Best Oakland to San Diego Movers and Practical Moving Guide
Get a Quote Now!
Trusted. Licensed. Insured.
Moving from Oakland, the vibrant city known for its bustling port and rich cultural mix, to San Diego, often celebrated for its stunning beaches and laid-back vibe, symbolizes an adventure filled with new opportunities and experiences. Leaving behind the "Bright Side of the Bay" to embrace the sun-soaked life in "America's Finest City" isn’t just a change of scenery; it’s a step into a diverse world of food, neighborhoods, and people. Given the distance and the importance of your belongings, ensuring the journey is handled by trusted and reliable professional movers is crucial for a smooth transition. That's why we at Great Guys Moving use an unbiased ranking algorithm to connect you with the best movers, making your move to San Diego as seamless and worry-free as possible.
Best Oakland to San Diego Moving Companies
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Diego to Oakland guide.
5 Best Oakland to San Diego Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About Sweet Lemon Moving Services
As a full-service moving company, Sweet Lemon Moving Services has been performing moves in Oakland and the wider Bay Area since 2016. This c...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moves
- Interstate Moves
- Commercial Moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3277021 / - Not Authorized Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 8 |
| Registered Drivers | 8 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 5,000 (2021) |
About Quantum Moving
Quantum Moving is located in Martinez, California, and has been serving families and businesses in the surrounding areas with local and long...Read More >>
Services
- Bay Area Local Moving Services
- Long Distance Moving Services Within California
- Commercial Office Moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3163557 / - Not Authorized Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 5 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 35,000 (2022) |
About Little Guy Big Truck Moving
Little Guy Big Truck Moving is a BBB-accredited, family-owned and operated business offering local and long-distance moving services at an a...Read More >>
Services
- Affordable fast friendly movers
- Local and long distance moving
- Fully licensed and insured
About OCD Moving Services LLC
For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation services...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
About 1st Choice Movers
With hundreds of satisfied customers, 1st Choice Movers is true to its name as a preferred local choice for moving and packing services in S...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
- Cross-country moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2776935 / - Not Authorized Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 60,000 (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.
Oakland vs. San Diego Neighborhood Comparison
Moving cities can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with your new home's neighborhoods. To ease this transition, we've crafted a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Oakland, CA & San Diego, CA, using the areas you know and love in Oakland to find your next favorite spot in San Diego. Whether you're looking for lively urban vibes or serene coastal retreats, this guide aims to match your preferences with San Diego's diverse communities.
| Oakland | San Diego | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Rockridge | North Park | Hip, with vibrant shops & eateries |
| Piedmont | La Jolla | Upscale, with stunning ocean views |
| Montclair | Del Mar | Family-friendly, ocean adjacent |
| Temescal | Hillcrest | Diverse, with rich food scene |
| Jack London Square | Little Italy | Bustling, with waterfront dining |
| Grand Lake | Coronado | Historic, with scenic views & shops |
| West Oakland | Barrio Logan | Artsy, with a strong cultural heritage |
| Claremont | Point Loma | Quiet, affluent with harbor views |
| Redwood Heights | Carmel Valley | Family-oriented, modern suburbia |
| Glenview | Normal Heights | Cozy, with a local feel |
Discovering your perfect neighborhood in San Diego starts with understanding the unique charm and offerings of each area. For instance, if you're drawn to the lively and hip atmosphere of Rockridge, you'll find a similar vibe in North Park, known for its local breweries, quirky shops, and the vibrant San Diego food truck scene. Meanwhile, Piedmont's upscale residential feel finds its match in La Jolla, where breathtaking ocean views and luxury shopping at La Jolla Village await. For those who love the eclectic and food-centric culture of Temescal, Hillcrest offers a comparable experience with its range of international cuisines and the famous Hillcrest Farmers Market. Choosing your San Diego neighborhood is about matching your lifestyle preferences with the local offerings, ensuring a seamless transition to your new home.
