Best Raleigh to San Diego Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Raleigh to San Diego and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,579 mile move from North Carolina to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 34 Raleigh to San Diego 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 The Rock Movers), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $9,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Raleigh 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.
Best Raleigh to San Diego Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Rock Movers | 9.49 | 9.53 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. | 9.46 | 9.62 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Raleigh Moving Company | 9.42 | 9.6 | Active | Contact |
| 4 | Athens Moving Experts | 9.34 | 9.49 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Capital Moving & Storage | 9.26 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Raleigh to San Diego
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,579 miles from Raleigh, NC to San Diego, CA will cost on average $3,974 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Raleigh to San Diego move is roughly $9,605. 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 | $2,665 | 300 ft³ | 8.88 |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,974 | 450 ft³ | 8.83 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $6,586 | 750 ft³ | 8.78 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $9,605 | 1100 ft³ | 8.73 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $13,891 | 1600 ft³ | 8.68 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $15,538 | 1800 ft³ | 8.63 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Diego to Raleigh guide.
Compare the 5 Best Raleigh to San Diego Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
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) |
Raleigh Moving Company
Raleigh, NC, 27609
About Raleigh Moving Company
Raleigh Moving Company is a locally owned and operated moving company offering residential and commercial services for local and long-distance moves...
Services
- Free estimates
- Full Value Protection (FVP)
- Fully licensed and insured
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3344628 / - Active Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | - |
Athens Moving Experts
This listing has been claimed by Athens Moving Experts6601 Hillsborough St # 111
Raleigh, NC, 27606
About Athens Moving Experts
Since 2015, Athens Moving Experts has helped Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Holly Springs, and communities across North Carolina with their residential and...
Services
- Local Moving Services
- Long Distance Moving Services
- Commercial Moving Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3205320 / 204920 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 5 |
| Registered Drivers | 5 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 25,000 (2021) |
Capital Moving & Storage
3450 Bush St Suite 245
Raleigh, NC, 27609
About Capital Moving & Storage
Capital Moving & Storage, a family-owned company based in Raleigh, NC, has been providing high-quality moving services for over 20 years....
Services
- Residential & Commercial Moving
- Local & Long Distance Moving
- Packing
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3623752 / 1238777 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 120,504 (2023) |
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.
Raleigh vs. San Diego Neighborhood Comparison
If you're planning a move from Raleigh, NC, to San Diego, CA, you might wonder how neighborhoods in these cities compare. This guide aims to help you familiarize yourself with an unknown city by using your current city as a baseline. We'll highlight the top neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC, and match them with the closest similar neighborhood in San Diego, CA , making your transition as smooth as possible.
| Raleigh | San Diego | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Five Points | North Park | Vibrant arts scene |
| Downtown Raleigh | Gaslamp Quarter | Dynamic nightlife |
| North Hills | La Jolla | Upscale shopping and beaches |
| Boylan Heights | South Park | Historic homes, strong community feel |
| Cameron Village | Hillcrest | Shopping and dining variety |
| Oberlin Village | Little Italy | Rich history and culture |
| Hayes Barton | Coronado | Quiet, upscale residential |
| Wade | Point Loma | Stunning views, close-knit |
| Morson / Historic Oakwood | Old Town | Cultural heritage, historical sites |
| Glenwood | Pacific Beach | Young, lively atmosphere |
Exploring San Diego's neighborhoods like North Park and Gaslamp Quarter offers a window into the vibrant arts and dynamic nightlife scenes, respectively, reminiscent of Five Points and Downtown Raleigh. In North Park, spots like San Diego Brew Project mirror the distinct local flair found with Raleigh's brewery scenes. Similar to North Hills' collection of upscale shopping options, La Jolla provides an unparalleled coastal shopping experience, complete with ocean views. For a taste of community and history, South Park's lovingly preserved historical homes and local events invoke a similar charm to that of Boylan Heights, emphasizing a strong sense of community. Both cities boast neighborhoods rich in culture and history, making them wonderful places to explore and live.
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 Raleigh to San Diego
Moving from one city to another is a monumental decision that involves weighing various factors. This comparison gives you a balanced view, laying out the advantages and disadvantages. Let's take an honest look at what relocating from Raleigh, NC to San Diego, CA entails to help you make an informed decision.
