Best Montgomery to San Diego Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Montgomery to San Diego and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,046 mile move from Alabama to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 19 Montgomery to San Diego moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is The Rock Movers), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $8,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Montgomery 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.

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Best Montgomery to San Diego Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1The Rock Movers9.499.53Authorized For HHGContact
2Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.9.469.62Authorized For HHGContact
3Pink Zebra Moving9.179.28Authorized For HHGContact
4Two Men and a Truck7.487.24Authorized For HHGContact
5McCorquodale Transfer, Inc7.447.59Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Montgomery to San Diego

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,046 miles from Montgomery, AL to San Diego, CA will cost on average $3,521 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Montgomery to San Diego move is roughly $8,497. 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$2,362300 ft³7.87
1 Bedroom$3,521450 ft³7.82
2 Bedrooms$5,831750 ft³7.77
3 Bedrooms$8,4971100 ft³7.72
4 Bedrooms$12,2801600 ft³7.67
5+ Bedrooms$13,7251800 ft³7.62
*Please note: These Alabama to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Alabama & 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 AL to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Diego to Montgomery guide.

Compare the 5 Best Montgomery to San Diego Movers

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

The Rock Movers Logo

The Rock Movers

Exceptional9.49/10
based on 2,305+ data points

7087 Camino Revueltos UNIT 306

San Diego, CA, 92111

About The Rock Movers

The Rock Movers is a San Diego County-based moving company offering professional and affordable moving services for local and long-distance relocations....

Services

  • Local Residential
  • Furniture Moving
  • Full Packing Service

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3653432 / 1541470

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. Logo

Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.

Exceptional9.46/10
based on 477+ data points

2020 Camino De La Reina

San Diego, CA, 92108

About Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.

Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. is a professional moving company based in San Diego, California. Founded by Donal and Jessica O'Neill,...

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Long-Distance Moves
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3177184 / 1157114

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved200,000 (2024)
View Full Review
2
Pink Zebra Moving Logo

Pink Zebra Moving

Exceptional9.17/10
based on 259+ data points

630 Oliver Rd b

Montgomery, AL, 36117

About Pink Zebra Moving

Pink Zebra Moving is a service company that revolutionizes the moving industry. They strive to provide a luxurious, stress-free moving experience,...

Services

  • Home Moving Services
  • Apartment/Condo/Townhome Moving Services
  • Furniture Rearranging Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/11/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3976058 / 1487303

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Two Men and a Truck Logo

Two Men and a Truck

7.48/10
based on 557+ data points

325 Lee Road 672

Auburn, AL, 36832

About Two Men and a Truck

Two Men and a Truck Auburn-Montgomery has been serving the area for over 15 years. It has now completed 20,000 moves,...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Junk removal
  • Storage

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

930909 / 401062

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans24
Registered Drivers20
Total Annual Miles Moved200,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
McCorquodale Transfer, Inc Logo

McCorquodale Transfer, Inc

7.44/10
based on 155+ data points

520 Air Base Blvd

Montgomery, AL, 36108

About McCorquodale Transfer, Inc

McCorquodale Transfer, Inc. offers the finest in household and office relocation services. It has been serving customers for over 20 years...

Services

  • Local moves
  • Commercial moves
  • Antique transfer

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

713589 / 352161

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans31
Registered Drivers30
Total Annual Miles Moved5,000 (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.

Montgomery vs. San Diego Neighborhood Comparison

When considering a move from Montgomery, AL to San Diego, CA, getting to know your new home's neighborhoods is crucial. To assist, we're comparing Montgomery, AL & San Diego, CA neighborhoods to help you find a familiar community vibe in an entirely new city. Let's match Montgomery's top areas with their San Diego counterparts.

