Best San Diego to Pasadena Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from San Diego to Pasadena and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,514 mile move from California to Texas go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 25 San Diego to Pasadena 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 $2,000 - $7,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in San Diego compared to Pasadena. 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 San Diego to Pasadena Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1The Rock Movers9.499.53Authorized For HHGContact
2Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.9.469.62Authorized For HHGContact
3Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.8.948.13Authorized For HHGContact
4Pinpoint Movers8.769.23Authorized For HHGContact
5Right Rate Movers of Houston8.678.59ActiveContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from San Diego to Pasadena

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,514 miles from San Diego, CA to Pasadena, TX will cost on average $3,069 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom San Diego to Pasadena move is roughly $7,391. 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$2,061300 ft³6.87
1 Bedroom$3,069450 ft³6.82
2 Bedrooms$5,077750 ft³6.77
3 Bedrooms$7,3911100 ft³6.72
4 Bedrooms$10,6711600 ft³6.67
5+ Bedrooms$11,9151800 ft³6.62
*Please note: These California to Texas moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & Texas. 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 CA to TX mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Pasadena to San Diego guide.

Compare the 5 Best San Diego to Pasadena 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
Atlas Transfer & Storage Co. Logo

Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.

Superb8.94/10
based on 2,147+ data points

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

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

877737 / 383831

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved8,778 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Pinpoint Movers Logo

Pinpoint Movers

Superb8.76/10
based on 2,347+ data points

7100 Regency Square Blvd Suite 199

Houston, TX, 77036

About Pinpoint Movers

Pinpoint Movers is a women-owned and family-operated moving company located in Houston, Texas that is licensed and insured to handle all...

Services

  • Homepage:
  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3070055 / 944442

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2021)
View Full Review
4
Right Rate Movers of Houston Logo

Right Rate Movers of Houston

Fabulous8.67/10
based on 3,973+ data points

2925 Richmond Ave

Houston, TX, 77098

About Right Rate Movers of Houston

Right Rate Movers of Houston is a trusted and reliable moving company recognized as an industry leader in terms of affordability...

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Labor Only
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2200927 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved-
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.

San Diego vs. Pasadena Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be challenging, especially when it comes to finding a neighborhood that feels like home. To ease this transition, we've created a comparison of San Diego, CA & Pasadena, TX neighborhoods , highlighting similarities between them. This guide will help you familiarize yourself with Pasadena by drawing on what you already love about San Diego's top locales.

San DiegoPasadenaHow They're Similar
La JollaGolden AcresAffluent, coastal vibe
North ParkSouthmoreArtsy, trendy with a strong community feel
Gaslamp QuarterDowntown PasadenaVibrant nightlife and historic buildings
Pacific BeachEl Jardin BeachLaid-back, beachfront living
HillcrestParkview EstatesDiverse, with a strong sense of community
Del MarVista VillasQuiet, upscale with beautiful homes
Carmel ValleyBaywood OaksFamily-friendly with great schools
Ocean BeachRed BluffRelaxed, with a vintage feel
Little ItalyOld PasadenaCulturally rich with excellent dining
CoronadoFairmont EstatesExclusive, with luxury waterfront properties

For those who adore the coastal elegance of La Jolla, Golden Acres in Pasadena, TX, offers a similarly affluent community with a strong sense of local pride and coastal vibes, perfect for seaside enthusiasts. If the vibrant arts scene and community spirit of North Park are what you will miss, Southmore in Pasadena mirrors this with its trendy cafes and strong local arts scene. Meanwhile, the historic charm and bustling nightlife of the Gaslamp Quarter can be found in Downtown Pasadena, which boasts a selection of vibrant bars and historic buildings. For beach lovers, transitioning from Pacific Beach to El Jardin Beach will feel seamless, with both neighborhoods offering laid-back beachfront living and a close-knit community vibe. Pasadena’s Old Pasadena area, comparable to San Diego’s Little Italy, is a hub for culinary delights and cultural richness, ensuring you won’t miss out on diverse dining experiences.

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Things to Do in Pasadena

  • Explore Space Center Houston's exhibits.
  • Enjoy fishing at Lake Houston.
  • Stroll through Armand Bayou Nature Center.
  • Shop and dine in Old Pasadena.
  • Watch a movie at Cinemark Hollywood Movies 20.
  • Attend a festival at Pasadena Convention Center & Fairgrounds.
  • Take a historic tour of the San Jacinto Monument and Museum.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from San Diego to Pasadena

Moving from one city to another involves a lot of considerations - from lifestyle changes to economic adjustments. This guide provides a balanced perspective on relocating from San Diego, CA to Pasadena, TX, highlighting the negatives and positives through comparative charts. It aims to give you an honest reflection of what you can expect in your new home.

