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.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Labor Only
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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
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your NY to CA move
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.
- Mabey's Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Clark Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Don's Moving & Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Arnoff Moving & Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- All-Ways Moving & Storage Co: 4.38 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 623
Years in Business: 68
DOT #: 125550
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
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
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
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
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 |
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 Diego
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.