($1,585) Movers From Olympia, WA to San Diego, CA

What to know before moving from Olympia to San Diego

Moving from Olympia to San Diego comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since San Diego is generally more expensive than Olympia, it’s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in San Diego are 52% higher than in Olympia, 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 Olympia.
  Home prices in San Diego are 97.2% higher than in Olympia.
• Income in San Diego is 9.7% higher than in Olympia, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top 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 35.3% higher than in Olympia. 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 43.2% higher than in Olympia.
• The unemployment rate in San Diego is 17.86% higher than in Olympia.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in San Diego, since the city’s sales taxes in San Diego are 17.55% lower than in Olympia.
• State income taxes in San Diego are 13.30% higher than in Olympia.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,059.04 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Olympia.

How life is different in Olympia vs. San Diego

• The population of San Diego is about 2,394% greater than Olympia, 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 Olympia, based on public transportation ratings. San Diego has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 5 in Olympia. 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 Olympia. San Diego is considered more walkable than Olympia, with a score of 53 out of 100 versus 39 out of 100 in Olympia. 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 Olympia. While Olympia has a bike-friendliness score of 59 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.
• The crime rate in San Diego is higher than in Olympia, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 39.83 in San Diego, it is 27.95 in Olympia. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city’s crime levels.
• San Diego is generally as safe as Olympia, 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 Olympia, 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 Olympia 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 Olympia 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