Best San Diego to Sunnyvale Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from San Diego to Sunnyvale and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 471 mile long distance California move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 124 San Diego to Sunnyvale moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Little Guy Big Truck Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in San Diego compared to Sunnyvale. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best San Diego to Sunnyvale Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability Index
1Little Guy Big Truck Moving9.709.81
2California Loyal Movers9.659.6
31st Choice Movers9.639.7
4One Move Movers9.619.24
524/7 Moving and Storage9.559.52
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from San Diego to Sunnyvale?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 471 miles from San Diego, CA to Sunnyvale, CA will cost on average $2,182 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom San Diego to Sunnyvale move is roughly $5,223. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,470300 ft³$4.90
1 Bedroom$2,182450 ft³$4.85
2 Bedrooms$3,599750 ft³$4.80
3 Bedrooms$5,2231100 ft³$4.75
4 Bedrooms$7,5171600 ft³$4.70
5+ Bedrooms$8,3671800 ft³$4.65
*Please note: These California to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & California. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed CA to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Sunnyvale to San Diego guide.

Compare the 5 Best San Diego to Sunnyvale Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Little Guy Big Truck Moving Logo

Little Guy Big Truck Moving

Exceptional9.70/10
based on 1,698+ data points

National City, CA

About Little Guy Big Truck Moving

Little Guy Big Truck Moving is a BBB-accredited, family-owned and operated business offering local and long-distance moving services at an affordable...

Services

  • Affordable fast friendly movers
  • Local and long distance moving
  • Fully licensed and insured
View Full Review
1
California Loyal Movers Logo

California Loyal Movers

Exceptional9.65/10
based on 2,350+ data points

999 Commercial St # 206

Palo Alto, CA, 94303

About California Loyal Movers

Located in Palo Alto, California Loyal Movers has a proven track record of helping people and businesses in the Bay Area...

Services

  • Local moves
  • Long-distance moves
  • Loading and unloading services

Interstate Moving License

Circle X Mark
Not Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2020505 / -

Not Authorized

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2018)
View Full Review
2
1st Choice Movers Logo

1st Choice Movers

Exceptional9.63/10
based on 5,019+ data points

8250 Miramar Mall

San Diego, CA, 92121

About 1st Choice Movers

With hundreds of satisfied customers, 1st Choice Movers is true to its name as a preferred local choice for moving and...

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Cross-country moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle X Mark
Not Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2776935 / -

Not Authorized

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved60,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
One Move Movers Logo

One Move Movers

Exceptional9.61/10
based on 4,564+ data points

796 San Antonio Rd Suite: B

Palo Alto, CA, 94303

About One Move Movers

Founded in 2003, One Move Movers has been helping people in the San Jose, CA, area move for nearly 20 years....

Services

  • Residential Moves
  • Office Moving Services
  • Commercial Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle X Mark
Not Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3499845 / -

Not Authorized

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved80,000 (2021)
View Full Review
4
24/7 Moving and Storage Logo

24/7 Moving and Storage

Exceptional9.55/10
based on 5,491+ data points

2622 Piantino Cir

San Diego, CA, 92108

About 24/7 Moving and Storage

This locally owned and operated moving company has been helping people in the San Diego area move since 2013. 24/7 Moving...

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long distance moving services
  • Full service packing/moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle X Mark
Not Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2707732 / -

Not Authorized

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (2023)
View Full Review
5
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

San Diego vs. Sunnyvale Neighborhood Comparison

To make your transition smoother, we're providing a comparison to help you familiarize yourself with an unknown city using your current home as a baseline. San Diego, CA & Sunnyvale, CA neighborhoods will be compared to assist in this adjustment.

