Best Chattanooga to San Diego Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Chattanooga to San Diego and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,151 mile move from Tennessee to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 23 Chattanooga 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 - $8,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga 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
3Boundless Moving & Storage9.339.36Authorized For Property, HHGContact
4Smooth Moving & Storage8.938.63Authorized For HHGContact
5Piano Movers Plus8.838.17Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Chattanooga to San Diego

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,151 miles from Chattanooga, TN to San Diego, CA will cost on average $3,610 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Chattanooga to San Diego move is roughly $8,715. 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$2,422300 ft³8.07
1 Bedroom$3,610450 ft³8.02
2 Bedrooms$5,980750 ft³7.97
3 Bedrooms$8,7151100 ft³7.92
4 Bedrooms$12,5971600 ft³7.87
5+ Bedrooms$14,0821800 ft³7.82
*Please note: These Tennessee to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Tennessee & 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 TN to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Diego to Chattanooga guide.

Compare the 5 Best Chattanooga 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
Boundless Moving & Storage Logo

Boundless Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.33/10
based on 1,378+ data points

5595 N. Lee Hwy

Cleveland, TN, 37312

About Boundless Moving & Storage

Boundless Moving is a local, family-owned moving company near Chattanooga, TN. Established in 2015, it is located in Cleveland and offers...

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long Distance Moving Services
  • Commercial Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2798532 / 934519

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved358,520 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Smooth Moving & Storage Logo

Smooth Moving & Storage

Superb8.93/10
based on 346+ data points

3620 Trousdale Dr

Nashville, TN, 37204

About Smooth Moving & Storage

Smooth Moving & Storage is a full-service moving and storage company based in Nashville, Tennessee, offering professional, reliable, and stress-free moving...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Residential moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2472874 / 1244900

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2023)
View Full Review
4
P

Piano Movers Plus

Superb8.83/10
based on 112+ data points

3889 Hixson Pike

Chattanooga, TN, 37415

About Piano Movers Plus

Piano Movers Plus is a locally owned and operated moving company based in Chattanooga, TN, serving the surrounding cities such as...

Services

  • Damage free piano moving
  • Hard to move items moving
  • Household moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

849413 / 393793

Authorized For HHG

Carrier/Shipper

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved184,000 (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.

Chattanooga vs. San Diego Neighborhood Comparison

Moving across the country can be a daunting task, especially when you're not familiar with your new city. To ease this transition, we've prepared a guide that compares local neighborhoods between Chattanooga, TN & San Diego, CA . Using Chattanooga's well-loved areas as a baseline, we'll match you with similar neighborhoods in San Diego, helping you find a new home that feels just right.

ChattanoogaSan DiegoHow They're Similar
North ShoreLa JollaScenic views, boutique shopping
SouthsideNorth ParkArtsy, vibrant nightlife
St. ElmoSouth ParkHistoric homes, family-friendly
DowntownGaslamp QuarterUrban, entertainment hub
Signal MountainMount SoledadPanoramic views, upscale
Lookout MountainTorrey PinesNatural beauty, hiking trails
East BrainerdLa MesaSuburban charm, shopping centers
BrainerdClaremontFamily-oriented, diverse community
HixsonMira MesaResidential, community parks
Red BankPoint LomaCoastal, quiet neighborhoods

If you're captivated by North Shore's eclectic mix of shops and riverside parks, you'll find La Jolla's breathtaking ocean views and boutique storefronts equally enchanting. Likewise, Southside's vibrant arts scene and bustling nightlife are mirrored in North Park, where local craft beer bars and indie music venues reign supreme. For those who appreciate St. Elmo's historic character and close-knit community vibe, South Park offers a similar sense of history with its preserved craftsman homes and family-friendly atmosphere. Lastly, the adventurous spirits drawn to Lookout Mountain's extensive hiking trails will feel right at home in Torrey Pines, where the natural landscape promises endless outdoor exploration. Each of these San Diego neighborhoods offers a unique blend of attractions and amenities, from La Jolla's upscale dining to North Park's thriving cultural scene, ensuring you'll find a new community where you can thrive.

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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 Chattanooga to San Diego

Moving can be a monumental decision, especially when it's from Chattanooga, TN to San Diego, CA. To help you weigh your options, we've designed charts comparing the pros and cons of such a move. Our goal is to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation, ensuring you make the most informed decision possible.

