Best San Jose to San Diego Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from San Jose to San Diego and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 460 mile long distance California move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 159 San Jose to San Diego 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 Sweet Lemon Moving Services), 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 Jose compared to San Diego. 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.
Best San Jose to San Diego Moving Companies
| Rank | Company | Score  | Affordability Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sweet Lemon Moving Services | 9.77 | 9.67 |
| 2 | Little Guy Big Truck Moving | 9.70 | 9.81 |
| 3 | Pure Moving Company | 9.65 | 9.41 |
| 4 | California Loyal Movers | 9.65 | 9.6 |
| 5 | 1st Choice Movers | 9.63 | 9.7 |
(800) 787-5428How Much Does it Cost to Move from San Jose to San Diego?
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 460 miles from San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA will cost on average $2,172 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom San Jose to San Diego move is roughly $5,200. 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 Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,463 | 300 ft³ | $4.88 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,172 | 450 ft³ | $4.83 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,583 | 750 ft³ | $4.78 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,200 | 1100 ft³ | $4.73 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $7,484 | 1600 ft³ | $4.68 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $8,330 | 1800 ft³ | $4.63 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Diego to San Jose guide.
Compare the 5 Best San Jose to San Diego Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
Sweet Lemon Moving Services
403 Elwood Ave
Oakland, CA, 94610
About Sweet Lemon Moving Services
As a full-service moving company, Sweet Lemon Moving Services has been performing moves in Oakland and the wider Bay Area since...
Services
- Local Moves
- Interstate Moves
- Commercial Moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3277021 / - Not Authorized Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 8 |
| Registered Drivers | 8 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 5,000 (2021) |
Little Guy Big Truck Moving
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
Pure Moving Company
401 Terry A Francois Blvd # 110
San Francisco, CA, 94158
About Pure Moving Company
With four locations in two states, Pure Moving Company has been offering professional and full-service moves in San Francisco since 2000....
Services
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Long Distance Moving
California Loyal Movers
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2020505 / - Not Authorized Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2018) |
1st Choice Movers
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2776935 / - Not Authorized Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 60,000 (2023) |
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.
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 Jose vs. San Diego Neighborhood Comparison
This guide aims to help you compare the local neighborhoods between San Jose, CA & San Diego, CA . By aligning popular neighborhoods from one city with their closest match in another, we aim to familiarize you with an unknown city using your current city as a baseline.
| San Jose | San Diego | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Willow Glen | North Park | Vibrant arts and dining scene |
| Downtown San Jose | Gaslamp Quarter | Bustling nightlife and entertainment |
| Almaden Valley | La Jolla | Upscale living with beautiful landscapes |
| Japantown | Convoy District | Rich in Asian culture and cuisine |
| Rose Garden | Balboa Park Neighborhood | Historic charm and green spaces |
| Santana Row | Little Italy | Trendy shops and eateries |
| Cambrian Park | Clairemont | Family-friendly with community parks |
| Evergreen | Rancho Bernardo | Suburban calm with trails |
| Silver Creek | Carmel Valley | Scenic views and golf courses |
| North San Jose | Sorrento Valley | Tech hub with modern conveniences |
If you appreciate the vibrant arts and dining scene in Willow Glen, you'll find North Park to be a haven for art lovers, with its colorful murals and trendy restaurants. For those who enjoy the urban buzz of Downtown San Jose, the Gaslamp Quarter offers a rich nightlife experience, featuring popular spots like Altitude Sky Lounge with panoramic city views. Meanwhile, if you cherish the historic charm and tranquil green spaces of the Rose Garden, you'll be drawn to the Balboa Park Neighborhood, home to iconic museums and the lush gardens of Balboa Park. Lastly, the upscale allure of Almaden Valley is mirrored in La Jolla, offering stunning coastal vistas and a sophisticated ambiance, boasting attractions such as the La Jolla Cove and its luxurious dining options.
Things to Do in San Diego
Visit the San Diego Zoo- Tour the USS Midway Museum
- Explore Balboa Park
- Relax at Coronado Beach
- Dine in Little Italy
- Experience SeaWorld San Diego
- Play golf at Torrey Pines
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from San Jose to San Diego
Moving from one city to another brings a mix of emotions and practical considerations. This comparison aims to offer an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes when relocating from San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA . Understanding both the upsides and the challenges is crucial for a smooth transition. Here's a look at what awaits you in your new home.