San DiegoSunnyvaleHow They're Similar
La JollaSaratogaScenic coast feel
Gaslamp QuarterDowntown SunnyvaleVibrant nightlife
North ParkWashington ParkArtistic vibe
Little ItalyMurphy AvenueCulinary delights
Pacific BeachBeachwoodYoung, lively atmosphere
CarlsbadSunnyvale WestFamily-friendly suburbs
EncinitasCumberland SouthSurf culture
HillcrestPonderosaLGBTQ-friendly
Mission ValleyLawrence StationShopping hub
Del MarCherry OrchardUpscale community

If you're drawn to the artistic vibe and trendy eateries of North Park, you'll find a similar spirit in Washington Park, where indie art galleries and unique coffee shops thrive. Those who enjoy the beachy, youthful energy of Pacific Beach will feel right at home in Beachwood, a lively area perfect for outdoor activities and socializing by the water. For families seeking the perfect suburbia, Sunnyvale West provides the same family-friendly environment found in Carlsbad, with charming parks and top-rated schools. The culinary variety of Little Italy finds its parallel on Murphy Avenue, where boutique restaurants offer an array of exciting flavors. Lastly, lovers of nature in Encinitas can enjoy similar surf and sand experiences along the scenic stretches of Cumberland South.

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Things to Do in Sunnyvale

  • Explore the Baylands Nature Preserve.
  • Attend a workshop at Sunnyvale Public Library.
  • Shop at Sunnyvale Town Center.
  • Enjoy Central Park activities.
  • Visit the Computer History Museum.
  • Sample local brews at Faultline Brewing Company.
  • Catch a show at Sunnyvale Theatre.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from San Diego to Sunnyvale

Moving from San Diego, CA to Sunnyvale, CA can be a significant change, and it's important to weigh both the positive and negative aspects of such a relocation. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of this move, helping you make a well-informed decision.

CONs
PROs
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • Higher living costs
  • Less tech scene
  • Warmer winters
Sunnyvale, CA iconSunnyvale, CA
  • Tech job opportunities
  • Close to Silicon Valley
  • Milder weather
Sunnyvale, CA iconSunnyvale, CA
  • Far from beaches
  • Quieter nightlife
  • Smaller outdoor scene
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • Great beaches
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Outdoor activities

While the thought of leaving San Diego's beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife behind might seem daunting, Sunnyvale offers its own unique advantages. Sunnyvale, nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, is a haven for tech professionals with ample job opportunities at companies like Google, Apple, and LinkedIn. The city’s milder weather ensures comfortable year-round living, contrasting San Diego's hotter summers. Additionally, Sunnyvale's numerous neighborhood parks, including Las Palmas Park, and its family-friendly atmosphere provide a serene living environment. Though you might miss the oceanic backdrop, the tech-centric culture, and robust job market in Sunnyvale are compelling for budding and established tech professionals alike.

San Diego vs. Sunnyvale Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between San Diego & Sunnyvale because food significantly influences the local culture and living experience. This comparison aims to help you better understand the culinary distinctions and similarities of your current and future homes.

San Diego
Sunnyvale
Most iconic local food item
Fish Tacos
Pho
Most popular meat dish
Carne Asada
BBQ Ribs
Most popular street food item
California Burrito
Dosa
Most popular vegan food
Acai Bowl
Tofu Scramble
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Juniper & Ivy
  • George's at the Cove
  • Lolita's Mexican Food
  • DishDash
  • Muracci's
  • Falafel STOP
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
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Abundance of Food Trucks
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Foodie Scene
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Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
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In San Diego, you'll find the iconic Fish Tacos gracing menus from beachside shacks to upscale dining establishments, a testament to the city's love for fresh, seafood-based cuisine. Carne Asada, a marinated and grilled beef dish, embodies San Diego's rich Mexican culinary influence, commonly enjoyed across various eateries from the bustling Gaslamp Quarter to laid-back neighborhoods like Ocean Beach. Over in Sunnyvale, the food scene is equally diverse, featuring Pho as a staple comfort food in the vast array of Vietnamese restaurants scattered throughout the city. Sunnyvale’s penchant for international flavors is also highlighted by its popular street food item, Dosa, available in the many South Indian restaurants. The transition from San Diego's seaside flavors to Sunnyvale's global palate represents an exciting culinary journey influenced by each city's unique cultural makeup.

San Diego vs. Sunnyvale Restaurant Comparison

Finding your new favorite dine-out spots is crucial in making a new city feel like home. This comparison chart aims to ease the transition from San Diego to Sunnyvale by comparing top restaurants, helping you discover local equivalents to your favorites. Whether you're seeking high-end dining, casual eateries, or iconic foodie havens, we’ve got you covered.

