) 213-6694

Visit our Best Movers in Raleigh page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in San Diego, CA

Now that you've decided to make the move to "America's Finest City", these are the best neighborhoods in San Diego to move to.

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

Moving to The “America's Finest City”? 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 Raleigh to San Diego

When is the best time to move from Raleigh to San Diego?

The best time to move from Raleigh 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 Raleigh to San Diego?

Because most people are moving from Raleigh to San Diego in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on getting discounts on moving services to learn more.

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