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

The cost of Cincinnati movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Cincinnati to San Diego (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,630, while larger moves may reach $13,490 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 Cincinnati.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,450 to $3,883, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Cincinnati to San Diego

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

Cincinnati San Diego
Average rent cost $1,450 $2,881
Average home value $232,735 $1,003,444
Average income (per capita) $65,682 $72,963
Cost of living (single person) $2,467 $3,346
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,418 $7,719
Unemployment rate 4.9% 6.6%
Sales tax 6.5% 7.75%
State income tax 3.5% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in San Diego are 99% higher than in Cincinnati, 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 Cincinnati.
    Home prices in San Diego are 331.2% higher than in Cincinnati.
  • Income in San Diego is 11.1% higher than in Cincinnati, 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 35.6% higher than in Cincinnati. 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 20.3% higher than in Cincinnati.
  • The unemployment rate in San Diego is 34.69% higher than in Cincinnati.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in San Diego, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in San Diego are 19.23% higher than in Cincinnati.
  • State income taxes in San Diego are 280.00% higher than in Cincinnati.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,068.91 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Cincinnati.

How life is different in Cincinnati vs. San Diego

San Diego Cincinnati
Population 1,386,932 309,317
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 6
Walkability score 53 49
Bike friendliness score 43 36
Crime Index 39.83 48.47
Safety Index 60.17 49.53
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • The population of San Diego is about 348% greater than Cincinnati, 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.
  • Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in San Diego will be about the same as it currently is in Cincinnati. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
  • Living in San Diego means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Cincinnati. San Diego is considered more walkable than Cincinnati, with a score of 53 out of 100 versus 49 out of 100 in Cincinnati. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, San Diego is considered more bike-friendly than Cincinnati in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. San Diego has a bike-friendliness score of 43 out of 100, while Cincinnati is rated as 36 out of 100.
  • San Diego has a lower crime rate than Cincinnati based on scores of 39.83 and Cincinnati's 48.47, 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 Cincinnati, based on San Diegoโ€™s safety index of 60.17 versus 49.53 for Cincinnati. 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 Cincinnati, 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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati 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

After settling into your new California home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, San Diego has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: San Diego is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on 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 Cincinnati to San Diego?

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

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

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

Moving from Cincinnati, OH to San Diego, CA covers 2,159 miles and usually takes six to 17 days. Need to move faster? Some Cincinnati movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in San Diego.

Helpful moving resources