How Much Do Movers Cost in San Diego?

What are typical San Diego moving costs?

Published figures differ because they measure different things. Here is each source and what it covers:

• HireAHelper, San Diego (Oct 2026): two movers $150.19/hour, 2-hour minimum; median labor-only $503.72; median full-service $973.45. Medians of completed bookings on its marketplace.
• HireAHelper labor-only by size: 1BR apartment $393.63, 2BR apartment $482.53, 3BR apartment $572.97, 3BR house $571.24, 4BR house $656.36, 5BR house $708.81.
• moveBuddha, San Diego (Oct 2026): full-service local moves from $506 (studio) and $788 (1BR) to $3,539 (3BR), $4,091 (4BR) and $6,411 (5BR+). Long distance (100+ miles): $2,325 to over $13,175.
• Angi, national (2026): local moves average $1,706, with a typical range of $880 to $2,562.

What does California law say about moving prices?

The Bureau of Household Goods and Services sets a Maximum Rate Tariff that caps what licensed movers can charge for in-state moves. Moves of 100 miles or less can be billed by the hour; billable time includes loading, unloading and double the drive time between addresses. Longer in-state moves are priced by weight and distance.

Movers must give a written estimate after seeing your belongings, and a Not to Exceed price on the Agreement for Moving Services. Once you pay that price plus any signed Change Orders, the mover must unload.

What makes a San Diego move cost more?

Season, access and distance. HireAHelper's methodology says summer moves run about 7% higher than the quietest winter months. Stairs, long carries and tight parking add hours, and on hourly moves, the drive between addresses is billed twice.

Local rules can add costs too: a City of San Diego street container permit is $87.68 a week plus an $87.68 processing fee, and Coronado and Del Mar have their own permit requirements.

How can you lower the cost of a move?

Move mid-month and outside summer, get at least three written estimates after walk-throughs, pack non-fragile items yourself, and dispose of what you won't take before the crew arrives. Compare quotes on total Not to Exceed price, not just hourly rate.

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