($1,310) Cost to Move From Seattle, WA to San Diego, CA

1. Eco Movers Moving & Storage: 4.64 out of 5 stars
2. On The Go Moving and Storage: 4.64 out of 5 stars
3. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
4. Seattle Movers: 4.56 out of 5 stars
5. Hansen Bros Moving and Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Seattle to San Diego

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Seattle to San Diego, you can expect to spend between $1,310 and $5,254. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,964 to $6,977 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Seattle to San Diego typically runs between $5,177 and $9,216.

Cost of moving containers from Seattle to San Diego

When moving from Seattle to San Diego, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $887 and $2,128. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,685 to $3,289. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,261 up to $4,191. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Washington.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Seattle to San Diego

Renting a moving truck in Seattle is usually your cheapest option to get to San Diego. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $800 and $1,497. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $881 and $1,763. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,077 and $2,151.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• As you consider relocating to San Diego, note that rent can be roughly 46% more expensive than it is in Seattle; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
• Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 19% higher in San Diego than in Seattle.
• It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 6% less in San Diego than in Seattle.
• Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in San Diego, where the cost of living for a single person is 11% less than in Seattle.
• Moving to San Diego could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 21% less than in Seattle.
• The unemployment rate in San Diego is 38% higher compared to Seattle, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
• Sales taxes are 25% lower in San Diego than in Seattle. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in San Diego can reduce your overall living expenses.
• California has a state income tax, while Washington does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.

• San Diego’s population is about 88% greater than Seattle.
• San Diego’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Seattle’s score of 8.
• San Diego is less walkable than Seattle with a score of 53 out of 100 vs Seattle’s 74 out of 100.
• San Diego has a bike-friendliness score of 43 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Seattle, which has a score of 71.
• San Diego’s crime rate is lower than Seattle with a score of 39.83 compared to Seattle’s 58.88. This means that San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88%.
• San Diego is considered to be safer than Seattle with a safety index of 60.17 vs Seattle’s 49.23.
• Air quality in San Diego is Moderate, and in Seattle it’s Good.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a California moving company’s license by visiting 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: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches San Diego smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

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

After getting comfortable in your new California home, it’s time to see what San Diego is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, San Diego offers cultural landmarks like the USS Midway Museum, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Maritime Museum of San Diego, and San Diego Air & Space Museum.
• 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: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an San Diego Padres (MLB)San Diego Gulls (AHL)San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship) game.