Key factors that impact the cost of your Fargo to San Diego move
What to know before moving from Fargo to San Diego
Moving from Fargo to San Diego comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since San Diego is generally more expensive than Fargo, itโs 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:
Fargo | San Diego | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,055 | $2,881 |
Average home value | $287,548 | $1,003,444 |
Average income (per capita) | $59,493 | $72,963 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,566 | $3,346 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,299 | $7,719 |
Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 6.6% |
Sales tax | 7.5% | 7.75% |
State income tax | 2.9% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in San Diego are 173% higher than in Fargo, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Fargo.
Home prices in San Diego are 249.0% higher than in Fargo. - Income in San Diego is 22.6% higher than in Fargo, 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 113.7% higher than in Fargo. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre 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 134.0% higher than in Fargo.
- The unemployment rate in San Diego is 83.33% higher than in Fargo.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in San Diego, since the cityโs sales taxes in San Diego are 3.33% higher than in Fargo.
- State income taxes in San Diego are 358.62% higher than in Fargo.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $6,409.96 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Fargo.
How life is different in Fargo vs. San Diego
San Diego | Fargo | |
---|---|---|
Population | 1,386,932 | 125,990 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 4 |
Walkability score | 53 | 45 |
Bike friendliness score | 43 | 49 |
Crime Index | 39.83 | 8.0 |
Safety Index | 60.17 | 56.17 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- The population of San Diego is about 1,001% greater than Fargo, 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 Fargo, based on public transportation ratings. San Diego has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 4 in Fargo. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in San Diego means youโll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Fargo. San Diego is considered more walkable than Fargo, with a score of 53 out of 100 versus 45 out of 100 in Fargo. A cityโs walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- You probably wonโt see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in San Diego, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Fargo. While Fargo has a bike-friendliness score of 49 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 Fargo, 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 8.0 in Fargo. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโs crime levels.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in San Diego than in Fargo, based on San Diegoโs safety index of 60.17 versus 56.17 for Fargo. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in San Diego isnโt as good as it is in Fargo, 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 Fargo 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 Fargo 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโsome areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โT Numberโ 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in California, though it\โs smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toSan Diego Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.Opt for Released Value Protection โ 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in San Diego
Now that youโve chosen "America's Finest City" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in San Diego to check out.
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
After settling into your new California home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, San Diego has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- 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 cityโs La Jolla Cove, Balboa Park, La Jolla Shores Park, and Sunset Cliffs Natural Park โ among other sites โ 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.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Fargo to San Diego?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Fargo to San Diego are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Fargo are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Fargo to San Diego?
With many people choosing to move from Fargo to San Diego in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Fargo to San Diego take?
Moving from Fargo, ND to San Diego, CA covers 1,865 miles and usually takes five to 16 days. Need to move faster? Some Fargo movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in San Diego.