Top Austin, TX to San Diego, CA Movers

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

1. 3 Men Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
2. Greater Austin Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
3. Square Cow: 4.9 out of 5 stars
4. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
5. Apple Moving : 4.8 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Texas to California

If you're packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Texas to California, you can expect prices to land between $1,445 and $6,385. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $3,483 to $8,234 for the trip from TX to CA. If you're moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you're likely looking at a price tag between $6,308 and $11,190.

Cost of moving containers from Texas to California

If you're moving from Texas to California, expect to pay between $1,131 and $2,742 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,168 up to $4,032. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,715 and $5,412. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Texas.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Texas 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 $1,034 and $1,859 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,139 to $2,257. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $1,405 to $2,724.

These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.

• You may want to budget more for rent in San Diego, since prices are typically 63% higher than in Austin.
• The home prices in San Diego are 97.2% higher than in Austin, 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, 6.9% higher than in Austin. Major employers in San Diego include United States Navy, University of California, San Diego, and Sharp HealthCare.
• The cost of living for a single person is the same in San Diego and Austin.
• A move to San Diego can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 1.2% less than what it costs in Austin.
• The unemployment rate in San Diego is 88.57% higher than in Austin.
• You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in San Diego, since the city's sales taxes in San Diego are 6.06% lower than in Austin.
• State income taxes in San Diego are 13.30% higher than in Austin.

• The population of San Diego is about 42% greater than Austin, 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.
• San Diego offers better access to buses and trains than Austin, based on public transportation ratings. San Diego has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 5 in Austin. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
• Living in San Diego means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Austin. San Diego is considered more walkable than Austin, with a score of 53 out of 100 versus 42 out of 100 in Austin. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
• You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in San Diego, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Austin. While Austin has a bike-friendliness score of 54 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 Austin. 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 Austin, 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 Austin, 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 Austin 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

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: 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.