($1,334) Movers From Alabama to San Diego

Quick answer: The cost to move from Alabama to San Diego, CA averages from $1,175 to $7,899 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a professional Alabama moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from San Diego, CA to Alabama guide.

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Moving from Alabama to San Diego, CA resources

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move from Alabama to San Diego, CA.

But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

  • Best Alabama to San Diego, CA movers: If you plan on hiring a moving company be sure to check out our list of the top movers from Alabama to San Diego, CA.
  • How much will your move cost?: Want to narrow down how much your move will cost? Use our moving cost calculator to get more specific price ranges and recommendations on the best companies to use for your move.
  • Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
  • Alabama to San Diego, CA car shippers: Moving your car? Use an experienced company that prioritizes professionalism and cares for your vehicle.

Moving 1,969 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best Alabama to San Diego, CA moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company from Alabama to San Diego is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Alabama to San Diego.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here our our recommended services for small moves.

What is the average cost to move from Alabama to San Diego, CA?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Alabama to San Diego for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Size of the Move Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,334 - $4,788 $1,174 - $2,654 $1,096 - $2,157
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,378 - $7,899 $2,071 - $4,298 $1,175 - $2,465
4+ bedrooms $6,555 - $10,718 $2,863 - $5,850 $1,528 - $3,018

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,969 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Alabama to San Diego, CA will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Alabama, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much does it cost to hire professional movers from Alabama to San Diego?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Alabama to San Diego will cost between $1,334 to $4,788. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Alabama to San Diego will range from $3,378 to $7,899, and a large move from Alabama to San Diego will cost from $6,555 to $10,718.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Alabama to San Diego?

Moving containers from Alabama to San Diego will cost you $1,174 to $2,654 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,071 to $4,298. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,863 to $5,850.

Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move to San Diego.

How much is a moving truck from Alabama to San Diego?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option for moving from Alabama to San Diego, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,096 to $2,157. A larger move will cost $1,175 to $2,465, and a four-bedroom or more move from Alabama to San Diego costs from $1,528 to $3,018. These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Here are the cheapest rental truck companies for your move from Alabama.

Is moving from Alabama to San Diego, CA a good idea?

Cost of living: Alabama vs San Diego, CA

Alabama San Diego
Average rent cost $925 $2,895
Average home value $227,508 $961,892
Average income (per capita) $59,609 $71,251
Unemployment rate 3% 7%
State income tax 5% 13%
  • Rent is about 213% more expensive in San Diego than in Alabama.
  • Home prices are about 323% higher in San Diego than in Alabama.
  • The average income is about 20% higher in San Diego than in Alabama.
  • San Diego has a higher unemployment rate than Alabama by about 128%.
  • Income taxes are 166% higher in San Diego than in Alabama.

How is life different in San Diego from Alabama?

San Diego Alabama
Population 1,386,932 5,108,468
Political leaning Democratic 60-37 Republican 65-35
Summer high 79ºF 91ºF
Winter low 46ºF 33ºF
Annual rain 12" 56"
Annual snow 0" 1"
Crime index 23.28 21.48
  • The population of San Diego is approximately 73% lower than the population of Alabama.
  • In the last presidential election, San Diego voted Democratic and Alabama voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in San Diego is 79ºF and in Alabama, it’s 91ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, San Diego reaches the temperature of 46ºF and Alabama gets down to 33ºF.
  • You can expect about 12 inches of annual rainfall in San Diego vs 56 inches of rainfall in Alabama.
  • In San Diego, it snows about 0 inches annually vs 1 inch of snow in Alabama.
  • San Diego has a higher crime rate than Alabama with a crime index of 23.28 vs 21.48.

Considerations for moving to San Diego, CA

  • 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to California. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local Alabama movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Applewhite Movers LLC Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
5640 Oakwood Road Northwest, Huntsville, AL, 35806
(256) 430-1198
Coleman Worldwide Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
1285 Parker St, Montgomery, AL, 36108
(877) 693-7060

Visit our best movers in Alabama page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Need a local San Diego mover?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Aloha Movers Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.62 overall rating
7263 Engineer Rd ste c, San Diego, CA, 92111
(858) 429-9111
Stella Moving & Delivery Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.62 overall rating
2291 Dunlop St Business Unit #20, San Diego, CA, 92111
(619) 393-6426

Visit our best movers in San Diego page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in San Diego?

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in San Diego.

Museums in San Diego

  • USS Midway Museum
  • Birch Aquarium at Scripps
  • Maritime Museum of San Diego
  • San Diego Air & Space Museum
  • Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
  • San Diego Model Railroad Museum
  • Map and Atlas Museum of La Jolla
  • Stuart Collection
  • Africa and Beyond
  • Old Town Model Railroad Depot
  • RC Gorman Navajo Gallery
  • ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station
  • La Jolla Historical Society
  • Scripps Memorial Hospital Sculpture Parks
  • The New Children's Museum

Parks in San Diego

  • La Jolla Cove
  • Balboa Park
  • La Jolla Shores Park
  • Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
  • Ellen Browning Scripps Park
  • Cuvier Park - The Wedding Bowl
  • Scripps Institute of Oceanography Coastal Reserve
  • La Jolla Underwater Park
  • Coast Boulevard Park
  • Kellogg Park
  • Calumet Park
  • Waterfront Park
  • Friendship Park
  • Mission Trails Regional Park
  • Heritage County Park

Sports Teams in San Diego

  • San Diego Padres (MLB)
  • San Diego Gulls (AHL)
  • San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship)

Universities in San Diego

  • California State University-San Marcos
  • California Western School of Law
  • San Diego Christian College
  • National University
  • Point Loma Nazarene University
  • San Diego State University
  • University of California San Diego
  • University of Phoenix
  • University of San Diego
  • Alliant International University
  • Thomas Jefferson School of Law
  • Azusa Pacific University
  • Azusa Pacific University
  • Brandman University
  • California College San Diego
  • John Paul the Great Catholic University

FAQs

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Alabama to San Diego?

Because of the 1969-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Alabama to San Diego as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to San Diego, CA?

With the summer highs of 79ºF and the winter lows of 46ºF, most people move to San Diego from Alabama during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to San Diego during summer or winter.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies from San Diego?

Check out our full breakdown of the best long-distance movers in San Diego.

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