($1,407) Movers From Fort Worth, TX to San Diego, CA

What to know before moving from Fort Worth to San Diego

Moving from Fort Worth to San Diego comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since San Diego is generally more expensive than Fort Worth, 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:

• Rent prices in San Diego are 63% higher than in Fort Worth, 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 Fort Worth.
  Home prices in San Diego are 236.3% higher than in Fort Worth.
• Income in San Diego is 11.8% higher than in Fort Worth, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in San Diego include United States Navy, University of California, San Diego, and Sharp HealthCare.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in San Diego, since the cost of living for a single person in San Diego is 20.2% higher than in Fort Worth. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re moving your family to San Diego, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in San Diego is 12.8% higher than in Fort Worth.
• The unemployment rate in San Diego is 83.33% higher than in Fort Worth.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in San Diego, since the city’s sales taxes in San Diego are 6.06% lower than in Fort Worth.
• State income taxes in San Diego are 13.30% higher than in Fort Worth.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,605.60 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Fort Worth.

How life is different in Fort Worth vs. San Diego

• The population of San Diego is about 51% greater than Fort Worth, 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.
• San Diego offers better access to buses and trains than Fort Worth, based on public transportation ratings. San Diego has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 3 in Fort Worth. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
• Living in San Diego means you’ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Fort Worth. San Diego is considered more walkable than Fort Worth, with a score of 53 out of 100 versus 35 out of 100 in Fort Worth. A city’s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
• If cycling is your thing, San Diego is considered more bike-friendly than Fort Worth in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. San Diego has a bike-friendliness score of 43 out of 100, while Fort Worth is rated as 39 out of 100.
• You can anticipate the same crime rate in San Diego as Fort Worth. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80–100.
• San Diego is generally as safe as Fort Worth, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
• The air quality in San Diego and Fort Worth is generally the same (Moderate). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Fort Worth 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