Quick answer: A move from Albany to San Diego costs $2,035–$8,733 and takes seven to 21 days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 2,834-mile move yourself.

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

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Best Movers By Type

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Best Professional Movers from Albany to San Diego

Choosing a long-distance moving company in Albany to go to San Diego can be overwhelming. With so many options, it's hard to know which movers to trust… and which ones to avoid.

Don't worry — you won't have to sort through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed down the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Safeway Moving
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
American Van Lines
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans

How we chose the best moving companies for your NY to CA movetoggle

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 121 New York movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

Find trusted moving companies for your Albany to San Diego journey

Organizing a move from Albany to San Diego can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. The choices are vast, but which ones stand out?

We've done the groundwork for you, evaluating local movers in Albany known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.

Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Albany to San Diego.

  1. Mabey's Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  2. Clark Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  3. Don's Moving & Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
  4. Arnoff Moving & Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
  5. All-Ways Moving & Storage Co: 4.38 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/mabeys/, https://twitter.com/mabeysmoving?lang=en
93% of all reviews were positive
7% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Mabey's Moving & Storage stands out with an impressive 92.5% positive feedback from 254 reviews, setting a high bar for moving companies. Customers consistently describe the staff as professional, respectful, and attentive, praising the team's careful handling of belongings and efficient work ethic. Many highlight smooth communication, quick processes from booking to move day, and successful management of complex or long-distance moves.
Most clients recommend Mabey's without hesitation, citing reliable estimates and stress-free experiences as major strengths. Negative input, making up about 7% of feedback, points to issues like damaged items, discrepancies in final costs versus estimates, and communication shortfalls in rare cases. Complaints sometimes reference insurance limitations or mishandling claims. A single neutral review notes both prompt reimbursements and delays during delivery. Compared to typical industry standards, Mabey’s earns stronger praise for care, politeness, and problem resolution, though accurate cost estimation remains an area for improvement. The company's reputation for professionalism and reliability is consistently reinforced by customer input.
Show more
Get a Quote (518) 283-0017

Company Info

State license #: 623

Years in Business: 68

DOT #: 125550


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
https://www.facebook.com/clarkmovingandstorage/, https://twitter.com/clarkmovinginc?lang=en
82% of all reviews were positive
17% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Clark Moving & Storage stands out for delivering reliable results and excellent service, supported by feedback from 81 reviews with over 81% positive ratings. Customers consistently praise their professional and polite staff, careful handling, efficiency, and quick moving process. Many highly recommend the company for making stressful moves feel smooth and straightforward.
Numerous reviewers note clear communication, organized packing, and affordable pricing compared to other moving companies. Some even highlight the movers’ thorough preparation and respect for customers’ belongings. On the downside, less than one in five reviewers cite problems such as damaged items, unexpected charges, or lack of communication. Negative input describes instances where items were broken or missing, or costs changed without warning. By comparison, Clark Moving & Storage regularly delivers a higher level of care and professionalism than most moving companies in the region, though a few dissatisfied customers experienced avoidable setbacks. Clark is a strong option for quality moving services, with overwhelmingly positive feedback and only minor recurring problems.
Show more
Get a Quote (518) 370-4100

Company Info

State license #: 37553

Years in Business: 31

DOT #: 125563

Alternate Names: Clark Moving and Storage, Clark Moving and Storage of Albany


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/DonsMovers/,
95% of all reviews were positive
5% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Don's Moving & Storage scores high marks from customers, with nearly 95% of input expressing satisfaction. Clients single out the team's efficient service, professionalism, careful handling of items, quick moves, and a positive, friendly staff as defining traits. Movers consistently offer supportive care during stressful transitions and make a point of being courteous and respectful.
Negative feedback, in contrast, centers largely on unexpected or high final costs, occasional damage to items, and rare instances of unprofessional or dismissive behavior. Communication around pricing and damage claims draws the most frequent complaints. Compared to competitors, Don’s stands out for reliability, speed, and a personable touch, though clients recommend clarifying terms in advance for the smoothest results. With over 250 positive reviews, most customers consider Don’s a top choice for moving in the region.
Show more
Get a Quote (518) 492-1041

Company Info

State license #: 1462

Years in Business: 75

DOT #: 134890


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • DOD certified
https://www.facebook.com/ArnoffMoving/,
64% of all reviews were positive
34% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Arnoff Moving & Storage stands out for its consistently professional, courteous staff, efficient moving teams, and excellent care in handling belongings—earning praise in nearly two-thirds of the 238 customer feedback items reviewed. Customers frequently commend their strong communication, punctual crews, and smooth, quick-moving experiences. People highlight Arnoff’s attention to detail, competitive pricing, and a willingness to answer questions or resolve logistical challenges, often noting how their movers made stressful moves less overwhelming. Yet, nearly one in three customers report serious complaints, with the chief frustrations being damaged or lost items, lengthy delivery delays, and poor follow-up when problems arise.
Reports include mishandling of valuable furniture, missed scheduling windows, and a lack of responsiveness from support staff. A few critics point to problems with insurance claims for damage or missing property, suggesting performance can be inconsistent, especially for large or high-value moves. Compared to similar moving companies, Arnoff generally exceeds expectations for professionalism and efficiency, but the risk of communication breakdowns and damaged goods appears higher than average. Prospective customers seeking attentive and careful handling will likely be pleased, but those with complex, valuable shipments should confirm all details ahead and document any special requirements.
Show more
Get a Quote (518) 463-5525

