($1,455) Moving from Tacoma to San Diego

Quick answer: A move from Tacoma to San Diego costs $883 to $7,131 and takes two-eight days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 1,228-mile move yourself.

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

Hiring a long-distance moving company from Tacoma will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using 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 to Tacoma guide.

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

The best Tacoma to San Diego moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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

How much does it cost to move from Tacoma to San Diego?

Tacoma movers charge $133 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 $1,455 - $5,620 $931 - $2,166 $777 - $1,468
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,082 - $7,131 $1,683 - $3,416 $883 - $1,764
4+ bedrooms $5,202 - $10,181 $2,348 - $4,394 $1,100 - $2,129
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,228 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.

Factors influencing moving costs from Tacoma to San Diego

The cost of Tacoma 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 Tacoma to San Diego can be as low as $1,455 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $9,220.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Tacoma, 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 $777 to $2,067. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Tacoma to San Diego?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Tacoma to San Diego will cost between $1,455 to $5,620. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $3,082 to $7,131, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Tacoma to San Diego will cost from $5,202 to $10,181.

How much are moving container companies from Tacoma to San Diego?

Moving containers from Tacoma to San Diego will cost you $931 to $2,166 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,683 to $3,416. A larger home will cost $2,348 to $4,394.

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

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, 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 $777 to $1,468. A larger move will cost $883 to $1,764, and a four-bedroom move from Tacoma to San Diego costs from $1,100 to $2,129. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Tacoma to San Diego

Cost of living: Tacoma vs San Diego

Tacoma San Diego
Average rent cost $1,695 $2,895
Average home value $462,500 $961,892
Average income (per capita) $71,089 $71,251
Cost of Living (single person) $1,051 $3,451
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,740 $7,610
Unemployment rate 7.3% 6.6%
Sales Tax 10.3% 7.75%
State Income Tax 0.0% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in San Diego are 71% higher than in Tacoma.
  • Home prices in San Diego are 108.0% higher than in Tacoma.
  • Income is the same in San Diego and Tacoma.
  • The cost of living for a single person in San Diego is 228.4% higher than in Tacoma.
  • The cost of living for a family in San Diego is 103.5% higher than in Tacoma.
  • The unemployment rate in San Diego is 9.59% lower than in Tacoma.
  • Sales taxes in San Diego are 24.76% lower than in Tacoma.
  • State income taxes in San Diego are 13.30% higher than in Tacoma.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $9,850.62 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tacoma.

How is life different in Tacoma compared to San Diego?

San Diego Tacoma
Population 1,386,932 218,849
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 6
Walkability score 53 54
Bike friendliness score 43 48
Crime Index 23.28 1.0
Safety Index 59.1 45.88
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • San Diego's population is about 534% greater than Tacoma.
  • San Diego's public transportation has a similar score to Tacoma.
  • San Diego is less walkable than Tacoma with a score of 53 out of 100 vs Tacoma's 54 out of 100.
  • San Diego is less bike-friendly than Tacoma with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Tacoma's 48.
  • San Diego's crime rate is higher than Tacoma with a score of 23.28 compared to Tacoma's 1.0. This means that San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 23.28% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tacoma neighborhoods are safer than 1.0%.
  • San Diego is considered to be safer than Tacoma with a safety index of 59.1 vs Tacoma's 45.88.
  • Air quality in San Diego is moderate, and in Tacoma it's good.

Considerations for moving to San Diego

  • 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: 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: 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 through the state's public utilities commission.
  • 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 San Diego. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Tacoma movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Apex Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.8 overall rating
914 Valley Ave NW Ste 102, Puyallup, WA, 98371
(253) 864-7870
Atlantic Relocation Systems Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.62 overall rating
2121 S 80th St, Tacoma, WA, 98409
(509) 258-5050

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

Where to live in San Diego

Now that you've decided to make the move to "America's Finest City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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

What to do in San Diego

These are some of the best things to do in your new California home.

  • San Diego Zoo
  • The Botanical Building and the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden (Balboa Park)
  • SeaWorld San Diego
  • USS Midway Museum
  • Gaslamp Quarter
  • Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
  • La Jolla Cove and Seal Rock
  • Legoland
  • Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
  • Coronado Island
  • North Park
  • Hang-gliding and Paragliding Tours
  • Seaport Village
  • Belmont Park
  • Pacific Beach
  • Liberty Public Market
  • Cabrillo National Monument
  • Mexican Food
  • Mission San Diego de Alcala
  • Museum of US (Balboa Park)
  • UCSD Stuart Art Collection
  • San Diego Central Library
  • Torrey Pines State Reserve
  • Maritime Museum of San Diego
  • Grant Hill Park

Get your sports on!

San Diego is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:

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

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Tacoma to San Diego?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Tacoma to San Diego?

Because most people are moving from Tacoma to San Diego 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 Tacoma to San Diego take?

The 1,228-mile move from Tacoma, WA, to San Diego, CA, takes two-eight days. Some Tacoma movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in San Diego.

Helpful moving resources