CONs
PROs
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • High living costs
  • Heavy traffic
  • Scarcity of jobs in some sectors
Pasadena, TX iconPasadena, TX
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less traffic
  • Job growth in industries
Pasadena, TX iconPasadena, TX
  • No beaches
  • More humidity
  • Smaller cultural scene
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • Beach access
  • Mild weather
  • Diverse culture

While San Diego is celebrated for its stunning beaches like La Jolla Shores and vibrant neighborhoods such as the Gaslamp Quarter, featuring a multitude of restaurants like Juniper & Ivy, relocating to Pasadena, TX, introduces you to a burgeoning industrial growth, which might be a significant advantage for career opportunities. Despite missing the coastal vibes, Pasadena compensates with its lower cost of living, making daily life and housing more affordable. Recreational spaces like Strawberry Park and eateries such as Silver Sycamore offer local charm and community feel. This shift presents a trade-off between San Diego’s picturesque landscapes and the pragmatic, economic benefits offered by Pasadena.

San Diego vs. Pasadena Food Guide

Understanding the culinary landscape is integral to getting acquainted with a new city's culture and lifestyle. Here, we’re presenting a food-focused comparison, highlighting this is a comparison of the local cuisine between San Diego & Pasadena, to help you better understand what culinary delights await you in your new home.

San DiegoPasadena
Most iconic local food itemFish TacosChicken Fried Steak
Most popular meat dishCarne AsadaBrisket
Most popular street food itemCalifornia BurritoTacos
Most popular vegan foodAvocado ToastBBQ Jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • George's at the Cove
  • Juniper & Ivy
  • Mister A's
  • Killen's Barbecue
  • The San Marcos Grill
  • Arnie's
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In transitioning from the fresh seaside flavors of San Diego to the hearty and robust meals of Pasadena, you'll experience a dramatic shift in the local food scene. San Diego's iconic Fish Tacos can be found at waterfront eateries and casual dining spots along the beach, embracing the city's love for fresh, ocean-to-table cuisine. Moving to Pasadena introduces you to a world where the smoke of barbecue pits is a defining aroma, with places like Killen's Barbecue being a staple for both locals and visitors looking to indulge in the famed Texan brisket. Despite being more meat-centric, Pasadena does offer vegan options like BBQ Jackfruit, showing a burgeoning awareness and inclusivity towards diverse dietary preferences.

San Diego vs. Pasadena Restaurant Comparison

Finding your next go-to dining spot is essential in making a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison chart is designed to help ease your transition from San Diego to Pasadena by matching top dining experiences. Whether you're craving high-end cuisine or casual bites, you'll discover Pasadena's equivalents to your San Diego favorites here.

San DiegoPasadenaWhat You'll Love
Juniper & IvyPepper TwinsUpscale dining with a creative menu
Hodad'sBurger Tex GrillIconic burgers with a casual vibe
Phil's BBQAndy's Hawg Wild Bar-B-QueTraditional BBQ with a loyal following
Ironside Fish & OysterSavannah Café & BakerySeafood dishes with a Southern twist
CUCINA urbanaPrego's TrattoriaCozy Italian spot with a modern flair
Born & RaisedNino's Italian RestaurantHigh-end Italian with a classic ambiance
Oscars Mexican SeafoodJimmy ChangasLively Mexican eatery with fresh seafood options
PuestoGringo’s Mexican KitchenInventive Mexican cuisine and margaritas
The Crack ShackBonfire WingsCasual spot for chicken and comfort food
Extraordinary DessertsSilver Sycamore Tea RoomQuaint spot for sweets and tea

In transitioning from the vibrant food scene of San Diego to Pasadena, you don't have to leave your culinary preferences behind. For instance, if you've loved the interactive dining experience and sophisticated dishes at Juniper & Ivy, Pasadena's Pepper Twins offers a similarly upscale atmosphere with a creative twist on traditional dishes. Fans of casual yet iconic burgers from places like Hodad's will find solace in the juicy offerings at Burger Tex Grill. These comparisons serve as a guide to finding not just similar restaurants but also those that capture the essence and enjoyment of your favorite San Diego spots, ensuring your new dining adventures in Pasadena are as fulfilling as they are delicious.

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San Diego vs. Pasadena Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a pivotal aspect of any relocation, dictating much of one's lifestyle and daily experience. Understanding how San Diego and Pasadena compare in terms of housing —including cost, architecture, and livability—can illuminate the best choice for your new home.

ComparisonSan DiegoPasadena
Typical Architecture StyleSpanish RevivalTraditional
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingOcean views, outdoor living spacesFamily-friendly, large yards

While San Diego boasts a higher cost of living, particularly reflected in its housing prices, it compensates with its vibrant urban lifestyle, scoring an 8 out of 10, and offers unique Spanish Revival architecture. Its high median home price is balanced by desirable features like ocean views and robust outdoor living spaces. Pasadena, however, presents more affordable housing options and is noted for its traditional styles and family-friendly environment. The city's appeal is accentuated by its larger yards, a testament to its more accessible and spacious living conditions. Although both cities offer distinct lifestyles, your preference for urban vibrancy or affordability and traditional community might tip the scale.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Pasadena, TX

1. Village Grove: Village Grove is known for its spacious parks and walking trails, including a dog park where your pets can roam freely, making it a haven for pet owners.

