Things to know before moving from Pennsylvania to San Diego, CA

Cost of living: Pennsylvania vs San Diego, CA

Pennsylvania San Diego
Average rent cost $1,110 $2,881
Average home value $268,824 $1,003,444
Average income (per capita) $73,170 $72,963
Unemployment rate 3% 7%
State income tax 3% 13%
  • Rent is about 160% more expensive in San Diego than in Pennsylvania.
  • Home prices are about 273% higher in San Diego than in Pennsylvania.
  • The average income is about the same in San Diego and Pennsylvania.
  • San Diego has a higher unemployment rate than Pennsylvania by about 94%.
  • Income taxes are 333% higher in San Diego than in Pennsylvania.

How life is different in San Diego from Pennsylvania

San Diego Pennsylvania
Population 1,386,932 12,961,683
Political leaning Democratic 60-37 Republican 51-49
Summer high 79ºF 83ºF
Winter low 46ºF 19ºF
Annual rain 12" 44"
Annual snow 0" 38"
Crime index 39.83 17.62
  • The population of San Diego is approximately 89% lower than the population of Pennsylvania.
  • In the last presidential election, San Diego voted Democratic and Pennsylvania voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in San Diego is 79ºF and in Pennsylvania, it’s 83ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, San Diego reaches the temperature of 46ºF and Pennsylvania gets down to 19ºF.
  • You can expect about 12 inches of annual rainfall in San Diego vs 44 inches of rainfall in Pennsylvania.
  • In San Diego, it snows about 0 inches annually vs 38 inches of snow in Pennsylvania.
  • San Diego has a higher crime rate than Pennsylvania with a crime index of 39.83 vs 17.62.

Things to do in San Diego

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in San Diego.

Museums in San Diegotoggle

  • USS Midway Museum
  • Birch Aquarium at Scripps
  • Maritime Museum of San Diego
  • San Diego Air & Space Museum
  • Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
  • San Diego Model Railroad Museum
  • Map and Atlas Museum of La Jolla
  • Stuart Collection
  • Africa and Beyond
  • Old Town Model Railroad Depot
  • RC Gorman Navajo Gallery
  • ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station
  • La Jolla Historical Society
  • Scripps Memorial Hospital Sculpture Parks
  • The New Children's Museum

Parks in San Diegotoggle

  • La Jolla Cove
  • Balboa Park
  • La Jolla Shores Park
  • Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
  • Ellen Browning Scripps Park
  • Cuvier Park - The Wedding Bowl
  • Scripps Institute of Oceanography Coastal Reserve
  • La Jolla Underwater Park
  • Coast Boulevard Park
  • Kellogg Park
  • Calumet Park
  • Waterfront Park
  • Friendship Park
  • Mission Trails Regional Park
  • Heritage County Park

Sports Teams in San Diegotoggle

  • San Diego Padres (MLB)
  • San Diego Gulls (AHL)
  • San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship)

Universities in San Diegotoggle

  • California State University-San Marcos
  • California Western School of Law
  • San Diego Christian College
  • National University
  • Point Loma Nazarene University
  • San Diego State University
  • University of California San Diego
  • University of Phoenix
  • University of San Diego
  • Alliant International University
  • Thomas Jefferson School of Law
  • Azusa Pacific University
  • Azusa Pacific University
  • Brandman University
  • California College San Diego
  • John Paul the Great Catholic University

Other considerations when 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: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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 forwarded to California. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

FAQ

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

The time frame for a move from Pennsylvania to San Diego, CA, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.

Obviously, the further upstate you are in Pennsylvania, the longer the drive time to San Diego will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.

With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to San Diego from Pennsylvania can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Pennsylvania to San Diego?

Because of the 2603-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Pennsylvania to San Diego as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to San Diego, CA?

With the summer highs of 79ºF and the winter lows of 46ºF, most people move to San Diego from Pennsylvania during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to San Diego during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources