Best Kansas City to San Diego Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Kansas City to San Diego and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,646 mile move from Missouri to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 37 Kansas City 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 $2,000 - $7,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Kansas City 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 Kansas City 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
3God's Movers, LLC9.069.29Authorized For Property, HHGContact
4Golden Rule Relocation8.988.75Authorized For HHGContact
5Courtesy Movers LLC8.979.27Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Kansas City to San Diego

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,646 miles from Kansas City, MO to San Diego, CA will cost on average $3,181 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Kansas City to San Diego move is roughly $7,666. 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$2,136300 ft³7.12
1 Bedroom$3,181450 ft³7.07
2 Bedrooms$5,264750 ft³7.02
3 Bedrooms$7,6661100 ft³6.97
4 Bedrooms$11,0701600 ft³6.92
5+ Bedrooms$12,3641800 ft³6.87
*Please note: These Missouri to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Missouri & 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 MO to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Diego to Kansas City guide.

Compare the 5 Best Kansas City 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
God's Movers, LLC Logo

God's Movers, LLC

Exceptional9.06/10
based on 503+ data points

11815 E 60 St

Kansas City, MO, 64133

About God's Movers, LLC

God’s Movers is a family-owned and operated moving company that has served Greater Kansas City, MO for more than 20 years....

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Cross-country moving services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2417601 / 946280

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Golden Rule Relocation Logo

Golden Rule Relocation

Superb8.98/10
based on 318+ data points

1600 Swift St # 200

North Kansas City, MO, 64116

About Golden Rule Relocation

Golden Rule Relocation is a premier residential and commercial moving and storage company based in Kansas City, Missouri, and serves the...

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Interstate Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3420954 / 1105839

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved30,000 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Courtesy Movers LLC Logo

Courtesy Movers LLC

Superb8.97/10
based on 1,051+ data points

9353 NE 79th St

Kansas City, MO, 64158

About Courtesy Movers LLC

Courtesy Movers LLC is a client-oriented, Kansas City-based company that provides quality moving services at an affordable price. Its priority is...

Services

  • Cheap Moving Services
  • Local Moving Services
  • Long Distance Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3241776 / 1018373

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (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.

Kansas City vs. San Diego Neighborhood Comparison

If you're planning a move from Kansas City, MO to San Diego, CA, understanding the local scene can be a challenge. To ease the transition, we've matched up top neighborhoods from your current city with their San Diego counterparts. This guide will help you compare the local neighborhoods between Kansas City, MO & San Diego, CA, making your move a little easier by using what's familiar to guide you to your new home.

Kansas CitySan DiegoHow They're Similar
Country Club PlazaLa JollaUpscale shopping, dining
WestportNorth ParkTrendy bars, indie shops
BrooksideHillcrestCozy vibes, walkable streets
Power & Light DistrictGaslamp QuarterEntertainment, nightlife
WaldoSouth ParkLaid back, eclectic atmosphere
River MarketLittle ItalyVibrant market scene
Crossroads Arts DistrictEast VillageArtsy, innovative spaces
Armour HillsKensingtonQuaint, historic homes
Westside NorthBarrio LoganCultural fusion, art
Union HillGolden HillPanoramic views, unique homes

In the heart of San Diego, the Gaslamp Quarter's vibrant nightlife and historical ambiance offer a parallel to Kansas City's Power & Light District, with both areas serving as the go-to destinations for entertainment and dining. Similarly, the laid-back and eclectic feel of South Park closely mirrors Waldo's diverse charm, offering residents a mix of unique shops and local eateries like Station Tavern. For those drawn to the artsy and innovative vibes of the Crossroads Arts District in Kansas City, East Village in San Diego is its cultural counterpart, boasting creative spaces such as Idea1 apartments and the live performance venue, The Old Globe Theatre. This guide links the spirit of your Kansas City neighborhood with the essence of San Diego living, providing a seamless transition to your new coastal lifestyle.

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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

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Kansas City to San Diego

Moving from one city to another presents a blend of challenges and opportunities. This comparison takes an honest look at moving from Kansas City, MO to San Diego, CA, providing insights into the good and bad aspects of such a significant life change. Through examining the cons of leaving Kansas City against the pros of starting anew in San Diego (and vice versa), this guide aims to paint a clearer picture for those contemplating the move.

CONs
PROs
Kansas City, MO iconKansas City, MO
  • Harsher winters
  • Lower home prices
  • Limited entertainment
  • Less diverse cuisine
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • Year-round warmth
  • Beach proximity
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • World-class dining
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • Higher living costs
  • Less historic charm
  • Potential water restrictions
  • Far from KC BBQ
Kansas City, MO iconKansas City, MO
  • Affordable living
  • Rich cultural history
  • Comfortable summers
  • Local BBQ cuisine

Exploring the neighborhoods of San Diego introduces you to a plethora of world-class dining options, such as the renowned Sushi Ota located just a stone's throw away from Mission Beach, offering an authentic Japanese dining experience. Meanwhile, the nightlife in areas like Gaslamp Quarter is vibrant, with establishments like Prohibition Lounge providing a unique 1920s speakeasy experience. Despite missing the historic charm of Kansas City's jazz clubs or the iconic barbecue joints like Arthur Bryant's, San Diego's beachside living and year-round warm weather provide a compelling reason to make the coast your new home. Not to forget, spots like Balboa Park offer not just a green retreat but also cultural enrichments with its museums and theaters, standing in contrast to the more familiar locales back in Missouri.

Kansas City vs. San Diego Food Guide

Food deeply enriches the local culture and daily life, making it a vital part of understanding a new city. By presenting a comparison of the local cuisine between Kansas City & San Diego , this guide aims to help you get a taste of the culinary delights you'll encounter, enriching your moving experience from one vibrant city to another.

Kansas CitySan Diego
Most iconic local food itemBBQ RibsFish Tacos
Most popular meat dishBrisketCarne Asada
Most popular street food itemBurnt EndsCalifornia Burrito
Most popular vegan foodJackfruit BBQAvocado Toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
  • Q39
  • Jack Stack Barbecue
  • Hodad's
  • Las Olas
  • Ironside Fish & Oyster
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Kansas City, BBQ is an art form, and spots like Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que and Q39 are pilgrimage sites for meat lovers. The city's signature dish, BBQ ribs, and brisket, can be found in the bustling Crossroads Arts District, where creativity meets cuisine. Meanwhile, San Diego’s culinary scene is influenced by its proximity to the ocean and Mexico resulting in a rich tapestry of flavors. Fish tacos from Las Olas and the California burrito embody the laid-back, health-conscious lifestyle. The abundance of food trucks and vegan-friendly options make exploring the diverse neighborhoods like Little Italy or the Gaslamp Quarter an adventure for your taste buds.

Kansas City vs. San Diego Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a crucial role in making a place feel like home. This restaurant comparison between Kansas City and San Diego is designed to help you find your new favorite eateries by leveraging what you love about your current city's food scene. Whether you're in the mood for high-end dining or casual eats, this guide will provide seamless culinary transitions to your new coastal environment.

Kansas CitySan DiegoWhat You'll Love
Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-QuePhil's BBQFamous for its BBQ ribs that rival Joe's smoky flavor
The RiegerCUCINA urbanaItalian fare with a twist, similar upscale, creative dining experience
BluestemMister A'sOffering fine dining with stunning views, reminiscent of Bluestem’s elegance
Port FondaBarrio StarMexican cuisine with a unique and modern twist
Town TopicHodad'sIconic for burgers, giving a nostalgic diner experience paralleled at Town Topic
GrunauerTipsy CrowA variety of European-inspired dishes capturing Grunauer's essence
Q39Grand Ole BBQ y AsadoA spot for BBQ enthusiasts seeking Q39’s smoky perfection
RyeJuniper & IvyInnovative American cuisine that reflects Rye’s dedication to comfort food
Garozzo's RistoranteBencotto Italian KitchenAuthentic Italian that rivals Garozzo's homemade feel
NovelCraft & CommerceLiterary-themed setting offering a creative menu akin to Novel’s innovation

San Diego's rich culinary landscape offers a plethora of dining experiences that can satisfy any craving reminiscent of Kansas City's best. For BBQ enthusiasts missing Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Phil's BBQ in San Diego serves up a mean rack of ribs that will transport your taste buds back to the Midwest. If it's the fine dining experience of Bluestem you're after, Mister A's provides not only similarly exquisite dishes but adds panoramic views of San Diego's skyline, elevating your dining experience to new heights. Meanwhile, fans of the creative Italian cuisine at The Rieger can find solace in CUCINA urbana, where innovative dishes are set against a backdrop of rustic, yet chic decor, mirroring The Rieger's charm. Whether you're seeking comfort food, unique culinary creations, or just a taste of home, San Diego's vibrant food scene has you covered.

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Ready to start your move?

Kansas City vs. San Diego Real Estate & Living Facts

When considering a move, diving into the real estate landscape is crucial. This comparison charts the housing aspects between Kansas City, MO and San Diego, CA, highlighting essential factors like cost, walkability, and architectural style. Understanding these differences ensures you're well-informed before making your big move.

