($1,660) Movers From Seattle, WA to San Diego, CA

What to know before moving from Seattle to San Diego

Moving from Seattle 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 Seattle than in San Diego, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

• Rent prices in San Diego are 46% higher than in Seattle, 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 Seattle.
  Home prices in San Diego are 19.2% higher than in Seattle.
• Income in San Diego is 6.3% lower than in Seattle, 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 10.5% lower than in Seattle. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in San Diego is 21.2% lower than in Seattle.
• The unemployment rate in San Diego is 37.50% higher than in Seattle.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in San Diego, since the city’s sales taxes in San Diego are 25.12% lower than in Seattle.
• State income taxes in San Diego are 13.30% higher than in Seattle.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,683.96 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Seattle.

How life is different in Seattle vs. San Diego

• The population of San Diego is about 88% greater than Seattle, 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.
• Getting around San Diego without a car might be more difficult than in Seattle. San Diego has a public transportation score of 6 out of 10, whereas Seattle is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a city’s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
• San Diego neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Seattle. Based on its score of 53 out of 100, San Diego isn’t as walkable as Seattle, which has a score of 74 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
• You probably won’t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in San Diego, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Seattle. While Seattle has a bike-friendliness score of 71 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.
• San Diego has a lower crime rate than Seattle based on scores of 39.83 and Seattle's 58.88, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
• You might find more confidence in your overall safety in San Diego than in Seattle, based on San Diego’s safety index of 60.17 versus 49.23 for Seattle. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
• The air quality in San Diego isn’t as good as it is in Seattle, 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 Seattle 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 Seattle 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