Raleigh, NC- Higher humidity
- Less beach access
- Smaller tech hub
- Fewer cultural events
San Diego, CA- Milder climate
- Beaches everywhere
- Larger tech scene
- Vibrant cultural scene
San Diego, CA- Higher living costs
- Urban landscape
- Busier city life
- More transient population
Raleigh, NC- Lower living costs
- Greener surroundings
- Quiet suburbs
- Strong local community
Moving from Raleigh to San Diego brings you closer to the Pacific and into a city teeming with vibrant cultural experiences and a thriving tech scene, perfect for professional growth and networking. San Diego’s beaches, such as La Jolla Cove and Coronado Beach, become your backyard playground, offering stunning seaside views and activities all year round. The city is renowned for its iconic Balboa Park, a sprawling urban cultural park home to museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo. While the costs of living might be higher in San Diego, the amenities, from gourmet restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter to the historic sights in Old Town, provide diverse experiences unlike anywhere else. As you transition, consider exploring neighborhoods like North Park and Hillcrest, known for their local shops, craft breweries, and vibrant community events, making them ideal for connecting with the city on a more personal level.
Raleigh vs. San Diego Food Guide
This comparison of the local cuisine between Raleigh & San Diego offers insight into the food scenes of both cities. Understanding food is vital to embracing local culture and can make the transition to a new home more delicious.
| Raleigh | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Pulled pork BBQ | Fish Tacos |
| Most popular meat dish | Eastern Carolina BBQ | Carne Asada |
| Most popular street food item | Hot Dogs | California Burritos |
| Most popular vegan food | Barbecue Jackfruit | Avocado Toast |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Raleigh, NC, the food scene features a strong tradition of barbecue, with Eastern Carolina BBQ and Barbecue Jackfruit standing out as popular meat and vegan options, respectively. Places like The Pit Authentic Barbecue epitomize this tradition. In contrast, San Diego, CA, leans heavily towards its coastal offerings with Fish Tacos and California Burritos as staples. Neighborhoods like Little Italy and Ocean Beach host iconic eateries such as Oscar's Mexican Seafood, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant and health-conscious foodie scene that San Diego proudly offers.
Raleigh vs. San Diego Restaurant Comparison
Finding your new culinary havens can transform any place into a home, offering comfort and excitement with every bite. This comparison aims to bridge your food journey from Raleigh, NC to San Diego, CA, pinpointing eateries in San Diego that resonate with your favorites from Raleigh. It's a flavorful map designed to navigate your transition seamlessly.
| Raleigh | San Diego | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Bida Manda | Supannee House of Thai | Authentic Thai cuisine with a similar emphasis on tradition and family recipes. |
| Death & Taxes | Campfire | Offers a unique take on wood-fired cooking, mirroring Death & Taxes' focus on flames and flavor. |
| Brewery Bhavana | Ballast Point Brewing Miramar | Combines craft beer with quality food, akin to Brewery Bhavana's concept. |
| Poole's Diner | George’s at the Cove | Both are iconic in their cities, known for turning simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces. |
| Garland | Kous Kous Moroccan Bistro | Provides an intimate dining environment with an emphasis on vibrant, spice-driven dishes. |
| Beasley’s Chicken + Honey | The Crack Shack | Though decidedly more casual, it's celebrated for innovative chicken dishes, echoing Beasley's comfort food appeal. |
| Angus Barn | Born & Raised | A modern steakhouse that matches Angus Barn's commitment to quality meats and a classic dining experience. |
| Mandolin | Juniper & Ivy | Both focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, crafting innovative American cuisine. |
| The Pit | Grand Ole BBQ y Asado | Captures the essence of traditional Southern barbecue with its commitment to smoking and grilling. |
| Sitti | Aladdin Mediterranean Restaurant | Offers authentic Mediterranean dishes, celebrating flavors similar to those at Sitti. |
Embarking on a culinary journey from Raleigh to San Diego promises to be an exciting adventure. Though San Diego's Supannee House of Thai and Raleigh's Bida Manda hail from different parts of the world, both establishments cherish the heartwarming tradition of family recipes. Furthermore, the transition from Brewery Bhavana to Ballast Point Brewing Miramar showcases how craft beer culture thrives coast to coast, marrying the art of brewing with stellar culinary offerings. San Diego's The Crack Shack mirrors the casual yet innovative spirit of Raleigh's Beasley’s Chicken + Honey, ensuring your comfort food cravings are well taken care of. This guide offers more than just a comparison; it’s a promise of new beginnings without leaving behind the flavors you love.
Ready to start your move?