San DiegoSunnyvaleWhat You'll Love
Juniper & IvyDishdashUpscale Middle Eastern cuisine, offering a mix of innovation and comfort similar to Juniper & Ivy.
George's at the CovePaul Martin's American GrillAmerican classics with a focus on quality ingredients, reminiscent of George's approach to upscale dining.
Phil's BBQArmadillo Willy's BBQAuthentic BBQ experience with a focus on smoked meats and hearty sides, like Phil's.
Born & RaisedAlexander's SteakhouseCombines fine dining with a modern twist on steakhouse classics, echoing Born & Raised's ethos.
Lolita's Taco ShopTaqueria Los CharrosCasual and authentic Mexican eatery, offering a taste of Lolita's in Sunnyvale.
Las Cuatro MilpasEl CaminitoHomestyle Mexican cooking that captures the essence of Las Cuatro Milpas.
Cucina UrbanaIl FornaioOffers a contemporary Italian dining experience with a focus on fresh, local ingredients, akin to Cucina Urbana.
Hodad'sSt. John's Bar & GrillKnown for their burgers and laid-back vibe, it’s Sunnyvale’s answer to Hodad's.
Ironside Fish & OysterMarket BroilerSeafood-centric dining with a flair for fresh, oceanic flavors similar to Ironside.
PuestoCasa LupeOffers contemporary Mexican dishes with an inventive twist, paralleling Puesto's modern take.

While the culinary scene in Sunnyvale is diverse, establishments like Dishdash and Alexander's Steakhouse stand out for their exceptional dining experiences that mirror the essence of San Diego's favorites. Dishdash, with its Middle Eastern flair, brings a slice of Juniper & Ivy’s innovation to the table. On the other hand, BBQ enthusiasts will feel right at home at Armadillo Willy's BBQ, where the smoked meats and sides channel the soul of Phil's BBQ. These Sunnyvale counterparts not only offer similar tastes and atmospheres but also commit to quality and memorable dining experiences, ensuring you don’t miss out on what you loved back in San Diego.

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Ready to start your move?

San Diego vs. Sunnyvale Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is crucial when planning a move. Understanding how housing costs, styles, and lifestyle features compare in San Diego and Sunnyvale can greatly inform your decision. Here's a look at how these two cities stand side by side.

San Diego
Sunnyvale
Typical Architecture Style
Spanish Colonial Revival
Modern and Mid-Century Modern
Walkability
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👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Ocean Views, Outdoor Living
Tech Upgrades, Proximity to Tech Companies

When comparing the real estate landscapes of San Diego and Sunnyvale, notable differences become apparent, especially in the architecture and urban lifestyle. San Diego's real estate often boasts Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and highlights outdoor living spaces, reflecting its coastal, laid-back lifestyle. On the other hand, Sunnyvale, nestled in Silicon Valley, emphasizes modern and mid-century modern designs with a focus on tech upgrades in homes, catering to the tech-savvy professionals drawn to the area for its proximity to major tech companies. Despite Sunnyvale's lower walkability score, its bikeability is higher, which can be advantageous for residents preferring cycling over walking.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Sunnyvale, CA

1. Central Sunnyvale : You and your furry friend will love Central Sunnyvale for its abundance of spacious parks and pet-friendly amenities.

2. West Murphy : West Murphy offers neighborhood walking trails and local pet services, making it a welcoming spot for pets and their owners.

3. Ponderosa Park : With its vast open spaces and designated pet areas, Ponderosa Park provides an ideal environment for pets to play and socialize.

San Diego vs. Sunnyvale Weather Considerations

Moving to a new city is a significant change, and one of the aspects you will notice immediately is the difference in weather. Understanding how the climate in Sunnyvale compares to San Diego is crucial for adapting to your new environment. This comparison will give you a better idea of what to expect throughout the year.

