Moving from Buffalo, NY to San Diego, CA: Movers and Cost

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Buffalo, NY to San Diego, CA averages from $1,593 to $7,829 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself. Hiring movers will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or renting a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to San Diego, CA. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

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

Moving 2,549 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

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

Here are average prices to hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck:

Move Size Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,318 - $5,457 $1,380 - $3,431 $1,471 - $2,848
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,805 - $7,829 $2,450 - $5,096 $1,593 - $3,391
4+ bedrooms $7,153 - $12,119 $3,373 - $6,929 $2,013 - $4,160

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,549 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.

The cost to move from Buffalo to San Diego will depend on:

  • Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
  • Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.

How Much do Movers Cost?

Get instant ballpark pricing. No email or phone required. It's fast, free, and easy.

Get instant ballpark pricing It's fast, easy, and free

Get instant ballpark pricing. Fast, easy, and free

Who Are The Best Buffalo to San Diego Movers?

Hiring a moving company is a big deal.

We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.

If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.

Company Quote Rating Price
Safeway Moving
Best Overall Value
Get A Quote
     
4.5 overall rating
American Van Lines
American Van Lines
Best industry reputation
Get A Quote
     
4.5 overall rating
International Van Lines
International Van Lines
Best customer service
Get A Quote
     
4.45 overall rating

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Buffalo to San Diego?

To ship furniture from Buffalo to San Diego with a mover will cost between $1,318 to $5,457. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home will range from $3,805 to $7,829, and a 4-bedroom move or bigger move from Buffalo to San Diego will cost from $7,153 to $12,119.

How much are moving container companies from Buffalo to San Diego?

Moving containers from Buffalo to San Diego will cost you $1,380 to $3,431 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,450 to $5,096. A larger home will cost $3,373 to $6,929.

How much is a moving truck from Buffalo to San Diego?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,471 to $2,848. A larger move will cost $1,593 to $3,391, and a 4+ bedroom move from Buffalo to San Diego costs from $2,013 to $4,160.

How to ship a car from Buffalo to San Diego

Now that you've picked from the top movers for your belongings, it's time to choose an experienced and reputable Buffalo to San Diego car shipper.

Just like booking a reputable mover, professional car shippers will apply know-how and experience to make sure that your car makes it unscathed during this long-distance move.

Company Quote Rating Price
     
5 overall rating
Ship a Car Direct
     
4.75 overall rating
Easy Auto Ship Logo
     
4.5 overall rating

The type of transport you choose and the size of the vehicle will influence the final price of shipping your car. Learn more about car shipping costs.

Is moving from Buffalo, NY to San Diego, CA a good idea?

Cost of Living: Buffalo vs San Diego

Buffalo San Diego
Average rent cost $1,050 $2,374
Average home value $214,262 $944,228
Average income (per capita) $61,042 $66,995
Cost of Living (single person) $1,022 $1,028
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,645 $3,686
Unemployment rate 9.5% 7.0%
Sales Tax 8.75% 7.75%
State Income Tax 10.9% 13.3%
  • Rent Prices in San Diego, CA are 126% higher than in Buffalo, NY.
  • Home Prices in San Diego, CA are 340.7% higher than in Buffalo, NY.
  • Income in San Diego, CA is 9.8% higher than in Buffalo, NY.
  • Cost of Living for a single person is the same in San Diego, CA and Buffalo, NY.
  • Cost of Living for a family in San Diego, CA is 1.1% higher than in Buffalo, NY.
  • Unemployment rate in San Diego, CA is 26.32% lower than in Buffalo, NY.
  • Sales Taxes in San Diego, CA are 11.43% lower than in Buffalo, NY.
  • State Income Taxes in San Diego, CA are 22.02% higher than in Buffalo, NY.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,982.4 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Buffalo.

How is life different in Buffalo, NY to San Diego, CA?

San Diego Buffalo
Population 1,386,932 278,349
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 7
Walkability score 53 67
Bike friendliness score 43 63
Crime Index 21.98 8.0
Safety Index 62.95 53.55
Air Quality Moderate Moderate
  • San Diego’s population is about 398% greater than Buffalo.
  • San Diego’s public transportation is not as good as Buffalo with a score of 6 vs 7.
  • San Diego is less walkable than Buffalo with a score of 53 vs 67.
  • San Diego is less bike-friendly than Buffalo with a score of 43 vs 63.
  • San Diego's crime rate is higher than Buffalo with a score of 21.98 compared to 8.0.
  • San Diego is considered to be safer than Buffalo with a safety index of 62.95 vs 53.55.
  • Air Quality in San Diego is Moderate, and in Buffalo it’s Moderate.

Considerations for moving to San Diego, CA

  • 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator Reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of Address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to San Diego. Get started here.
  • Moving Company Insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving Checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.

Local Buffalo Movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Wayfinder Moving Services Get A Quote      
4.52 overall rating
75 Comet Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14216
(716) 832-6683
Diamond Moving & Storage, Inc. Get A Quote      
4.38 overall rating
1440 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14209
(716) 710-6640
Two Men and a Truck Get A Quote      
4.38 overall rating
364 Nagel Drive, Cheektowaga, NY, 14225
(716) 245-4275

Visit our Best Movers in Buffalo page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in San Diego, CA

Now that you've decided to make the move to "America's Finest City", these are the best neighborhoods in San Diego to move to.

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

What to do in San Diego

Moving to The “America's Finest City”? These are some of the best things to do in your new California home.

  • San Diego Zoo
  • The Botanical Building and the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden (Balboa Park)
  • SeaWorld San Diego
  • USS Midway Museum
  • Gaslamp Quarter
  • Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
  • La Jolla Cove and Seal Rock
  • Legoland
  • Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
  • Coronado Island
  • North Park
  • Hang-gliding and Paragliding Tours
  • Seaport Village
  • Belmont Park
  • Pacific Beach
  • Liberty Public Market
  • Cabrillo National Monument
  • Mexican Food
  • Mission San Diego de Alcala
  • Museum of US (Balboa Park)
  • UCSD Stuart Art Collection
  • San Diego Central Library
  • Torrey Pines State Reserve
  • Maritime Museum of San Diego
  • Grant Hill Park

Get your sports on!

San Diego is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • San Diego Padres (MLB)
  • San Diego Gulls (AHL)
  • San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship)

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