Best San Diego to New York City Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
If you're moving from San Diego to New York City and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,789 mile move from California to New York go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 63 San Diego to New York City 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 JP Urban Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $3,000 - $10,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in San Diego compared to New York City. 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 Diego to New York City Moving Companies
Rank | Company Name | Rating | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | JP Urban Moving | 9.85 | 9.78 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
2 | Metropolis Moving | 9.72 | 9.62 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
3 | The Rock Movers | 9.49 | 9.53 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
4 | Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. | 9.46 | 9.62 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
5 | Atlas Transfer & Storage Co. | 8.94 | 8.13 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
Cost to Move from San Diego to New York City
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,789 miles from San Diego, CA to New York City, NY will cost on average $4,153 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom San Diego to New York City move is roughly $10,042. 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 | $2,784 | 300 ft³ | 9.28 |
1 Bedroom | $4,153 | 450 ft³ | 9.23 |
2 Bedrooms | $6,884 | 750 ft³ | 9.18 |
3 Bedrooms | $10,042 | 1100 ft³ | 9.13 |
4 Bedrooms | $14,526 | 1600 ft³ | 9.08 |
5+ Bedrooms | $16,252 | 1800 ft³ | 9.03 |


Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from New York City to San Diego guide.
Compare the 5 Best San Diego to New York City Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

JP Urban Moving
266 St Marks Ave 3rd fl
Brooklyn, NY, 11238
About JP Urban Moving
JP Urban Moving is a small family-owned business in Brooklyn with over 15 years of experience. Its goal is always to...
Services
- Local NYC Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Office Moving, Business Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2096754 / 882954 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 8 |
Registered Drivers | 8 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 120,000 (2022) |

Metropolis Moving
476 Jefferson St
Brooklyn, NY, 11237
About Metropolis Moving
Metropolis Moving is a top-rated, licensed, and insured Brooklyn mover serving the greater Tri-State area, including all of Long Island and...
Services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
- Commercial moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 4277979 / 1662478 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
Registered Drivers | 4 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2023) |

The Rock Movers
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3653432 / 1541470 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
Registered Drivers | 7 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 40,000 (2023) |

Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3177184 / 1157114 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
Registered Drivers | 7 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 200,000 (2024) |

Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.
13026 Stowe Dr A
Poway, CA, 92064
About Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.
Founded in 1925, Atlas Transfer & Storage Company has been serving Southern California for over 95 years. This family-owned and operated...
Services
- Long Distance Moving
- International Moving
- Storage Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 877737 / 383831 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
Registered Drivers | 4 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 8,778 (2022) |

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 Diego vs. New York City Neighborhood Comparison
Moving can be daunting, especially to a city as vast and varied as New York City. To ease the transition, we've created a comparison of local neighborhoods between San Diego, CA & New York City, NY, matching top neighborhoods from San Diego with their New York counterparts. This should help you familiarize yourself with your new surroundings by using what you know from San Diego as a baseline.
San Diego | New York City | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
La Jolla | Upper East Side | Upscale, beach vibes removed, rich cultural institutions |
North Park | Williamsburg | Hipster haven, arts and craft beer scene |
Ocean Beach | Rockaway Beach | Laid-back, surf culture and community feel |
Gaslamp Quarter | East Village | Vibrant nightlife, eclectic restaurants and bars |
Hillcrest | Greenwich Village | LGBTQ+ friendly, diverse dining and shopping |
Coronado | Park Slope | Family-friendly, historic homes and green spaces |
Little Italy | Lower East Side | Rich immigrant history, vibrant food scene |
Del Mar | Tribeca | Upscale, quiet with high-end dining and shops |
Pacific Beach | West Village | Beach vibes replaced by charming streets, trendy spots |
Encinitas | Brooklyn Heights | Coastal feel, picturesque views and historic architecture |
When you move from the vibrant surf culture of Ocean Beach, San Diego, you'll find a similar vibe awaiting you at Rockaway Beach in New York, where the laid-back atmosphere and community spirit are palpable. Imagine swapping your surfboard for a subway, but still catching waves at the weekend. If you're leaving behind the nightly neon buzz of Gaslamp Quarter, East Village's eclectic mix of bars, live music venues like Bowery Ballroom, and diverse dining, from the iconic Veselka for Ukrainian food to innovative vegan spots, will make you feel right at home. And for those moving from the LGBTQ+ friendly neighborhood of Hillcrest, the welcoming arms of Greenwich Village—with its rich history of advocacy, vibrant Christopher Street, and endless dining options along Bleecker Street—await you with open arms and a kaleidoscope of cultural experiences.

Things to Do in New York City
- Explore Central Park on foot or bike
- Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Enjoy a Broadway show
- Walk the High Line
- Savor eats at Chelsea Market
- Catch a game at Yankee Stadium
- Attend a workshop at Brooklyn Public Library
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from San Diego to New York City
Moving from one city to another is always a journey of adapting and compromising. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection on the good and the bad attributes of relocating from San Diego, CA to New York City, NY . By comparing the cons of living in San Diego to the pros of moving to New York City, and vice versa, you'll gain a balanced view of what to expect. This dual-perspective approach ensures you're well-informed before making the big move.
- Higher car dependency
- Less job opportunities
- Lower walkability
- Quieter nightlife
- Less cultural diversity
- Extensive public transport
- More diverse career options
- High walkability
- Vibrant nightlife
- Rich cultural diversity
- Harsher winters
- Less open spaces
- More crowded
- Higher living costs
- Poorer air quality
- Milder climate
- More open spaces
- Less crowded
- Lower living costs
- Better air quality
Moving from the laid-back, sunny environment of San Diego to the bustling, eclectic streets of New York City introduces both exciting prospects and daunting challenges. The transition from relying on cars to embracing New York’s extensive public transport network can be invigorating, giving you access to diverse neighborhoods from the historic Greenwich Village to the vibrant arts scene in Brooklyn’s Brooklyn Museum. New York's rich cultural diversity is reflected in its plethora of dining options, from the iconic Katz's Delicatessen to the myriad of food stalls in Urbanspace Vanderbilt. However, the adjustment to smaller living spaces, the hustle of a more crowded city, and the stark winter months will be part of the transition, requiring flexibility and an open mindset to fully embrace the vibrant lifestyle New York City has to offer.
San Diego vs. New York City Food Guide
When relocating, delving into the local food scene is crucial for grasping the essence of your new home. This guide aims to compare the local cuisine between San Diego & New York City , offering a lens into the culinary delights each city boasts. Whether you’re moving from the sun-kissed shores of San Diego to the bustling streets of New York City, understanding the food landscape can significantly enhance your transition.
San Diego | New York City | |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Carne Asada Burrito | Bagel with Lox |
Most popular meat dish | Fish Tacos | New York Strip Steak |
Most popular street food item | Street Tacos | Halal Chicken and Rice |
Most popular vegan food | Acai Bowl | Seitan Sandwich |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In San Diego, the food scene is heavily influenced by its close proximity to Mexico, giving rise to iconic dishes like Carne Asada Burrito and Fish Tacos. Neighborhoods like Little Italy and the Gaslamp Quarter are meccas for food lovers, boasting a plethora of food trucks and eateries. On the other hand, New York City's culinary landscape is as diverse as its population, with legendary establishments like Katz’s Delicatessen in the Lower East Side serving classic Bagels with Lox, and Peter Luger in Brooklyn offering the quintessential New York Strip Steak. Both cities cater well to the health-conscious and vegan communities, with a high availability of fresh and diverse food options to explore.
San Diego vs. New York City Restaurant Comparison
Finding a place that feels like home is often rooted in familiar comforts, and food plays a crucial role in this transition. For those moving from San Diego to New York City, this comparison of top eateries will help you find New York City equivalents to your San Diego favorites , ensuring your new dining spots feel just as welcoming.
San Diego | New York City | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
Juniper & Ivy | Gramercy Tavern | Both offer inventive, seasonal American cuisine in an upscale setting. |
Lola 55 | Los Tacos No.1 | Celebrated for authentic tacos and a vibrant atmosphere. |
Mister A's | Manhatta | Panoramic city views with a fine dining experience akin to Mister A's. |
Phil's BBQ | Mighty Quinn's Barbeque | Renowned for their BBQ offerings, reflecting Phil's dedication to smoked meats. |
Craft & Commerce | The Dead Rabbit | Both mix creative cocktails with a unique and cozy ambiance. |
Puesto | Empellón | Pushes the envelope on traditional Mexican dishes, similar to Puesto's innovative approach. |
Born & Raised | Keens Steakhouse | Historical and top-quality steaks offering a parallel upscale dining experience. |
Oscar's Mexican Seafood | Toloache | Known for exquisite fish tacos and a broad Mexican menu mirroring Oscar's. |
Hodad's | Shake Shack | Both are iconic in their cities for burgers and a casual, fun environment. |
Kettner Exchange | Beauty & Essex | Offers a vibrant social dining atmosphere with innovative dishes. |
Food connoisseurs who have cherished the diverse and vibrant flavors of San Diego's culinary scene will find solace in New York City's equally dynamic food landscape. For instance, making the transition from the craftsman cocktails of Craft & Commerce to the inventive mixed drinks of The Dead Rabbit provides a familiar yet unique exploration into mixology artistry. Similarly, the switch from the scenic dining experience at Mister A's to the breathtaking views and gourmet offerings of Manhatta ensures that the essence of dining with a view is preserved. These New York City establishments not only echo the quality and ambiance of your San Diego favorites but also promise an exciting culinary adventure in your new city.

