Key factors that impact the cost of your Jersey City to San Diego movetoggle

The cost of Jersey City movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Jersey City to San Diego (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,407, while larger moves may reach $12,332 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Jersey City.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,764 to $4,750, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Jersey City to San Diego

Moving from Jersey City to San Diego means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Jersey City than in San Diego, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Jersey City compares to San Diego so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Jersey City San Diego
Average rent cost $2,975 $2,881
Average home value $589,419 $1,003,444
Average income (per capita) $75,265 $72,963
Cost of living (single person) $4,397 $3,346
Cost of living (family of 4) $9,861 $7,719
Unemployment rate 8.3% 6.6%
Sales tax 6.63% 7.75%
State income tax 10.7% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in San Diego are 3% lower than in Jersey City, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Jersey City.
    Home prices in San Diego are 70.2% higher than in Jersey City.
  • Income in San Diego is 3.1% lower than in Jersey City, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in San Diego include United States Navy, University of California, San Diego, and Sharp HealthCare.
  • The cost of living for a single person in San Diego is 23.9% lower than in Jersey City. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in San Diego is 21.7% lower than in Jersey City.
  • The unemployment rate in San Diego is 20.48% lower than in Jersey City.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in San Diego, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in San Diego are 16.89% higher than in Jersey City.
  • State income taxes in San Diego are 24.30% higher than in Jersey City.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,282.92 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Jersey City.

How life is different in Jersey City vs. San Diego

San Diego Jersey City
Population 1,386,932 292,449
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 9
Walkability score 53 87
Bike friendliness score 43 64
Crime Index 39.83 43.21
Safety Index 60.17 56.79
Air Quality Moderate Moderate
  • The population of San Diego is about 374% greater than Jersey City, 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.
  • Getting around San Diego without a car might be more difficult than in Jersey City. San Diego has a public transportation score of 6 out of 10, whereas Jersey City is ranked 9. Ratings are based on a cityโ€™s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • San Diego neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Jersey City. Based on its score of 53 out of 100, San Diego isnโ€™t as walkable as Jersey City, which has a score of 87 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
  • You probably wonโ€™t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in San Diego, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Jersey City. While Jersey City has a bike-friendliness score of 64 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.
  • You can anticipate the same crime rate in San Diego as Jersey City. 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 80โ€“100.
  • San Diego is generally as safe as Jersey City, 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 Jersey City 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.

Other things to consider for your Jersey City 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 regulationsโ€”some 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 โ€œT 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\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in California, though it\โ€™s 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 youโ€™ve 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

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in California, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what San Diego has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: San Diego features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 cityโ€™s La Jolla Cove, Balboa Park, La Jolla Shores Park, and Sunset Cliffs Natural Park โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during 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 Jersey City to San Diego?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Jersey City to San Diego are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Jersey City are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Jersey City to San Diego?

With many people choosing to move from Jersey City 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 Jersey City to San Diego take?

Moving from Jersey City, NJ to San Diego, CA covers 2,756 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days. Need to move faster? Some Jersey City movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in San Diego.

Helpful moving resources