Raleigh vs. San Diego Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial. This comparison dives into the housing characteristics of Raleigh, NC, and San Diego, CA, highlighting key factors such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle amenities to ensure you make the best choice for your new home.
| Comparison | Raleigh | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Craftsman | Spanish, Modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious Yards, Quiet Neighborhoods | Ocean Views, Proximity to Beaches |
In comparing housing between Raleigh, NC, and San Diego, CA, the stark contrast in median home prices and monthly rents reflect the broader cost of living differences between the two cities. Raleigh offers a more affordable entry into homeownership, with a focus on traditional architecture and family-friendly suburban environments. San Diego, known for its stunning ocean views and modern, Spanish-influenced architecture, provides a vibrant urban lifestyle but at a significantly higher cost. This variation underscores the importance of matching your housing preferences and budget with the locality's offerings, ensuring a smooth transition to your new city.
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.
Raleigh vs. San Diego Weather Considerations
When planning a move from one location to another, comparing the weather conditions is essential for a smoother transition. Understand how the weather in Raleigh, NC differs from San Diego, CA , through detailed charts and information, to better prepare for your new environment.
Raleigh, NC
San Diego, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Raleigh, NC
San Diego, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Raleigh, NC
San Diego, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Raleigh, NC
San Diego, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Raleigh | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Tornadoes | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Relocating from Raleigh, NC, to San Diego, CA, introduces you to milder summers and warmer winters. San Diego's consistent climate offers more days of sunshine and lower humidity levels, creating an enticing environment for outdoor activities year-round. However, be prepared for the potential of earthquakes and wildfires, a shift from the hurricanes and tornadoes familiar to Raleigh residents. Understanding these nuances in weather and natural disaster risks can greatly impact your daily life, comfort, and even the type of insurance you might need in your new home.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Raleigh to San Diego
When planning a move from Raleigh, NC to San Diego, CA, it’s crucial to grasp how financial aspects such as living costs, taxes, and average incomes will differ. This comparison aims to prepare you for the economic adjustments you'll face, ensuring there are no surprises when relocating. Comparing Raleigh and San Diego's cost of living, taxes, and average incomes elucidates the financial landscape you're about to navigate.
| Comparison | Raleigh | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $74,612 | $93,042 |
| Cost of Living Index | 98.2 | 132.3 |
| State Income Tax | 5.25 | 9.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.86 | 0.76 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7.25 | 7.75 |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Education, Healthcare | Defense, International Trade, Tourism |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Lower | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Low | High |
Moving from Raleigh to San Diego, you'll notice a significant jump in the cost of living index, indicating that your everyday expenses in San Diego could be substantially higher. This increase is somewhat offset by higher average incomes but be aware that state income taxes are also more substantial in California. Industries thriving in each city hint at potential employment opportunities, with San Diego boasting a strong defense and tourism sector, contrasting Raleigh's tech and education focus. Even though San Diego presents as more affluent on average, it suffers from higher rates of homelessness, a critical social issue to consider if you're moving there.
Raleigh vs. San Diego Political & Religious Comparison
Moving from Raleigh, NC to San Diego, CA offers a fresh landscape not just in terms of geography but also in the comparison of the politics between Raleigh & San Diego and the religious landscape of their residents. This quick snapshot aims to provide you with an understanding of what to expect from your new neighbors in these aspects.
| Raleigh | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Leans Democratic | Strongly Democratic |
| Local Politics | Moderate with a mix of conservative and liberal perspectives | Liberal with progressive policies |
| Religion | Christianity dominant, with a significant presence of other faiths | Less religiously affiliated, diverse faiths |
In Raleigh, you might have noticed a balanced political climate, merging both conservative and liberal views. This atmosphere tends to support a variety of local policies and initiatives. However, as you transition to San Diego, expect a shift towards more liberal and progressive policies. This may reflect in the local governance and community initiatives you'll encounter. On the religious front, Raleigh's predominantly Christian base is more devout compared to San Diego's population, which shows a wider range of religious affiliations and a higher percentage of individuals not affiliated with any religion. Understanding these dynamics can help you better integrate into your new community and participate in local activities that align with your values.
Raleigh vs. San Diego Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Understanding the daily commute and traffic is crucial when moving from one city to another. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Raleigh & San Diego is designed to give you a better grasp of what to expect on an everyday basis.
| Comparison | Raleigh | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25 | 24 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Challenging | Possible but inconvenient |
In Raleigh, while the average commute time is slightly longer than in San Diego, the traffic congestion is notably less severe. This makes Raleigh somewhat more car-dependent, though. The city's public transit options are improving, but still score lower compared to San Diego, where the public transit system is more extensive, featuring a better-connected network of buses and trolleys. While living in San Diego without a car is more feasible, particularly in densely populated areas, it might still prove inconvenient for some, reflecting the need for some form of personal transportation in both cities.
Additional Resources
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