San Jose, CA- Higher cost of living
- More traffic congestion
- Fewer beach options
- Less diverse cuisine
- Smaller tech scene
San Diego, CA- More affordable housing
- Less traffic
- Beautiful beaches
- Rich culinary scene
- Vibrant tech industry
San Diego, CA- Competitive job market
- May get hotter
- Fewer cultural venues
- Further from tech hub
- Different lifestyle pace
San Jose, CA- Vibrant job market
- Mild weather
- Cultural diversity
- Proximity to Silicon Valley
- Innovative spirit
San Diego offers a refreshing change with its stunning beaches like La Jolla Shores and Coronado Beach, drawing residents and tourists alike for sunbathing and surfing. The city's culinary scene is a food lover's paradise, from the authentic Mexican cuisine in Old Town San Diego to fresh seafood at the Embarcadero. While San Jose boasts a strong tech-driven economy, San Diego is not far behind, with growing opportunities in biotech and healthcare. However, those moving might miss the proximity to Silicon Valley's unique innovation ecosystem. Nevertheless, neighborhoods like North Park and Gaslamp Quarter offer vibrant nightlife, craft breweries, and boutique shopping, making San Diego an exciting place to call home.
San Jose vs. San Diego Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between San Jose & San Diego, highlighting how food is an integral part of local culture and living experience. Understanding the culinary differences will help you appreciate what awaits in your new city.
- Falafel's Drive-In
- Original Joe's San Jose
- Aqui Cal-Mex
- Hodad's
- Phil's BBQ
- Las Cuatro Milpas
While San Jose is renowned for its Vietnamese cuisine, offering the best Pho and Banh Mi outside of Vietnam, San Diego is a haven for seafood lovers, with Fish Tacos and the California Burrito standing out as local favorites. San Diego's slight edge in the health and foodie scene reflects in its abundance of vegan options like Jackfruit Tacos. Notably, the respective top iconic restaurants, such as Falafel's Drive-In in San Jose and Hodad's in San Diego, offer a taste of their city's culinary spirit. These establishments are pivotal in defining the dining landscape of their cities, making them must-visits to fully experience the local flavors.
San Jose vs. San Diego Restaurant Comparison
Finding comfort in a new city often begins with discovering local eateries that remind us of home. In transitioning from San Jose to San Diego, it's essential to know where you can find flavors and atmospheres that resonate with what you're leaving behind. This restaurant comparison between San Jose and San Diego will guide you in uncovering your next favorite dining spots, making the acclimatization to your new environment a flavorsome journey.
| San Jose | San Diego | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Adega | Javier's | High-end, authentic dining experience with a focus on the Iberian Peninsula’s flavors. |
| Original Joe's | Corvette Diner | Retro-themed diner offering a similar Americana vibe and classic diner fare. |
| La Foret Restaurant | Addison | A French-inspired fine dining experience emphasizing meticulous attention to detail and culinary excellence. |
| Falafel Drive-In | The Kebab Shop | A casual spot with a European twist on Middle Eastern classics, echoing the laid-back feel and quality fast food. |
| Manresa | Juniper & Ivy | Both offer innovative and locally sourced California cuisine in an upscale, yet approachable atmosphere. |
| Di Matteo's Pizza | Bronx Pizza | Authentic thin-crust pizza that brings a slice of the East Coast to the West, mirroring Di Matteo's commitment to classic flavors. |
| Boiling Crab | Crab Hut | Both specialize in messy, flavorful seafood boils that invite diners to dig in and enjoy with their hands. |
| Santouka Ramen | Ramen Yamadaya | The rich, complex broths and perfectly cooked noodles offer a soul-warming ramen experience akin to Santouka. |
| Back A Yard | Island Spice | Offers a taste of the Caribbean with hearty, spice-laden dishes that transport diners to tropical locales, similar to Back A Yard’s approach. |
| Henry's Hi-Life | Phil's BBQ | Both provide a rustic, communal dining experience focused on American barbecue traditions. |
For those who cherish the intimate and innovative dining experience of Manresa in San Jose, stepping into Juniper & Ivy in San Diego feels like discovering a culinary kindred spirit. Both establishments pride themselves on their innovative approaches to local cuisine, creating dishes that are both a visual feast and a palate delight. Similarly, seafood lovers who frequent Boiling Crab for its lively atmosphere and finger-licking good seafood will find Crab Hut in San Diego to offer a similar experience. The communal joy of cracking open freshly spiced seafood, paired with a cold beer, is a ritual that transcends state lines, ensuring that the transition from San Jose to San Diego is filled with familiar comforts and new flavors waiting to be discovered.
