Top Albuquerque, NM to San Diego, CA Movers

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

1. Albuquerque NM Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
2. Johnson Storage & Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from New Mexico to California

If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom home from New Mexico to California, you can expect to spend between $1,501 and $4,880. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,648 to $7,053 on the same route (NM to CA). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from New Mexico to California typically runs between $4,792 and $9,839.

Cost of moving containers from New Mexico to California

When you're heading from New Mexico to California, and you're only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $861 and $2,045. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,565 and $3,044. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,016 to $3,845. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from New Mexico easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from New Mexico 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 $621 and $1,191. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $670 to $1,319. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $864 and $1,566.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

• You may want to budget more for rent in San Diego, since prices are typically 131% higher than in Albuquerque.
• The home prices in San Diego are 204.4% higher than in Albuquerque, 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, 18.6% higher than in Albuquerque. Major 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 58.5% higher than in Albuquerque. 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 44.2% higher than in Albuquerque.
• The unemployment rate in San Diego is 10.81% lower than in Albuquerque.
• Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in San Diego, since its sales taxes are 1.57% higher than what you are paying in Albuquerque.
• State income taxes in San Diego are 125.42% higher than in Albuquerque.

• The population of San Diego is about 146% greater than Albuquerque, 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 Albuquerque, based on public transportation ratings. San Diego has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 5 in Albuquerque. 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 Albuquerque. San Diego is considered more walkable than Albuquerque, with a score of 53 out of 100 versus 43 out of 100 in Albuquerque. 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 Albuquerque. While Albuquerque has a bike-friendliness score of 61 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.
• San Diego has a lower crime rate than Albuquerque based on scores of 39.83 and Albuquerque's 71.72, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
• You might find more confidence in your overall safety in San Diego than in Albuquerque, based on San Diego's safety index of 60.17 versus 28.28 for Albuquerque. 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 isn't as good as it is in Albuquerque, 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 Albuquerque 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.

• 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 regulations—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 “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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: You can verify a California moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in California, though it'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 to San 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 – 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.

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: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout San Diego, such as 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 — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
• Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an San Diego Padres (MLB), San Diego Gulls (AHL), or San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship) game.