CONs
PROs
Chattanooga, TN iconChattanooga, TN
  • Higher humidity
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Smaller job market
  • More affordable housing
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • Milder climate
  • Greater cultural diversity
  • Larger job market
  • Better beaches
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • Higher living costs
  • More traffic
  • Less space
  • Water scarcity
Chattanooga, TN iconChattanooga, TN
  • Quaint city charm
  • Rich local history
  • Lower living costs
  • Diverse outdoor activities

Chattanooga might be smaller, but its charm and affordability are undeniable. Suppose you cherish the quaint atmosphere of neighborhoods like St. Elmo, dotted with historical landmarks and local eateries such as 1885 Grill, you might find San Diego's bustling pace and higher living costs a significant shift. However, San Diego compensates with its vast cultural diversity, offering a plethora of dining options from every corner of the globe, neighborhoods like Little Italy or Gaslamp Quarter buzz with activity, housing unique shops and high-rated restaurants. The job market in San Diego is notably more robust, thanks to its larger population and industries, something Chattanooga is gradually working towards. Outdoor enthusiasts will revel in San Diego’s picturesque beaches like La Jolla Shores, a stark contrast to the riverfront activities in Chattanooga. Each city has its unique offerings, making the move a deeply personal decision.

Chattanooga vs. San Diego Food Guide

Food deeply influences the local culture and shapes the living experience in an area. In order to provide a clearer picture of what culinary delights await, this guide offers a comparison of the local cuisine between Chattanooga & San Diego . Whether you're craving traditional dishes or modern takes, understanding these culinary landscapes will help you adjust to your new home.

ChattanoogaSan Diego
Most iconic local food itemBarbecue RibsFish Tacos
Most popular meat dishPulled Pork SandwichCarne Asada
Most popular street food itemHot DogsStreet Tacos
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitPlant-based Bowls
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Alleia
  • Easy Bistro
  • The Flying Squirrel
  • George's at the Cove
  • Phil's BBQ
  • Kindred
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving to San Diego, you'll quickly notice the vibrant and diverse food scene, greatly contrasting with Chattanooga's traditional Southern cuisine. The city's coastal location means seafood, particularly fish tacos found in neighborhoods like Pacific Beach, is fresh and abundant. Vegan and health-conscious options are widely available, showcasing the city's forward-thinking approach to dining. Celebrated spots like Phil's BBQ offer a taste of the local flavor, while innovative vegan restaurants such as Kindred challenge traditional cooking boundaries. The abundance of food trucks and outdoor dining spaces in San Diego reflects a laid-back yet discerning culinary culture, ideal for foodies seeking both innovation and tradition.

Chattanooga vs. San Diego Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a vital role in turning a new city into your home. This restaurant comparison chart is designed to help you find your next favorite eatery by utilizing your current Chattanooga favorites as a guide. By comparing top restaurants from Chattanooga to their counterparts in San Diego , you'll be effortlessly discovering new dining spots that feel familiar yet exciting.

ChattanoogaSan DiegoWhat You'll Love
AlleiaBencotto Italian KitchenOffers handmade pasta and upscale dining, akin to Alleia's charm.
Easy Bistro & BarHerb & WoodBoasts a chic ambiance with a focus on wood-fired cooking, similar to Easy Bistro’s approach.
Main Street MeatsThe Butcher's CutKnown for its quality meats and butcher shop, parallelling Main Street Meats' concept.
Public HouseJuniper & IvyOffers a modern take on American cuisine in an upscale setting, reminiscent of Public House's vibe.
Uncle Larry's RestaurantBud & Rob's New Orleans BistroDelivers authentic Southern and Creole dishes, mirroring Uncle Larry's specialties.
St. John's RestaurantGeorge's at the CoveUpscale dining with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients, echoing St. John's quality and ambiance.
The Terminal BrewhouseBallast Point Brewing MiramarKnown for craft beer and hearty meals, similar to The Terminal Brewhouse.
Bluegrass GrillGreat MapleFeatures hearty, American classics in a diner setting, capturing Bluegrass Grill's homely essence.
Taqueria JaliscoPuestoOffers artisanal Mexican street food, echoing Taqueria Jalisco's authentic offerings.
Champy's Famous Fried ChickenThe Crack ShackSpecializes in gourmet fried chicken, a perfect match for Champy's fans.

Exploring the culinary landscape of a new city through familiar flavors can be a thrilling adventure. For instance, if you're missing the crafted Italian dishes from Alleia in Chattanooga, Bencotto Italian Kitchen in San Diego awaits to teleport your taste buds back to Italy with its authentic pasta and upscale ambiance. Similarly, fans of The Terminal Brewhouse will find solace in Ballast Point Brewing Miramar, where the combination of craft beer and savory meals creates a reminiscent experience. These carefully selected San Diego restaurants not only promise a taste of home but also offer a gateway to the city's rich and diverse culinary scene, ensuring you'll find new favorites while cherishing the fond memories of Chattanooga's dining staples.

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Ready to start your move?

Chattanooga vs. San Diego Real Estate & Living Facts

Understanding the real estate dynamics between taking the leap from Chattanooga, TN, to San Diego, CA, is crucial. They offer contrasting landscapes in terms of housing costs, architectural styles, and lifestyle. Here's a comparison to guide you through.