San Diego
Sunnyvale
Days of Sunshine per Year
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Avg. Annual Humidity
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Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Earthquakes, Wildfires
Earthquakes, Wildfires
Air Quality
Good
Moderate
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

75°F / 65°F
79°F / 58°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

66°F / 50°F
58°F / 39°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

10.34
15.9
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

0
0


When moving from San Diego to Sunnyvale, you will experience subtle yet noticeable differences in weather patterns. Sunnyvale generally has slightly cooler winters and warmer summers than San Diego. Although both cities enjoy a high number of sunny days annually, Sunnyvale has a bit higher average annual humidity. The slight variation in the annual rainfall between the two cities suggests that Sunnyvale may have wetter winters, impacting outdoor activities and the prevalence of seasonal allergies differently than in San Diego. Being aware of these differences can help you better plan your activities and adapt to your new environment smoothly.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from San Diego to Sunnyvale

Moving between cities is a significant life event, and understanding the financial implications is crucial. When transitioning from San Diego, CA to Sunnyvale, CA , it's vital to compare money and finance aspects to gauge how your lifestyle and expenses may adjust.

San Diego
Sunnyvale
Avg. Household Income
$93,042
$156,059
Cost of Living Index
132.3
136.4
State Income Tax
9.3
9.3
Avg. Property Tax
0.76
0.77
Avg. Sales Tax
7.75
9.00
Top 3 Industries
Defense, Tourism, International Trade
Technology, Manufacturing, Retail
Affluence
Moderately Affluent
Highly Affluent
Poverty
Moderate
Low
Homelessness
Elevated
Lower

When you're considering a move from San Diego to Sunnyvale, be ready for a significant shift in financial terrain. Sunnyvale, with its heart in Silicon Valley, boasts an average household income that doubles that of San Diego's, underlining the area's high cost of living and affluence. This stark difference is mirrored in the Cost of Living Index, where Sunnyvale's index is almost double that of San Diego's. Yet, both cities share the same state income tax rates. Property and sales taxes are slightly higher in Sunnyvale, which contributes to its higher cost of living but also indicates a highly affluent community driven by the technology sector. Understanding these financial implications will help you adjust your budget and lifestyle expectations in your new city.

San Diego vs. Sunnyvale Political & Religious Comparison

As you plan your move from San Diego to Sunnyvale, it's helpful to understand the communities you'll be engaging with. This comparison offers a quick snapshot of the political and religious makeup of San Diego & Sunnyvale, providing you a glimpse into the local culture and social environment you're about to embrace.

San Diego
Sunnyvale
Political Make-up
Lean Democratic
Strongly Democratic
Local Politics
Diverse representation in city council
Progressive leadership
Religion
Mix of Christian, Non-religious, and Other Faiths
Highly diverse with a significant Asian influence on religious practices

In diving deeper into these comparisons, it's important to note the strong progressive lean in Sunnyvale's political scene, which reflects a community active in advocating for environmental and social issues. Unlike San Diego, where the political landscape is varied, Sunnyvale shows a significant majority leaning towards Democratic values, influenced perhaps by its location in the heart of Silicon Valley. The religious landscape in both cities is quite diverse. However, Sunnyvale stands out for its mixture of various Asian religions and practices, reflecting its culturally diverse population. Understanding these facets of your new community can help ease the transition and enrich your experience in Sunnyvale.

San Diego vs. Sunnyvale Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Making the move from San Diego, CA, to Sunnyvale, CA? This guide provides a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between San Diego & Sunnyvale to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like in your new city.

San Diego
Sunnyvale
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
25
24
Traffic Congestion
7 out of 10
6 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
6 out of 10
7 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
Possible but challenging
More feasible

While the average commute times in San Diego and Sunnyvale are fairly comparable, there are nuances worth noting. San Diego tends to experience higher levels of traffic congestion, which could add unpredictability to your daily commute. On the other hand, public transit in Sunnyvale is somewhat more accessible and reliable, owing to its proximity to tech hubs and structured urban planning favoring public transportation options like the Caltrain. Adapting to life without a car is more feasible in Sunnyvale, due to its efficient urban layout and broader range of public transportation options geared towards accommodating the professional workforce inhabiting the area.

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