MontgomerySan DiegoHow They're Similar
CloverdaleNorth ParkArtsy, vibrant community hub
Old CloverdaleHillcrestHistoric, with a rich cultural scene
Garden DistrictSouth ParkQuiet, historic homes and local eateries
Pike RoadCarmel ValleyFamily-friendly, modern amenities
HampsteadLiberty StationInnovative dining and waterfront parks
Capitol HeightsGolden HillCentral location with historic charm
Cottage HillBankers HillScenic views, upscale dining
Deer CreekDel SurSuburban comfort, community-focused
HalcyonKensingtonQuiet, with a touch of old-world charm
WynlakesRancho BernardoSpacious, golf community

If you're moving from the artsy and vibrant hub of Cloverdale in Montgomery, you'll find a similar spirit in North Park, San Diego. This neighborhood thrives with local art, eclectic eateries like Waypoint Public, and community events that turn strangers into neighbors. For those drawn to the historic charm and cultural richness of Old Cloverdale, Hillcrest offers an inclusive atmosphere with landmarks such as the San Diego Museum of Art and thriving LGBTQ+ community. Garden District's serene vibe is mirrored in South Park, where historic homes line the streets and places like Grant's Marketplace become familiar spots for a morning coffee or a casual meet-up. These paired neighborhoods across both cities showcase how you can transition smoothly into a new city by finding the familiar comforts of community and culture.

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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

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Montgomery to San Diego

Moving across the country is a significant change, and it's essential to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of such a decision. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Montgomery, AL to San Diego, CA . By comparing the cons against the pros and vice versa, you'll gain a balanced perspective on what this move entails.

CONs
PROs
Montgomery, AL iconMontgomery, AL
  • Higher humidity
  • Smaller city vibe
  • Limited job market
  • Less cultural diversity
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • Milder climate
  • Vibrant city life
  • Diverse job opportunities
  • Rich cultural scene
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • Higher living expenses
  • Less personal connections
  • Crowded outdoor spots
  • Heavy traffic
Montgomery, AL iconMontgomery, AL
  • Lower cost of living
  • Close-knit communities
  • More green spaces
  • Easier commute

While Montgomery prides itself on its close-knit communities and more affordable living, San Diego offers a bustling city life filled with diverse job opportunities and cultural experiences. For instance, Balboa Park, a sprawling urban cultural park in San Diego, is home to over 16 museums, multiple art venues, and the world-renowned San Diego Zoo. Dining in San Diego takes you on a global culinary journey with restaurants like Juniper & Ivy and Lolita’s Mexican Food, offering high-end dining and authentic local flavors, respectively. Despite the higher cost of living and potentially more crowded outdoor spots, San Diego's mild climate and rich cultural scene present an attractive lifestyle change from the quieter, more humid confines of Montgomery.

Montgomery vs. San Diego Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Montgomery & San Diego, highlighting food as a central aspect of local culture and lifestyle. This comparison aims to better inform you about what you can expect from the food scene in your new city.

MontgomerySan Diego
Most iconic local food itemAlabama BBQFish Tacos
Most popular meat dishFried CatfishCarne Asada
Most popular street food itemPulled Pork SandwichCalifornia Burrito
Most popular vegan foodVegetarian Soul FoodAvocado Toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants
  • Central
  • Dreamland BBQ
  • Jim 'N Nick's
  • Juniper & Ivy
  • Hodad's
  • CUCINA urbana
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Montgomery offers a taste of the South with its rich tradition of Alabama BBQ and soul food, while San Diego's cuisine is a blend of Mexican flavors, fresh seafood, and health-conscious dishes. In San Diego, neighborhoods like Little Italy and the Gaslamp Quarter are hotspots for foodies, with establishments like Juniper & Ivy and Hodad's making waves for their innovative dishes. Moving to San Diego, you'll find a dynamic food scene that caters to all palates, including an impressive array of vegan options and bustling food trucks, reflecting the city's high fitness and health conscientiousness.

