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

The cost of Reno movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Reno to San Diego (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,475, while larger moves may reach $8,025 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 Reno.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $512 to $1,344, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Reno to San Diego

Moving from Reno to San Diego comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since San Diego is generally more expensive than Reno, itโ€™s 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:

Reno San Diego
Average rent cost $1,700 $2,881
Average home value $523,662 $1,003,444
Average income (per capita) $66,486 $72,963
Cost of living (single person) $2,122 $3,346
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,887 $7,719
Unemployment rate 4.6% 6.6%
Sales tax 8.27% 7.75%
State income tax 0.0% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in San Diego are 70% higher than in Reno, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Reno.
    Home prices in San Diego are 91.6% higher than in Reno.
  • Income in San Diego is 9.7% higher than in Reno, 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 57.7% higher than in Reno. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™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 57.9% higher than in Reno.
  • The unemployment rate in San Diego is 43.48% higher than in Reno.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in San Diego, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in San Diego are 6.29% lower than in Reno.
  • State income taxes in San Diego are 13.30% higher than in Reno.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,730.44 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Reno.

How life is different in Reno vs. San Diego

San Diego Reno
Population 1,386,932 264,165
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 4
Walkability score 53 40
Bike friendliness score 43 52
Crime Index 39.83 46.26
Safety Index 60.17 53.74
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • The population of San Diego is about 425% greater than Reno, 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 Reno, based on public transportation ratings. San Diego has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 4 in Reno. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in San Diego means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Reno. San Diego is considered more walkable than Reno, with a score of 53 out of 100 versus 40 out of 100 in Reno. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • You probably wonโ€™t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in San Diego, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Reno. While Reno has a bike-friendliness score of 52 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 Reno based on scores of 39.83 and Reno's 46.26, 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 Reno, based on San Diegoโ€™s safety index of 60.17 versus 53.74 for Reno. 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 isnโ€™t as good as it is in Reno, 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 Reno 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 Reno 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

Now that you've made the move to California, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore San Diego. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™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 cityโ€™s La Jolla Cove, Balboa Park, La Jolla Shores Park, and Sunset Cliffs Natural Park โ€” 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.

FAQ

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

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Reno to San Diego?

With many people choosing to move from Reno 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 Reno to San Diego take?

Moving from Reno, NV to San Diego, CA covers 562 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Reno movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in San Diego.

Helpful moving resources