Top Arlington, VA to San Diego, CA Movers

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

1. Olympia Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
2. BoxStar Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
3. My Pro Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
4. Artisan Movers: 4.86 out of 5 stars
5. Bookstore Movers, LLC: 4.8 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Virginia to California

If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Virginia to California, you can expect to spend between $1,470 and $6,136. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $4,397 to $9,131 on the same route (VA to CA). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Virginia to California typically runs between $8,691 and $13,575.

Cost of moving containers from Virginia to California

If you're relocating from Virginia to California, you'll typically spend between $1,702 and $4,110 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,870 up to $6,611. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $3,955 and $8,829. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Virginia.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Virginia to California

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you'll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.

If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,888 and $3,552. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,987 to $4,060. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $2,484 and $5,397.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

• You may want to budget more for rent in San Diego, since prices are typically 6% higher than in Arlington.
• The home prices in San Diego are 23.8% higher than in Arlington, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
• Income in San Diego is 43.1% lower than in Arlington, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in San Diego — including United States Navy, University of California, San Diego, and Sharp HealthCare — may pay more.
• Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in San Diego. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 51.3% lower than in Arlington.
• 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 35.5% less than what it costs in Arlington.
• The unemployment rate in San Diego is 65.00% higher than in Arlington.
• Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in San Diego, since its sales taxes are 29.17% higher than what you are paying in Arlington.
• State income taxes in San Diego are 131.30% higher than in Arlington.

• San Diego's population is about 481% greater than Arlington.
• San Diego's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Arlington's higher score of 9.
• San Diego is less walkable than Arlington with a score of 53 out of 100 vs Arlington's 71 out of 100.
• San Diego has a bike-friendliness score 43 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Arlington, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
• San Diego's crime rate is higher than Arlington with a score of 39.83 compared to Arlington's 15.67. This means that San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Arlington neighborhoods are safer than 15.67%.
• San Diego is considered to be less safe than Arlington with a score of 60.17 vs Arlington's 79.15.
• Air quality in San Diego is moderate, and in Arlington it's good.

• 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

Now that you've made the move to California it's the perfect time to explore San Diego From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

• 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.