Fact Checked by: Quick answer: A typical 1,255-mile move from Seattle to San Diego runs $1,104–$8,653 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 San Diego to Seattle guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from Seattle to San Diego
Choosing a long-distance moving company in Seattle to go to San Diego can be overwhelming. With so many options, it's hard to know which movers to trust… and which ones to avoid.
Don't worry — you won't have to sort through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed down the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
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Safeway Moving
 Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned |
American Van Lines
Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned |
Allied Van Lines
Specialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experience |
Mayzlin Relocation
Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing |
North American Van Lines
1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans |
How we chose the best moving companies for your WA to CA move
Local moving companies in Seattle
- Eco Movers Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Seattle Movers: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- North Coast Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- All Service Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Hansen Bros Moving and Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 3227005
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 3227005
Alternate Names: GS Moving Services LLC, Eco-Movers, The Big Guys, The Big Guys Home Delivery, Eco Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: HG063388
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 1731101
Alternate Names: Express Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Antiques
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 076235
Years in Business: 62
DOT #: 76235
Alternate Names: NCM&S LLC, Allied Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: HG064752
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 1863079
Alternate Names: ASM LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 1782
Years in Business: 134
DOT #: 8257
Alternate Names: Peasley Transfer & Storage, Hansen Bros Moving and Storage, Peasley Transfer and Storage, Hansen Bros Transfer and Storage Co, PortaBox Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
How much does it cost to move from Seattle to San Diego?
Seattle movers charge $141 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 | $1,743 - $6,855 | $1,190 - $2,833 | $925 - $1,857 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,020 - $8,653 | $1,929 - $4,203 | $1,104 - $2,121 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,815 - $12,642 | $2,778 - $5,523 | $1,323 - $2,560 |
Cost to hire movers from Washington to California
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Washington to California, you can expect prices to land between $1,743 and $6,855. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $4,020 to $8,653 for the trip from WA to CA. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $6,815 and $12,642.
Cost of moving containers from Washington to California
When you’re heading from Washington to California, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,190 and $2,833. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,929 and $4,203. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,778 to $5,523. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Washington easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Washington to California
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $925 and $1,857 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,104 to $2,121. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,323 to $2,560.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors influencing moving costs from Seattle to San Diego
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:
| Seattle | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,975 | $2,881 |
| Average home value | $842,068 | $1,003,444 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,845 | $72,963 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,740 | $3,346 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $9,801 | $7,719 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 10.35% | 7.75% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in San Diego, since prices are typically 46% higher than in Seattle.
- The home prices in San Diego are 19.2% higher than in Seattle, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- 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 — including United States Navy, University of California, San Diego, and Sharp HealthCare — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in San Diego. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 10.5% lower than in Seattle.
- A move to San Diego can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 21.2% less than what it costs 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
| San Diego | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,386,932 | 737,015 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 53 | 74 |
| Bike friendliness score | 43 | 71 |
| Crime Index | 39.83 | 58.88 |
| Safety Index | 60.17 | 49.23 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- 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.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Gaslamp Quarter
- Hillcrest
- North Park
- Ocean Beach
- Pacific Beach
Best neighborhoods for families
- Carmel Valley
- Del Mar Heights
- Loma Portal
- Rancho Bernardo
- Rancho Penasquitos
Things to do in San Diego
After getting comfortable in your new California home, it's time to see what San Diego is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: San Diego is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the USS Midway Museum, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Maritime Museum of San Diego, San Diego Air & Space Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's La Jolla Cove, Balboa Park, La Jolla Shores Park, and Sunset Cliffs Natural Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.'
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an San Diego Padres (MLB), San Diego Gulls (AHL), or San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Seattle to San Diego?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Seattle to San Diego. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Seattle.
When is the cheapest time to move from Seattle to San Diego?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Seattle to San Diego moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Seattle to San Diego take?
Covering 1,255 miles, the move from Seattle, WA to San Diego, CA typically takes three to eight days. Some Seattle movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in San Diego can help bridge the gap.
