Top Pittsburgh, PA to San Diego, CA Movers

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

1. South Hills Movers: 4.76 out of 5 stars
2. Don Farr Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
3. Miracle Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
4. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
5. Gardner Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Pennsylvania to California

If you're packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Pennsylvania to California, you can expect prices to land between $1,546 and $6,526. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $4,335 to $8,958 for the trip from PA to CA. If you're moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you're likely looking at a price tag between $8,392 and $14,283.

Cost of moving containers from Pennsylvania to California

Moving from Pennsylvania to California? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $1,659 and $4,042. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $3,005 to $5,880. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,740 up to $8,063. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Pennsylvania.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Pennsylvania to California

Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.

Expect to pay between $1,644 and $3,409 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,871 to $3,864. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $2,364 to $4,928.

These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.

• You may want to budget more for rent in San Diego, since prices are typically 92% higher than in Pittsburgh.
• The home prices in San Diego are 351.1% higher than in Pittsburgh, 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, 34.4% higher than in Pittsburgh. 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 57.2% higher than in Pittsburgh. 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 54.0% higher than in Pittsburgh.
• The unemployment rate in San Diego is 7.04% lower than in Pittsburgh.
• Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in San Diego, since its sales taxes are 10.71% higher than what you are paying in Pittsburgh.
• State income taxes in San Diego are 333.22% higher than in Pittsburgh.

• The population of San Diego is about 357% greater than Pittsburgh, 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 Pittsburgh. San Diego has a public transportation score of 6 out of 10, whereas Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh. Based on its score of 53 out of 100, San Diego isn't as walkable as Pittsburgh, which has a score of 62 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 Pittsburgh. While Pittsburgh 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.
• You can anticipate the same crime rate in San Diego as Pittsburgh. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80–100.
• San Diego is generally as safe as Pittsburgh, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
• The air quality in San Diego isn't as good as it is in Pittsburgh, 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 Pittsburgh 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.

• 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 regulations—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 “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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: You can verify a California moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in California, though it'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 to San 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 – 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.

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, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, San Diego has lots to offer, no matter what you'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 city's La Jolla Cove, Balboa Park, La Jolla Shores Park, and Sunset Cliffs Natural Park — among other sites — 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.