Quick answer: A move from Rochester to San Diego costs $2,048–$8,542 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 2,618-mile move yourself.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from San Diego to Rochester guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from Rochester to San Diego
Choosing a long-distance mover for your move from Rochester to San Diego can be tough. With so many options, it's hard to know which companies you can actually trust.
Skip the hassle of endless research — we've narrowed down the top choices for you. We picked these movers based on real reviews, competitive pricing, and the variety of services they offer.
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
Local movers servicing Rochester to San Diego moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Rochester that also provides long-distance services to San Diego can feel overwhelming. Many companies make similar promises, but not all live up to them.
That's where we come in — we've analyzed local movers in Rochester who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Rochester to San Diego.
- Sheridan Brothers Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Corrigan Moving Systems: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Interior Moving Services Inc: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Clark Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.2 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 34026
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 2256609
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 779
Years in Business: 100
DOT #: 77949
Alternate Names: Corrigan Moving Systems - New York, LLC, Corrigan Moving & Storage, United Van Lines a/k/a Corrigan Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 32014
Years in Business: 32
DOT #: 1498819
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 10965
Years in Business: 40
DOT #: 125563
Alternate Names: Clark Mayflower, Mayflower Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 40835
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Rochester to San Diego?
Rochester movers charge $216 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 | $1,462 - $5,914 | $1,608 - $4,126 | $1,782 - $3,663 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,311 - $8,542 | $2,854 - $6,569 | $2,048 - $4,068 |
4+ bedrooms | $7,792 - $13,358 | $4,221 - $8,771 | $2,438 - $5,401 |
Cost to hire movers from New York to California
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from New York to California will cost between $1,462 and $5,914. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from NY to CA will range from $4,311 to $8,542, and a large move from New York to California will cost from $7,792 to $13,358.
Cost of moving containers from New York to California
Moving containers from New York to California will cost you $1,608 to $4,126 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,854 to $6,569. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $4,221 to $8,771. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of New York.
Cost of moving truck rentals from New York to California
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you'll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you're moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,782 and $3,663. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $2,048 and $4,068. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $2,438 and $5,401.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that influence moving costs from Rochester to San Diego
What to know before moving from Rochester to San Diego
Moving from Rochester to San Diego comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since San Diego is generally more expensive than Rochester, 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:
Rochester | San Diego | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,250 | $2,881 |
Average home value | $200,576 | $1,003,444 |
Average income (per capita) | $64,214 | $72,963 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,274 | $3,346 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,921 | $7,719 |
Unemployment rate | 9.8% | 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 131% higher than in Rochester.
- The home prices in San Diego are 400.3% higher than in Rochester, 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, 13.6% higher than in Rochester. 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 47.1% higher than in Rochester. 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 56.9% higher than in Rochester.
- The unemployment rate in San Diego is 32.65% lower than in Rochester.
- 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 Rochester.
- State income taxes in San Diego are 22.02% higher than in Rochester.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,414.25 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Rochester.
How life is different in Rochester vs. San Diego
San Diego | Rochester | |
---|---|---|
Population | 1,386,932 | 211,328 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 6 |
Walkability score | 53 | 61 |
Bike friendliness score | 43 | 60 |
Crime Index | 39.83 | 37.54 |
Safety Index | 60.17 | 36.66 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- San Diego's population is about 556% greater than Rochester.
- San Diego's public transportation has a similar score to Rochester.
- San Diego is less walkable than Rochester with a score of 53 out of 100 vs Rochester's 61 out of 100.
- San Diego has a bike-friendliness score 43 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Rochester, which has a score of 60 out of 100.
- San Diego and Rochester have a similar crime rate.
- San Diego is considered to be safer than Rochester with a safety index of 60.17 vs Rochester's 36.66.
- Air quality in San Diego is moderate, and in Rochester it's good.
Other things to consider for your Rochester 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: California doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to San Diego. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in San Diego
Ready to relocate to America's Finest City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in San Diego.
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.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Rochester to San Diego?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Rochester to San Diego are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Rochester. are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Rochester to San Diego?
Because most people are moving from Rochester to San Diego in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Rochester to San Diego take?
Moving from Rochester, NY to San Diego, CA covers 2,618 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days Need to move faster? Some Rochester movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in San Diego.