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San Diego is 7.1% overall less expensive than Seattle and housing costs are 9.4% less expensive. But despite the savings in your new city, it is vital that you learn the costs associated with a move from Seattle to San Diego, including costs of a moving company, to avoid any surprise.
The 1,250+ mile move from Seattle to San Diego can be dreadful if you are not financially prepared. Financial stress can be significantly reduced, though, for people who budget using a moving cost calculator and plan their move with the helpful information from our moving costs guide.
Moving companies offer local moving service and long-distance moving services. In general, local moves are priced by the hour; long-distance moves are priced by the mile. You don’t get the option to pick the type of move you prefer; the distance and whether the move crosses state lines determines the type of move.
As a general rule of thumb, moves of 100 miles or more, or those that cross state lines, fall into the long-distance move category. The number of miles considered for a long-distance move may vary slightly from one company to the next.
Local movers are not equipped to handle cross-country moves of this distance. Moving from Seattle to San Diego is categorized as a long-distance move.
Moving companies charge $0.60/mile minimum rates on long-distance moves. Many moving companies charge fees greater than the minimum per-mile rate. Know exactly how much you’ll pay per mile by getting quotes before hiring a moving company.
A move from Seattle to San Diego averages about $1,100 - $9,250+, depending on the type of move selected, the moving date, and the amount of stuff moving from one state to another. Some people pay double these amounts in moving costs, particularly larger households and people with a lot of valuables or heavy items.
Specialty items like pool tables, hot tubs, and riding lawn mowers increase the cost of moving. These items require special handling which tacks costs onto the moving rate.
Moving companies offer several services that better accommodate the needs and budgets of most everyone who is relocating.
Rental trucks -The least expensive option, renting a truck requires you to load, unload, and transport it from Seattle to San Diego yourself. Companies charge a flat rate fee to rent a truck, plus a per-mile charge.
Moving labor - Choose moving labor if you want moving pros to load the truck and then unload it in San Diego. Moving labor saves time and reduces your workload, but in most cases, you’ll need to drive the truck.
Full-service moves -The creme da la creme of moving services, a full-service package costs more but leaves the hard work to professional movers equipped with the tools and equipment needed for fast, efficient moves. Full-service moves include load/unload service, transport service, and furniture disassembly and reassembly. Other services full-service movers provide include packing/unpacking, special handling and/or crating of delicate antiques or artwork and moving oversized items like pool tables, hot tubs or pianos.
The best time of the year to move depends on what you want in the move. Summer is the peak moving season and busiest time of year for moving companies. Moving rates cost more during the summer when weather is nice and everyone seems ready to pack up and go.
Moving companies are so busy, getting your choice of moving pros may be more difficult during the summer. If your moving dates are flexible, consider an off-season move to save money.
When do experts recommend you move to save the most money? Moving rates are cheapest during the months of November and December. It may be worth dealing with winter weather to save money during an off-season winter move.
Deciding how you’ll move is one of the biggest factors affecting its cost. Other factors include:
The total driving time from Seattle to San Diego is 19 hours, 4 minutes. The route you take from Seattle can affect drive time. Road construction, traffic congestion, accidents, and other inconveniences can also increase the time it takes to drive from one state to the next.
Some moving companies offer car transportation services along with regular moving services, but if a mover doesn’t, they can refer you to a company that specializes in shipping vehicles. From Seattle to San Diego, car transport service costs a minimum of about $700 based on a $0.60/per mile rate and can cost as much as $1,000 or more. Get a quote for car transportation if this service is one you need to get a customized rate specific to your situation.
San Diego residents enjoy idyllic weather year-round, 70 miles of coastline, beautiful beaches, kids activities, entertainment, shopping, and dining satisfying enough for even the most distinguished individuals. Spend your days visiting museums, art galleries, beaches, theme parks, and San Diego’s many other attractions.
Advance planning keeps moving expenses low. Experts recommend planning at least two months in advance so there is time to compare moving professionals - which saves money- and take care of other moving-related duties. Move during the off-season, reuse moving supplies, and get moving quotes to save more money.
Each day, more than 100,000 people travel to Tijuana, Mexico, in the state of Baja California, for work, entertainment, and other reasons. Located 20 miles from San Diego, the trip takes about half-hour by car. All U.S. citizens must present a valid passport to go back and forth between San Diego and Tijuana but do not need a visa.
Your move from Seattle to San Diego should be stress-free and worry-free, especially where finances are concerned. Moving is a time of excitement for change and new beginnings. Now that you better understand the average moving costs associated with relocating, take a deep breath and enjoy your move the way that you should.
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