Ready to start your move?
San Diego vs. New York City Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate plays a pivotal role when relocating, especially between two distinct urban landscapes like San Diego and New York City. Understanding the nuances of housing—ranging from costs to lifestyles—can greatly influence your moving decisions. This comparison aims to illuminate these differences, assisting in your transition.
Comparison | San Diego | New York City |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Spanish Colonial, Modern | Art Deco, Modern |
Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Ocean views, outdoor spaces | Close to subways, rooftop access |
The stark contrast in housing costs between San Diego and New York City reflects the premium placed on location and square footage in densely populated NYC. While the median home price in NYC is significantly higher, the promise of an unparalleled urban lifestyle, scored a perfect 10, aligns with expectations for life in the Big Apple. New York’s higher walkability and bikeability scores underscore a city built around accessibility and convenience, with its extensive public transportation options, notably the subways, making commute and exploration a seamless part of daily life. In contrast, San Diego's allure lies in its spacious homes and the incorporation of Spanish Colonial architecture that harmonizes with its coastal vibe, accentuating outdoor living—a stark difference from NYC's iconic Art Deco skyline and compact living spaces.
San Diego vs. New York City Weather Considerations
If you're planning a move, understanding how the weather in your new location compares to your current one is vital. Here's a guide comparing San Diego and New York City, highlighting key differences to help you prepare for your transition.
San Diego, CA
New York City, NY
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
San Diego, CA
New York City, NY
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
San Diego, CA
New York City, NY
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
San Diego, CA
New York City, NY
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Comparison | San Diego | New York City |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Natural Disasters | Earthquakes | Hurricanes, Nor'easters |
Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from the consistent and temperate climate of San Diego to New York City's more variable conditions requires some adjustment. In New York, you'll experience a wider range of temperatures, from hot and humid summers to cold, snowy winters. This translates into more diverse clothing needs and possibly higher energy bills for heating and cooling. Additionally, New York’s higher annual rainfall and snowfall not only affect daily life but also your choice of activities and transportation methods during different seasons.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from San Diego to New York City
When considering a move from one city to another, it's crucial to grasp how financial aspects like cost of living and taxes will shift. This comparison will illuminate the financial landscape for someone relocating from San Diego to New York City, focusing on key economic factors that could impact your wallet.
Comparison | San Diego | New York City |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $93,042 | $67,997 |
Cost of Living Index | 132.3 | 185.8 |
State Income Tax | 13.3 | 8.82 |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.73 | 0.88 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 7.75 | 8.875 |
Top 3 Industries | Defense/Military, Tourism, International Trade | Finance, Healthcare, Professional & Technical Services |
Affluence | High | Very High |
Poverty | Moderate | High |
Homelessness | Significant | Severe |
Moving from San Diego to New York City, you'll encounter not just a different climate but also a vastly different economic environment. Despite a lower average household income in NYC, the cost of living index is notably higher there, primarily due to housing costs. This hike in living expenses is compounded by higher average sales tax rates, affecting day-to-day spending. Although state income tax is lower in New York, the overall taxation might still feel burdensome owing to the city's additional levies. Understanding these differences is crucial for financial planning and maintaining your desired lifestyle after the move.
San Diego vs. New York City Political & Religious Comparison
When relocating from San Diego, CA, to New York City, NY, understanding the local culture is essential. Here's a quick, at-a-glance snapshot to help you grasp the political and religious makeup of the residents, comparing San Diego & New York City. This comparison aims to give you an insight into what to expect and how to blend in seamlessly.
San Diego | New York City | |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Lean Democratic | Strongly Democratic |
Local Politics | Moderate with a growing progressive trend | Highly progressive |
Religion | Varied, with a significant Christian community | Diverse, with sizeable Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities |
In both cities, you'll find a predominantly Democratic voter base, but the intensity varies with New York City exhibiting a stronger inclination towards Democratic and progressive policies compared to San Diego. Local politics in NYC tend to be more progressive, reflecting the city's diverse population and its myriad of social, economic, and cultural interests. On the religious front, while both cities boast a wealth of diversity, New York's religious landscape is particularly varied, hosting significant communities of Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike. This diversity shapes the city's cultural events, holidays, and even cuisinar preferences, offering a rich tapestry of experiences for you to discover.
San Diego vs. New York City Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from San Diego, CA to New York City, NY offers a unique opportunity to compare how driving/transiting might change. This look at the traffic and transportation options between San Diego & New York City is here to help you understand what to expect in your daily commute and navigate the challenges of city traffic more smoothly.
Comparison | San Diego | New York City |
---|---|---|
Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25 | 40 |
Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
Can you get by without a car? | Challenging | Yes |
While San Diego offers a more relaxed commute time with lower traffic congestion, New York City boasts an unmatched public transportation system that makes owning a car more of a choice than a necessity. In NYC, the availability and efficiency of the subway, buses, and taxis mean you can easily traverse the city without personal transportation. This stark contrast in public transit availability highlights one of the key adaptations you'll need to make when transitioning from a place where a car is nearly indispensable to one where it might even be more convenient to rely on public transit. Whether you prefer the laid-back roads of San Diego or the bustling transit hubs of New York, understanding these differences can greatly ease your commuting experience.



Additional Resources
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