($1,478) Movers From Virginia Beach, VA to San Diego, CA

What to know before moving from Virginia Beach to San Diego

Moving from Virginia Beach to San Diego means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Virginia Beach than in San Diego, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Virginia Beach compares to San Diego so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in San Diego are 48% higher than in Virginia Beach, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Virginia Beach.
  Home prices in San Diego are 149.4% higher than in Virginia Beach.
• Income in San Diego is 10.8% lower than in Virginia Beach, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in San Diego include United States Navy, University of California, San Diego, and Sharp HealthCare.
• The cost of living for a single person in San Diego is 26.2% lower than in Virginia Beach. 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 30.6% higher than in Virginia Beach.
• The unemployment rate in San Diego is 37.50% higher than in Virginia Beach.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in San Diego, since the city’s sales taxes in San Diego are 29.17% higher than in Virginia Beach.
• State income taxes in San Diego are 131.30% higher than in Virginia Beach.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,214.43 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Virginia Beach.

How life is different in Virginia Beach vs. San Diego

• The population of San Diego is about 203% greater than Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach, based on public transportation ratings. San Diego has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 3 in Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach. San Diego is considered more walkable than Virginia Beach, with a score of 53 out of 100 versus 33 out of 100 in Virginia Beach. A city’s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
• San Diego and Virginia Beach are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 43 and 42 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
• You can anticipate the same crime rate in San Diego as Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach 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.

Other things to consider for your Virginia Beach vs. San Diego move

• 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: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission
• Moving permits: While California doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to San Diego without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in San Diego

With your sights set on "America's Finest City", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in San Diego.

Helpful moving resources