2. Parkgate: Parkgate boasts pet-friendly parks and a welcoming community for pet owners, plus you're just a short drive away from the Armand Bayou Nature Center, offering great outdoor experiences for you and your furry friends.

3. Baywood Oaks: Baywood Oaks features serene surroundings ideal for walks, and is close to several pet supply stores like Petco, ensuring your pet’s needs are always within reach.

San Diego vs. Pasadena Weather Considerations

Moving from one city to another can dramatically affect your daily life, especially when it comes to the weather. Understanding how the climate shifts from San Diego, CA to Pasadena, TX is crucial for your adjustment. This comparison aims to highlight the essential weather differences you need to consider, from average temperatures and sunshine days to air quality and seasonal allergies.

Summer icon
76°F / 64°F

San Diego, CA

94°F / 73°F

Pasadena, TX

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
66°F / 49°F

San Diego, CA

62°F / 43°F

Pasadena, TX

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
10

San Diego, CA

60

Pasadena, TX

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

San Diego, CA

0

Pasadena, TX

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSan DiegoPasadena
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresHurricanes, Floods
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When comparing the weather from San Diego to Pasadena, significant differences come to light. For example, summers in Pasadena are notably hotter and more humid, making air conditioning a must-have rather than a luxury. Additionally, the increase in annual rainfall from San Diego's mere 10 inches to Pasadena's 60 inches represents a substantial change in lifestyle, with more emphasis needed on flood readiness. Understanding these variations will help you better prepare for your move and adjust to your new environment more swiftly and comfortably.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move from San Diego, CA to Pasadena, TX, understanding the financial implications is crucial. Comparing the cost of living, taxes, and average incomes can help you prepare for the financial aspect of your relocation. This comparison aims to highlight the differences in money and finance between San Diego and Pasadena , ensuring you know what to expect.

ComparisonSan DiegoPasadena
Avg. Household Income$93,042$60,939
Cost of Living Index132.391.1
State Income Tax13.30
Avg. Property Tax0.762.31
Avg. Sales Tax7.758.25
Top 3 IndustriesDefense, Tourism, International TradePetroleum, Maritime, Healthcare
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateHigher
HomelessnessSignificantLess Significant

Moving from San Diego to Pasadena, you'll notice a dramatic difference in the cost of living and taxation. While your income may stretch further in Pasadena due to its lower cost of living index and the absence of state income tax, the higher property tax rate is something to consider if you're planning to own a home. The economic landscape is also different, with industries in Pasadena focusing on petroleum, maritime, and healthcare, contrasting with San Diego's emphasis on defense, tourism, and international trade. Understanding these nuances will help you adjust financially and professionally to your new environment.

San Diego vs. Pasadena Political & Religious Comparison

In this part of our guide, we're providing you with a quick insight into the comparison of the politics between San Diego & Pasadena , focusing on the political and religious landscape of both cities. This snapshot aims to help you better understand the community you're moving into and how it may differ from what you're accustomed to.

San DiegoPasadena
Political Make-upLeans DemocraticLeans Republican
Local PoliticsProgressive PoliciesConservative Policies
ReligionDiverse, with significant Catholic presence San Diego Catholic DioceseChristianity dominates, with a strong Baptist presence Pasadena First Church of the Nazarene

While San Diego and Pasadena offer beautiful landscapes, bountiful opportunities, and vibrant communities, their political and religious backdrops present a study in contrasts. In San Diego, you'll notice a tendency towards Democratic ideologies and progressive policies, mirroring California's broader political landscape. Meanwhile, Pasadena's heart beats with a more conservative rhythm, reflecting a Republican preference, which aligns with many areas in Texas. Regarding religious landscapes, San Diego's diverse spiritual community features a significant Catholic presence, attributed to its historical and cultural ties. Conversely, Pasadena is known for its strong Christian foundation, particularly within the Baptist faith, shaping much of its community activities and events.

San Diego vs. Pasadena Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from one city to another can be a significant adjustment, especially when it comes to your daily commute. In this brief comparison, we aim to better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like between San Diego & Pasadena. From average commute times to the ease of getting around without a car, this guide will help you adjust to your new surroundings.

ComparisonSan DiegoPasadena
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2426
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Yes, but challengingNo, car is essential

Understanding the differences in commute times and transportation availability between San Diego and Pasadena can significantly impact your daily life. In San Diego, despite higher traffic congestion, the city offers more robust public transit options, making it somewhat possible to get by without a car, especially if you live and work in areas well-served by the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System. On the contrary, in Pasadena, the lower traffic congestion is a benefit, but the sparse public transportation system makes owning a car almost a necessity for navigating the area effectively. This contrast highlights the importance of considering your commute and transportation needs as part of your relocation decision.

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