Company Info

State license #: 35196

Years in Business: 99

DOT #: 1566123

Alternate Names: Arnoff Moving & Storage (poughkeepsie, Ny)


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by cash
  • Deposit Required
  • DOD certified
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063654004220, https://twitter.com/MarybethArcham4
97% of all reviews were positive
3% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers rave about All-Ways Moving & Storage Co, consistently praising their professionalism, efficient service, and fast-moving crews. Nearly all customer input is positive, with 97% giving glowing feedback out of 62 reviews. Clients highlight good communication, quick moving processes, and highly recommend the staff for moves big and small.
The team’s attention to detail, careful handling, and flexible approach set them apart from other moving companies, especially when accommodating date changes or special requests. Some customer input shines a light on billing often coming in below initial estimates and on the team’s respectful handling of property. On the downside, a small portion of feedback points to concerns with inaccurate estimates, occasional communication breakdowns, and isolated incidents of damage to belongings. Unlike many competitors, All-Ways Moving has a reputation for exceeding expectations and building trust, making them a go-to choice for stress-free relocations.
Show more
Get a Quote (413) 499-1577

Company Info

Years in Business: 46

DOT #: 55254

Alternate Names: AllWays Moving, Inc.


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card

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

Albany movers charge $115 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,458 - $5,957 $1,694 - $4,534 $1,996 - $3,644
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,572 - $8,733 $3,257 - $6,282 $2,035 - $4,520
4+ bedrooms $8,434 - $13,532 $4,496 - $8,663 $2,788 - $5,660
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,834 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.

Cost to hire movers from New York to California

Planning a move from New York to California? For a studio or one-bedroom, you'll likely pay between $1,458 and $5,957. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $4,572 and $8,733 for the same journey (NY to CA). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $8,434 to $13,532.

Cost of moving containers from New York to California

If you're relocating from New York to California, you'll typically spend between $1,694 and $4,534 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $3,257 up to $6,282. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $4,496 and $8,663. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from New York.

Cost of moving truck rentals from New York to California

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,996 to $3,644. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $2,035 to $4,520, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from New York to California costs around $2,788 to $5,660.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

Factors that influence moving costs from Albany to San Diegotoggle

The cost of Albany movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Albany to San Diego can be as low as $1,458 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $12,771.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Albany so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,996 to $5,161. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Albany to San Diego

Moving from Albany to San Diego comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since San Diego is generally more expensive than Albany, it'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:

Albany San Diego
Average rent cost $1,450 $2,881
Average home value $281,584 $1,003,444
Average income (per capita) $66,546 $72,963
Cost of living (single person) $1,801 $3,346
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,205 $7,719
Unemployment rate 7.1% 6.6%
Sales tax 8.0% 7.75%
State income tax 10.9% 13.3%
  • You may want to budget more for rent in San Diego, since prices are typically 99% higher than in Albany.
  • The home prices in San Diego are 256.4% higher than in Albany, 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, 9.6% higher than in Albany. 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 85.8% higher than in Albany. 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 83.6% higher than in Albany.
  • The unemployment rate in San Diego is 7.04% lower than in Albany.
  • You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in San Diego, since the city's sales taxes in San Diego are 3.13% lower than in Albany.
  • State income taxes in San Diego are 22.02% higher than in Albany.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,573.57 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Albany.

How life is different in Albany vs. San Diego

San Diego Albany
Population 1,386,932 99,224
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 8
Walkability score 53 65
Bike friendliness score 43 55
Crime Index 39.83 10.0
Safety Index 60.17 49.65
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • The population of San Diego is about 1,298% greater than Albany, 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 Albany. San Diego has a public transportation score of 6 out of 10, whereas Albany is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a city'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 Albany. Based on its score of 53 out of 100, San Diego isn't as walkable as Albany, which has a score of 65 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 won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in San Diego, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Albany. While Albany has a bike-friendliness score of 55 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 Albany, 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 10.0 in Albany. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
  • You might find more confidence in your overall safety in San Diego than in Albany, based on San Diego's safety index of 60.17 versus 49.65 for Albany. 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 Albany, 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 Albany 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 Albany 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: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: While California doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to San Diego without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in San Diego

Now that you'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

After getting comfortable in your new California home, it's time to see what San Diego is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:

  • 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 city's La Jolla Cove, Balboa Park, La Jolla Shores Park, and Sunset Cliffs Natural Park — among other spots — 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 Albany to San Diego?

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Albany to San Diego. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Albany.

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

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Albany to San Diego moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Albany to San Diego take?

Covering 2,834 miles, the move from Albany, NY to San Diego, CA typically takes seven to 21 days. Some Albany movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in San Diego can help bridge the gap.

Helpful moving resources