ComparisonKansas CitySan Diego
Typical Architecture StyleTudor, CraftsmanSpanish Revival, Modern
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, quiet streetsProximity to the beach, Ocean views

The stark contrast in median home prices and monthly rents between Kansas City and San Diego highlights the significant cost of moving to a coastal city like San Diego. However, the higher cost in San Diego is often offset by its vibrant urban lifestyle, scored higher than Kansas City, and its unique Spanish Revival and Modern architectural styles that give the city its distinctive aesthetic. The higher walkability and bikeability scores in San Diego also suggest a more active, outdoor-oriented way of life, likely influenced by its sunny climate and proximity to the beach, aspects highly valued and frequently mentioned in real estate listings.

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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.

Kansas City vs. San Diego Weather Considerations

Moving from one place to another involves many changes, and understanding how the climate and weather will shift is crucial. Here, the focus is on how the weather conditions in Kansas City, MO, and San Diego, CA, compare, helping you adjust expectations and prepare accordingly.

Summer icon
89/68

Kansas City, MO

77/64

San Diego, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
39/20

Kansas City, MO

66/49

San Diego, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
39

Kansas City, MO

10

San Diego, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
18

Kansas City, MO

0

San Diego, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonKansas CitySan Diego
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersTornadoes, Severe StormsEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When moving from Kansas City to San Diego, you'll notice a remarkable change in weather patterns. San Diego enjoys more sunny days per year and milder temperatures year-round, offering an almost constant spring-like climate which contrasts Kansas City’s hot summers and cold winters. You'll also experience a shift in natural disaster risks, with earthquakes and wildfires being more prevalent in San Diego compared to the tornadoes and severe storms of Kansas City. Adjusting to these differences requires not only a change in wardrobe but also an awareness of local emergency preparation guidelines.

Ready to start your move?

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

Moving from one city to another can significantly impact your finances. Understanding how the cost of living and other financial factors compare between Kansas City, MO, and San Diego, CA is crucial for a smooth transition. This comparison will help you prepare for the financial changes that accompany such a move.

ComparisonKansas CitySan Diego
Avg. Household Income$63,396$93,042
Cost of Living Index97.8132.3
State Income Tax5.49.3
Avg. Property Tax1.20.76
Avg. Sales Tax8.867.75
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Finance, TechnologyMilitary, International Trade, Biotech
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLower
HomelessnessHighVery High

When moving from Kansas City to San Diego, you'll notice a significant difference in the cost of living, which is considerably higher in San Diego. The average household income is higher in San Diego, reflecting this cost difference, but so are state income taxes. Although property taxes are lower in California than in Missouri, the overall cost of housing in San Diego significantly surpasses that in Kansas City. The top industries also vary between the two cities, indicating potential variations in job opportunities and economic environments. Understanding these differences is critical for a financially sound relocation.

Kansas City vs. San Diego Political & Religious Comparison

When planning a move from Kansas City, MO to San Diego, CA, it's helpful to know what to expect in terms of the communities you’ll be joining. This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of Kansas City & San Diego, giving you insight into the local culture and environment of your new home.

Kansas CitySan Diego
Political Make-upLean DemocraticLean Democratic
Local PoliticsModerately progressiveMore progressive
ReligionDiverse, with a significant Christian populationDiverse, with a prominent Christian community and significant non-religious segment

In shifting from Kansas City to San Diego, you'll likely find comfort in the familiar progressive political leaning shared by both cities, albeit San Diego tends to lean a bit more to the left. Local politics in San Diego push further towards progressive ideologies, especially on issues such as environmental policy and social justice, reflecting California's overall political climate. The religious landscape in both cities is diverse, with Christianity playing a significant role. However, San Diego hosts a larger proportion of individuals identifying with non-religious beliefs, highlighting the city's broad spectrum of cultural and spiritual beliefs. This diversity enriches the social fabric of San Diego, making it an inviting place for newcomers from various backgrounds.

Kansas City vs. San Diego Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Understanding the daily commute and traffic is vital when moving from Kansas City, MO to San Diego, CA. This comparison aims to highlight the differences in driving and transiting in these cities, helping you better prepare for what lies ahead.

ComparisonKansas CitySan Diego
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2426
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?DifficultEasier

While both Kansas City and San Diego offer unique lifestyles, the way you'll navigate through each city differs significantly. In Kansas City, the lower availability of public transit means having a car is almost a necessity, despite the shorter average commute time and lower traffic congestion compared to San Diego. On the other hand, San Diego's higher public transit score reflects a more robust network, including buses and trolleys, making it easier to get by without a car, despite slightly higher traffic congestion. This difference in transit availability could be a key factor in deciding on daily commute options in your new city.

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