Montgomery vs. San Diego Restaurant Comparison

Moving to a new city can be challenging, but finding local eateries that make you feel at home shouldn't be. This comparison of top Montgomery restaurants with their San Diego equivalents aims to help you discover new favorite dining spots, transitioning your palate from the Heart of Dixie to the sunny shores of California.

MontgomerySan DiegoWhat You'll Love
CentralJRDNBoth offer upscale dining with a focus on contemporary American cuisine.
Jubilee SeafoodPoint Loma SeafoodsBoth are known for their fresh, high-quality seafood offerings.
Filet & VineLiberty Public MarketSimilar in providing a range of gourmet foods and casual dining experience.
Chris' Hot DogsDog Haus BiergartenBoth serve iconic hot dogs with a unique local twist.
Saza Serious ItalianBencotto Italian KitchenOffering authentic Italian cuisine with a commitment to flavor and quality.
Vintage YearUrban SolaceBoth have a cozy ambiance with a focus on modern American dishes.
El Rey Burrito LoungeLucha Libre Gourmet Taco ShopVibrant Mexican meals with a funky twist that define each locale.
Martin's RestaurantHash House A Go GoComfort food taken to the next level with generous servings.
Wintzell's Oyster HouseIronside Fish & OysterComparable emphasis on seafood, especially oysters, in an inviting setting.
A Touch of Soul CafeBud & Rob's New Orleans BistroBoth bring the flavors of Southern cuisine to life with authentic dishes.

For those yearning for a taste of Montgomery's unique culinary scene in San Diego, several standout options are available. JRDN and Urban Solace encapsulate the spirit of fine dining and cozy atmospheres found in Montgomery favorites like Central and Vintage Year, respectively. Meanwhile, food enthusiasts seeking a more casual but equally memorable experience will appreciate the close culinary cousins in Liberty Public Market and Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop, drawing parallels with Montgomery's Filet & Vine and El Rey Burrito Lounge. It's these touches of familiar tastes amidst the new surroundings that transform San Diego from just a city to your new home.

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Montgomery vs. San Diego Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, it's crucial to understand the real estate landscape of your new city. This comparison between Montgomery, AL , and San Diego, CA , focuses on housing aspects —providing an essential look into your potential new home.

ComparisonMontgomerySan Diego
Typical Architecture StyleColonial RevivalSpanish Revival
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, historic charmViews, modern amenities

When comparing housing between Montgomery and San Diego, it's clear the markets drastically differ. San Diego's median home price and rent are significantly higher, reflecting the city's higher cost of living but also its appeal as a coastal, urban center. The architecture also differs, with Montgomery showcasing the historic Colonial Revival style, while San Diego exhibits the modern and eclectic Spanish Revival. The lifestyle in San Diego is more urban, with higher scores in walkability, bikeability, and an overall urban lifestyle. Real estate listings in San Diego often highlight modern amenities and picturesque views, in contrast to Montgomery's emphasis on spacious yards and historic charm. This contrast underscores not just a financial difference, but a lifestyle shift when moving from Montgomery to San Diego.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in San Diego, CA

1. Ocean Beach: Known for its laid-back vibe, Ocean Beach features Dog Beach, where your furry friends can play off-leash in the surf and sand.

2. North Park: A neighborhood that embraces pet owners, North Park offers several pet-friendly dining options and the Morley Field Dog Park for off-leash fun.

3. Little Italy: This vibrant neighborhood not only has multiple pet-friendly patios for dining but also hosts the annual Little Italy Doggie Street Festival, celebrating pets and their families.

Montgomery vs. San Diego Weather Considerations

Moving from one city to another can be a big change, especially when it comes to weather. Understanding how the climate in Montgomery, AL compares to San Diego, CA can help you prepare for your move. This comparison will explore various weather aspects to give you a better idea of what to expect in your new home.