ComparisonChattanoogaSan Diego
Typical Architecture StyleVictorian and CraftsmanSpanish and Modern
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLarge yards, Mountain viewOcean view, Proximity to beaches

When considering a move from Chattanooga to San Diego, you'll find huge differences in housing costs. In San Diego, the median home price is significantly higher, reflecting its coastal market demand and urban lifestyle, where almost every convenience is within walking distance, mirrored in its high walkability score. The change in the architectural landscape will also greet you, transitioning from Chattanooga’s historic Victorian and Craftsman styles to San Diego’s prevalent Spanish and Modern designs. Another notable aspect in listings from San Diego is the mention of ocean views and proximity to beaches - a stark contrast to the large yards and mountain views sought after in Chattanooga.

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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.

Chattanooga vs. San Diego Weather Considerations

When planning a move from one city to another, understanding how the climate and weather will change is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight the differences in weather patterns you'll experience moving from Chattanooga, TN to San Diego, CA , ensuring you're well-prepared for your new environment.

Summer icon
89°F / 67°F

Chattanooga, TN

77°F / 64°F

San Diego, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
49°F / 30°F

Chattanooga, TN

66°F / 49°F

San Diego, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
53"

Chattanooga, TN

10"

San Diego, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
2"

Chattanooga, TN

0"

San Diego, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonChattanoogaSan Diego
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersTornadoes, FloodsEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

In comparing Chattanooga, TN to San Diego, CA, the most notable differences you'll find are in temperature, sunshine, and natural disaster risks. Chattanooga experiences a more pronounced four-season climate with colder winters and hotter humid summers, while San Diego boasts milder temperatures year-round with far more sunny days. The risk of natural disasters shifts from tornadoes and floods in Chattanooga to earthquakes and wildfires in San Diego. These distinctions not only affect daily life but may also influence your decisions on housing, wardrobe, and even insurance coverage.

Ready to start your move?

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

Understanding the financial implications of moving from one city to another is crucial for your financial planning. This comparison will illuminate how expenses and economic environments in Chattanooga, TN and San Diego, CA stack against each other, helping you prepare for the transition.

ComparisonChattanoogaSan Diego
Avg. Household Income$55,065$93,042
Cost of Living Index91.1132.3
State Income Tax0%up to 13.3%
Avg. Property Tax0.74%0.76%
Avg. Sales Tax9.25%7.75%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Health Care, EducationDefense/Military, Tourism, International Trade
Affluencemoderatehigh
Povertynoticeablelower than national average
Homelessnessconcerningsignificant

When comparing Chattanooga and San Diego, it's apparent that San Diego boasts a higher average household income, which aligns with its notably higher cost of living. San Diego's robust economy, fueled by defense, tourism, and international trade, contrasts with Chattanooga's manufacturing and healthcare-driven market. Despite similar property tax rates, San Diego's high state income tax reflects its affluence but also contributes to its expensive living conditions. While both cities face their challenges with poverty and homelessness, Chattanooga's lower cost of living may offer a different set of financial considerations for those contemplating the move.

Chattanooga vs. San Diego Political & Religious Comparison

Moving from one city to another invites not just a change of scenery, but also a transition into a potentially different community fabric. This guide offers a comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Chattanooga & San Diego , providing a quick glance at what to expect from your new neighbors.

ChattanoogaSan Diego
Political Make-upConservatively inclined; Tends to vote RepublicanLiberal leaning; Predominantly votes Democratic
Local PoliticsFocus on economic development, educationEmphasizes climate action, homelessness solutions
ReligionHighly religious; Predominantly ChristianMore diverse religious landscape; Less religious overall

Digging deeper, your move from Chattanooga to San Diego will immerse you into distinctly different political atmospheres. Chattanooga's conservative lean mirrors Tennessee's broader political landscape, with a strong focus on traditional values and economic initiatives. In contrast, San Diego's progressive stance tackles contemporary issues like climate change and homelessness head-on, reflecting California's liberal ethos. The religious ambiance in Chattanooga, dominated by Christian faiths, offers a sharp contrast to San Diego's more secular and religiously diverse community. Understanding these differences can greatly ease your transition and integration into your new hometown.

Chattanooga vs. San Diego Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Chattanooga, TN to San Diego, CA presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities, especially when it comes to commuting. This comparison aims to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like between Chattanooga & San Diego, ensuring a smoother transition for your day-to-day travels.

ComparisonChattanoogaSan Diego
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2526
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?DifficultPossible, but challenging

Although both cities offer their unique charm, moving from Chattanooga to San Diego significantly changes your commuting experience. In Chattanooga, with its milder traffic congestion, commuting is relatively smoother. However, public transit options are limited, making it difficult to rely solely on them. On the other hand, San Diego presents a slightly higher traffic congestion level, which might extend your commuting time. Fortunately, San Diego's public transit system is more developed, offering better connectivity across the city. Yet, despite this, having a car can greatly enhance your mobility and access to what the city has to offer, from its vibrant downtown to beautiful beaches. Ultimately, while it's possible to get by without a car in San Diego, it comes with its challenges, much like in Chattanooga, but with higher reliance on public transit.

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