Ready to start your move?
San Jose vs. San Diego Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a crucial aspect of planning a move. By comparing San Jose and San Diego in terms of housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle, you can make an informed decision on where to call your next home. This guide aims to highlight how the two cities fare in the real estate market.
When diving deeper into the housing aspects of San Jose and San Diego, it becomes apparent why these cities attract different demographics. San Jose, with its proximity to Silicon Valley, appeals to tech professionals looking for modern and ranch-style homes that often include smart home features. On the other hand, San Diego's allure lies in its Spanish and modern architectural styles, coupled with the highly sought after outdoor living spaces and easy beach access. These features, along with a slightly higher urban lifestyle score, make San Diego particularly appealing to those seeking a vibrant city life combined with the laid-back beach atmosphere.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in San Diego, CA
1. Ocean Beach : You'll love the dog-friendly atmosphere with a dedicated dog beach where your furry friend can splash and play off-leash.
2. North Park : This hip neighborhood offers many pet-welcoming cafes and parks, making it easy for you to enjoy outings with your pets.
3. Hillcrest : Known for its inclusive culture, you'll find numerous pet-friendly restaurants and bars, along with a welcoming community for your pets.
San Jose vs. San Diego Weather Considerations
When planning a move from San Jose to San Diego, it's essential to understand how the weather compares between these two cities. This comparison will help you anticipate changes in your daily life and prepare for any new environmental conditions you might experience.
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
While both San Jose and San Diego enjoy a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers, San Diego offers more days of sunshine per year and slightly higher average winter temperatures. San Jose experiences cooler nights in the summer and higher average humidity levels year-round. Significantly, San Diego's coastal location results in lower annual rainfall but does come with a moderate air quality due to its proximity to the ocean and susceptibility to wildfires. Understanding these differences can help you adjust your lifestyle and home preparedness plans, especially concerning natural disasters common in each city.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from San Jose to San Diego
Moving from one city to another can significantly impact your budget depending on the difference in cost of living and other financial factors. With this in mind, comparing San Jose and San Diego in terms of taxes, income, and housing can provide a clearer picture of what to expect. This comparison is crucial for budget planning and understanding the economic landscape of your new home.
While both San Jose and San Diego have much to offer in terms of lifestyle and opportunities, their financial landscapes vary significantly. For instance, the average household income in San Jose is notably higher than in San Diego, which can be attributed to the concentration of high-paying tech jobs in the area. Conversely, San Diego's cost of living and average sales tax are lower, making day-to-day expenses more manageable for residents. Both cities have a vibrant mix of industries, though they differ, with San Jose being a tech hub and San Diego focusing more on defense/military and tourism. Understanding these differences can help you plan your finances more effectively as you make the move.
San Jose vs. San Diego Political & Religious Comparison
In this section, we provide a quick, at-a-glance snapshot to help you understand the comparison of the politics between San Jose & San Diego , including their political and religious makeup. This will give you an idea of the community environment you're moving into or leaving behind.
Both San Jose and San Diego have a predominantly Democratic political alignment, though San Diego shows a more mixed landscape of moderate views alongside its progressive tendencies. This could reflect on the local policies and governance style you'll encounter. Religion in both cities is diverse, reflecting California's overall cultural diversity. San Diego, in particular, is home to some prominent Christian churches, indicative of a vibrant religious community. Thus, as you make your move, you'll find both cities to hold inclusive and varied cultural and ideological beliefs.
San Jose vs. San Diego Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
In this section, we provide a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between San Jose & San Diego, aimed at helping you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like. This will be essential in preparing for your move and daily life in your new city.
Average commute time in San Jose is generally higher than in San Diego, reflecting a slight difference in traffic congestion that could affect your daily routines. Despite San Jose having better scores in terms of public transit availability, getting around without a car in both cities can be tricky, yet feasible in San Jose with some planning. The intricacies of each public transit system, from the Valley Transportation Authority in San Jose to San Diego Metropolitan Transit System in San Diego, present unique challenges and opportunities for residents. Understanding these nuances will be crucial for navigating your new home city efficiently.
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