($671+) Lubbock, TX to San Diego, CA Movers
Moving from Lubbock, TX, to San Diego, CA, runs anywhere from $700 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,395 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,042 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,327, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,395 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,230 - $4,238, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $700 - $1,863.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Lubbock, TX, to San Diego, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,693 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Lubbock, TX to San Diego, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Lubbock to San Diego: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,693 - $6,699. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,042 miles, expect 2 to 8 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,042-mile route from Lubbock to San Diego, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,327 - $4,885 with full-service movers, $1,230 - $2,155 with a container, $700 - $1,328 with a rental truck, or $1,075 - $2,123 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,693 - $6,699 full-service, $1,536 - $3,156 by container, $749 - $1,579 by rental truck, or $1,305 - $2,650 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $4,435 - $8,395 full-service, $2,244 - $4,238 by container, $930 - $1,863 by rental truck, or $1,676 - $3,490 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Lubbock, TX to San Diego, CA
Full-service movers for the 1,042-mile relocation from Lubbock, Texas, to San Diego, California, cost between $2,327 and $8,395. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $332 - $2,212, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Lubbock typically charge a base rate around $318 plus $148 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Lubbock to San Diego:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,327 - $4,885
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,693 - $6,699
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,435 - $8,395
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Lubbock to San Diego.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Texas to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Lubbock, TX to San Diego, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Lubbock movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In San Diego, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $553 - $5,530 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Hart Moving & Storage Inc. | $221 - $1,327/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $332 - $2,654 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage50% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs25% of local movers | $1,106 - $3,318 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,765 - $11,060 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $828 - $1,574 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items25% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Hart Moving & Storage Inc. | $1,106 - $2,765 |
| Piano | Any piano type50% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Little Guys Movers | $885 - $3,871 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling50% of local movers | $332 - $1,659 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect25% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Little Guys Movers | $719 - $2,212 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $332 - $16,590+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $332 - $3,871+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Lubbock to San Diego?
Look for California Moving & Storage Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in California beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Lubbock, TX. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Lubbock, TX to San Diego, CA
Moving containers from Lubbock, Texas, to San Diego, California, cost between $1,230 and $4,238. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Lubbock typically costs about $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Lubbock to San Diego:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,230 - $2,155
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,536 - $3,156
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,244 - $4,238
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Lubbock, TX and San Diego, CA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $774 in Lubbock, TX, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $83 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $166 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,230. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,536 - $3,156, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Lubbock to San Diego?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Lubbock to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Lubbock:
Moving truck rental costs from Lubbock, TX to San Diego, CA
Plan on $700 - $1,863 for a rental moving truck on the 1,042-mile route from Lubbock, Texas, to San Diego, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $367 - $419
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Lubbock daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.69
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Lubbock to San Diego based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $700 - $1,328
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $749 - $1,579
- 4+ bedrooms: $930 - $1,863
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Lubbock to San Diego starts at $700 - $1,863, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($367 - $419) , overnight lodging ($166/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $166 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $72 and $359 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $367 - $419 in fuel for the 1,042-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $774 in Lubbock, Texas, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Lubbock to San Diego?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Lubbock, TX to San Diego, CA
For larger DIY moves from Lubbock, Texas, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to San Diego, California.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,305 and $2,650.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Lubbock to San Diego:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,075 - $2,123
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,305 - $2,650
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,676 - $3,490
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Lubbock, Texas, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $774.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $83 - $166 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Lubbock to San Diego?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- West Star Transportation, Inc. (4.34/5 stars): West Star Transportation, Inc. is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Lubbock to San Diego, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Lubbock, TX vs San Diego, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in San Diego, side by side with Lubbock on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Lubbock, TX | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 81 | 155 |
| Average rent | $1,250/mo | $2,881/mo |
| Median home value | $197,578 | $847,715 |
| Average income | $60,487/yr | $104,321/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 6.6% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 39/100 | 53/100 |
| Safety index | 48.61/100 | 60.17/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our San Diego, CA to Lubbock, TX guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 2 quotes from Texas to California, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 289 movers in Texas, so you have real options to compare for this 1,042-mile move.
Our take
A move from Lubbock, TX, to San Diego, CA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,327 - $8,395 on the 1,042-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,230 - $4,238, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $700 - $1,863. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,693 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include United States Navy and University of California, San Diego.
FAQs: Moving from Lubbock, TX, to San Diego, CA
Is San Diego a safe place to live?
San Diego has a safety index of 60.17 out of 100 and a crime index of 39.83, compared to 48.61 and 50.39 in Lubbock. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is San Diego?
San Diego has a walkability score of 53 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 43, compared to 39 and 43 in Lubbock. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in San Diego?
For families, Carmel Valley, Del Mar Heights, and Loma Portal are worth a look in San Diego. If you're moving solo or without kids, Gaslamp Quarter, Hillcrest, and North Park tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
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.
What do local movers charge in Lubbock?
Local movers based in Lubbock typically start around $318 as a base rate, plus $148/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in San Diego run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Lubbock movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 50% of movers in Lubbock handle piano moves, and 25% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