Summer icon
91°F / 71°F

Montgomery, AL

76°F / 68°F

San Diego, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
57°F / 36°F

Montgomery, AL

66°F / 50°F

San Diego, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
53"

Montgomery, AL

10"

San Diego, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0"

Montgomery, AL

0"

San Diego, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonMontgomerySan Diego
Air QualityGoodVariable
Natural DisastersTornadoes, HurricanesEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When comparing the climates of Montgomery and San Diego, there are clear contrasts that stand out. For instance, Montgomery experiences more extreme temperatures in both summer and winter, with higher humidity levels than San Diego. San Diego's weather is notably milder and drier, boasting more sunny days per year. This can significantly impact your daily life, including clothing choices, outdoor activities, and even your health, considering the differences in air quality and seasonal allergies. Additionally, while both cities face natural disaster risks, the types vary, with Montgomery prone to tornadoes and hurricanes and San Diego to earthquakes and wildfires. These distinctions make understanding the local climate crucial for a smoother transition.

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

Moving between cities can drastically affect your finances, making it essential to understand how these changes impact your wallet. This guide precisely compares the key financial aspects of living in Montgomery vs. San Diego, highlighting crucial differences in income, taxation, and living costs to ease your transition.

ComparisonMontgomerySan Diego
Avg. Household Income$46,957$93,042
Cost of Living Index99.2132.3
State Income Tax513.3
Avg. Property Tax0.430.76
Avg. Sales Tax108.75
Top 3 IndustriesGovernment, Manufacturing, HealthcareDefense/Military, Tourism, International Trade
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyHigher than national averageLower than national average
HomelessnessSignificantSignificant

While comparing Montgomery to San Diego, you'll notice that the average household income is substantially higher in San Diego, which could be attributed to its strong economic sectors such as defense, tourism, and international trade. However, this income increase is countered by a much higher cost of living—almost double that of Montgomery's. It's also important to consider California's highest state income tax, which at 13.3%, significantly exceeds Alabama's 5%. Despite these financial demands, San Diego's affluence is considerably higher, offering a vibrant, albeit expensive, lifestyle. Keep these factors in mind as they will play a critical role in your financial planning and quality of life in your new city.

Montgomery vs. San Diego Political & Religious Comparison

When making the move from Montgomery, AL, to San Diego, CA, understanding the community you're about to join can greatly ease the transition. This comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Montgomery & San Diego will give you a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of what to expect in your new hometown.

MontgomerySan Diego
Political Make-upLean DemocraticLean Democratic
Local PoliticsProgressive trends in urban areasStrong environmental and progressive agendas
ReligionChristian majority, with a significant Evangelical presenceDiverse, with a prominence of Catholic and non-religious individuals

While both Montgomery and San Diego tend to lean Democratic politically, the texture of their local politics and religious makeup reveals a wider cultural shift. In Montgomery, you might notice a strong Evangelical influence that permeates the local culture, visible in its community events and gatherings. In contrast, San Diego boasts a more varied religious landscape, with a significant number of Catholic and non-religious residents, reflecting its diverse population. This diversity extends into its politics as well, where environmental concerns and progressive policies play a central role in local governance. Understanding these differences will help you acclimate more smoothly to your new environment in San Diego.

Montgomery vs. San Diego Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

This comparison between Montgomery, AL, and San Diego, CA, aims to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like as you consider moving. Whether you're driving or relying on public transit, knowing these differences is crucial for planning your day-to-day activities in your new city.

ComparisonMontgomerySan Diego
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2426
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?NoYes, but challenging

Montgomery and San Diego offer distinct experiences when it comes to commuting and transportation. In Montgomery, the average commute time is slightly less, and traffic congestion is lower, making it easier to get around. However, public transit options are limited, making a car almost necessary for daily routines. On the other hand, San Diego presents a different scenario where traffic congestion is higher and commuting times are slightly longer. Despite these challenges, San Diego offers better public transit options, making it possible, yet somewhat challenging, to navigate without a car. This comparison highlights the significant adjustments you may need to make in your daily commuting habits after moving from Montgomery to San Diego.

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