Factors influencing moving costs from San Diego to El Pasotoggle

The cost of San Diego movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from San Diego to El Paso can be as low as $1,349 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,225.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in San Diego, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $617 to $1,483. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from San Diego to El Paso

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

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

San Diego El Paso
Average rent cost $2,881 $1,510
Average home value $1,003,444 $223,218
Average income (per capita) $72,963 $58,354
Cost of living (single person) $3,346 $1,833
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,719 $4,360
Unemployment rate 6.6% 4.7%
Sales tax 7.75% 7.25%
State income tax 13.3% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in El Paso are 48% lower than in San Diego, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in El Paso.
    Home prices in El Paso are 77.8% lower than in San Diego.
  • Income in El Paso is 20.0% lower than in San Diego, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in El Paso include Fort Bliss, El Paso Independent School District, and Socorro Independent School District.
  • The cost of living for a single person in El Paso is 45.2% lower than in San Diego. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in El Paso is 43.5% lower than in San Diego.
  • The unemployment rate in El Paso is 28.79% lower than in San Diego.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in El Paso, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in El Paso are 6.45% lower than in San Diego.
  • One perk of moving to El Paso is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in San Diego.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,643.45 in El Paso to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Diego.

How life is different in San Diego vs. El Paso

El Paso San Diego
Population 678,815 1,386,932
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 6
Walkability score 40 53
Bike friendliness score 42 43
Crime Index 32.51 39.83
Safety Index 67.49 60.17
Air Quality Moderate Moderate
  • El Paso's population is about 51% less than San Diego.
  • El Paso's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus San Diego's higher score of 6.
  • El Paso is less walkable than San Diego with a score of 40 out of 100 vs San Diego's 53 out of 100.
  • Both El Paso and San Diego have the same bike-friendliness score of 43 out of 100, meaning El Paso is about as safe for cyclists as San Diego. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
  • El Paso's crime rate is lower than San Diego with a score of 32.51 compared to San Diego's 39.83. This means that El Paso neighborhoods are safer than 32.51% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83%.
  • El Paso is considered to be safer than San Diego with a safety index of 67.49 vs San Diego's 60.17.
  • Air quality in El Paso is moderate, and in San Diego it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your San Diego vs. El Paso move

  • Weather: With a desert climate, El Paso's weather is typically predictable but some winters can have extreme weather. Roads may become icy on some days in the winter which would affect your move.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Texas 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 El Paso. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in El Paso

Now that you've decided to make the move to "City With a Legend", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in El Paso.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Castner Heights
  • Cielo Vista
  • Mesa Hills
  • Mission Hills
  • Sunset Heights

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Album Park
  • Castner Heights
  • Cielo Vista
  • Mesa Hills
  • Montoya Heights

Things to do in El Paso

Now that you've made the move to Texas, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore El Paso. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout El Paso, such as the El Paso Museum of Art, El Paso Museum of History, El Paso Museum of Archaeology, Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens, and The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Cultural Center.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Westside Community Park, Vista del Valle Park, Tom Lea Park, and Madeline Park โ€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an El Paso Chihuahuas (TAW), El Paso Locomotive FC (USLC), El Paso Rhinos (WSHL), or UTEP Miners (NCAA) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from San Diego to El Paso?

The best time to move from San Diego to El Paso is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in San Diego.

When is the cheapest time to move from San Diego to El Paso?

Because most people are moving from San Diego to El Paso in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from San Diego to El Paso take?

The 724-mile move from San Diego, CA, to El Paso, TX, takes one to six days. Some San Diego movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in El Paso.

Helpful moving resources