Quick answer: A typical 1,255-mile move from San Diego to Seattle runs $1,019–$7,669 and takes three to eight days. Price and timing vary based on how much stuff you are moving, move date, and choice of DIY or full-service.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Seattle to San Diego guide.
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Best Movers By Type
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Best Professional Movers from San Diego to Seattle
Choosing a long-distance mover for your move from San Diego to Seattle can be tough. With so many options, it's hard to know which companies you can actually trust.
Skip the hassle of endless research — we've narrowed down the top choices for you. We picked these movers based on real reviews, competitive pricing, and the variety of services they offer.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to WA move
Find trusted moving companies for your San Diego to Seattle journey
Organizing a move from San Diego to Seattle can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. The choices are vast, but which ones stand out?
We've done the groundwork for you, evaluating local movers in San Diego known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from San Diego to Seattle.
- One Stop Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Stella Moving & Delivery: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Best California Movers: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Republic Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Cube Moving and Storage Inc: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0190616
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 1956864
Alternate Names: One Stop Moving & Storage Inc, San Diego Expert Movers, Quick San Diego Movers, Coastal Movers, Manpower Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0191958
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3299407
Alternate Names: Stella Moving & Delivery, The Remarkable Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: T0192283
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3489907
Alternate Names: Best California Movers & Storage, An Moving Forward
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0190491
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 3369820
Alternate Names: Lovejoy's Family Moving, Republic Relocation Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 0190874
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2764870
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from San Diego to Seattle?
San Diego movers charge $200 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,591 - $5,956 | $1,190 - $2,720 | $963 - $1,819 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,257 - $7,669 | $2,029 - $4,038 | $1,019 - $2,275 |
4+ bedrooms | $6,044 - $10,995 | $2,638 - $5,521 | $1,402 - $2,857 |
Cost to hire movers from California to Washington
Planning a move from California to Washington? For a studio or one-bedroom, you'll likely pay between $1,591 and $5,956. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,257 and $7,669 for the same journey (CA to WA). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $6,044 to $10,995.
Cost of moving containers from California to Washington
If you're relocating from California to Washington, you'll typically spend between $1,190 and $2,720 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,029 up to $4,038. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $2,638 and $5,521. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Washington
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. 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 $963 and $1,819. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,019 and $2,275. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,402 and $2,857.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that impact the cost of your San Diego to Seattle move
What to know before moving from San Diego to Seattle
Moving from San Diego to Seattle comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Seattle is generally more expensive than San Diego, 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:
San Diego | Seattle | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,881 | $1,975 |
Average home value | $1,003,444 | $842,068 |
Average income (per capita) | $72,963 | $77,845 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,346 | $3,740 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,719 | $9,801 |
Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 4.8% |
Sales tax | 7.75% | 10.35% |
State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Seattle are 31% lower than in San Diego, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Seattle.
Home prices in Seattle are 16.1% lower than in San Diego. - You're likely to make a higher income living in Seattle, where incomes are, on average, 6.7% higher than in San Diego. Major employers in Seattle include Amazon.com, Starbucks, and Costco Wholesale.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Seattle, since the cost of living for a single person in Seattle is 11.8% higher than in San Diego. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Seattle, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Seattle is 27.0% higher than in San Diego.
- The unemployment rate in Seattle is 27.27% lower than in San Diego.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Seattle, since its sales taxes are 33.55% higher than what you are paying in San Diego.
- One perk of moving to Seattle 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 $3,353.26 in Seattle 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. Seattle
Seattle | San Diego | |
---|---|---|
Population | 737,015 | 1,386,932 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 6 |
Walkability score | 74 | 53 |
Bike friendliness score | 71 | 43 |
Crime Index | 58.88 | 39.83 |
Safety Index | 49.23 | 60.17 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Seattle's population is about 47% less than San Diego.
- Seattle's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus San Diego's lower score of 6.
- Seattle is more walkable than San Diego with a score of 74 out of 100 vs San Diego's 53 out of 100.
- With a score of 71 out of 100, Seattle is more bike-friendly than San Diego, which has a score of 43 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Seattle's crime rate is higher than San Diego with a score of 58.88 compared to San Diego's 39.83. This means that Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83%.
- Seattle is considered to be less safe than San Diego with a score of 49.23 vs San Diego's 60.17.
- Air quality in Seattle is good, and in San Diego it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Diego vs. Seattle move
- Weather: Although Seattle has a reputation for frequent rain, the climate in Seattle is very unlikely to affect your move.
- 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: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Washington, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Washington 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 Seattle 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. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers' insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Seattle
Ready to relocate to Emerald City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Seattle.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Ballard
- Capitol Hill
- Fremont
- Lower Queen Anne
- South Lake Union
Best neighborhoods for families
- Greenwood
- Laurelhurst
- Magnolia
- Upper Queen Anne
- West Seattle
Things to do in Seattle
After getting comfortable in your new Washington home, it's time to see what Seattle is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Seattle include museums and art centers like the Museum of Popular Culture (MoPOP), Olympic Sculpture Park, National Nordic Museum, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and Museum of Flight.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Discovery Park, Olympic Sculpture Park, Green Lake Park, and Carkeek Park — and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Seattle Seahawks (NFL), Seattle Mariners (MLB), Seattle Kraken (NHL), or Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Diego to Seattle?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from San Diego to Seattle are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in San Diego. are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Diego to Seattle?
Because most people are moving from San Diego to Seattle 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 Seattle take?
Moving from San Diego, CA to Seattle, WA covers 1,255 miles and usually takes three to eight days Need to move faster? Some San Diego movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Seattle.