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 Oakland to San Diego
Moving from Oakland, CA to San Diego, CA, is a significant decision that requires understanding both sides of the coin. This comparison aims to highlight the contrasts of each city, offering an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation. Whether it's higher living costs or better weather, this guide will help weigh your options effectively.
Oakland, CA- Higher crime rates
- More expensive housing
- Less sunny days
- Cooler summers
San Diego, CA- Lower crime rates
- More affordable housing
- More sunny days
- Warmer beaches
San Diego, CA- Smaller art scene
- Less diversity
- Less tech opportunities
- More laid-back vibe
Oakland, CA- Vibrant art scene
- Diverse culture
- Access to tech jobs
- Lively urban vibe
Making a move from Oakland to San Diego introduces you to a different landscape, both physically and culturally. While you might miss Oakland's vibrant arts scene, featured in places like the Oakland Museum of California, San Diego boasts its own unique attractions like the renowned San Diego Zoo. Though you'll encounter fewer tech job opportunities compared to the Bay Area, neighborhoods like La Jolla and the Gaslamp Quarter offer a plethora of restaurants, sights, and outdoor activities, ensuring you're never short of ways to enjoy the sunny climate. As for the living conditions, the transition may surprise you with more affordable housing options, allowing for a potentially higher quality of life. This transition represents not just a change in scenery but a shift in lifestyle, suggesting a fresh array of opportunities and experiences that await you in San Diego.
Oakland vs. San Diego Food Guide
When moving to a new city, the local cuisine plays a vital role in shaping your experience. Understanding the food scene can greatly enhance your integration and enjoyment of the area. In this guide, we provide a comparison of the local cuisine between Oakland & San Diego to help you get a taste of what your new home has to offer.
| Oakland | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Sourdough Bread | California Burrito |
| Most popular meat dish | BBQ Brisket | Carne Asada |
| Most popular street food item | Tacos | Fish Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Avocado Toast | Jackfruit Tacos |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Exploring the food scene is a key part of settling into your new city. In Oakland, the rich taste of BBQ brisket and the freshness of avocado toast are testament to its diverse culinary scene, with neighborhoods like Temescal and Jack London Square standing out for their food offerings. Over in San Diego, the California burrito and fish tacos showcase the city's affinity for Mexican cuisine with a unique twist, abundant in areas like Little Italy and Ocean Beach. Moreover, the commitment to health and fitness in both cities is reflected in their high ratings, making it easier to find healthy dining options no matter where you are.
Oakland vs. San Diego Restaurant Comparison
When relocating, finding new favorite dining spots is essential for feeling at home. This comparison between Oakland and San Diego restaurants is designed to ease the transition by matching your current culinary favorites to new discoveries. Whether you're seeking high-end dining, casual bites, or iconic dishes, this guide aims to satiate your appetite in your new city.
| Oakland | San Diego | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Commis | Addison | Michelin-starred dining, exceptional tasting menus. |
| Shakewell | Juniper & Ivy | Innovative American cuisine in a relaxed setting. |
| Brown Sugar Kitchen | Waypoint Public | Soulful American eats with a community vibe. |
| La Farine Bakery | Bread & Cie Bakery | Artisan bakery offering a variety of pastries and bread. |
| Belotti Ristorante e Bottega | Bencotto Italian Kitchen | Handmade pasta in a chic, intimate environment. |
| Mua | Starlite | Eclectic American cuisine with a cozy, stylish atmosphere. |
| Tacos Oscar | Galaxy Taco | Celebrated for creative tacos and a vibrant setting. |
| Pizzaiolo | BUONA FORCHETTA | Authentic Neapolitan pizza in a family-friendly atmosphere. |
| Homeroom | Mac Shack | Gourmet mac ‘n’ cheese with a twist. |
| Grand Lake Kitchen | Parkhouse Eatery | Eclectic comfort food with a picturesque patio. |
When you move to San Diego, you won't have to compromise on the quality or variety of your meals compared to what you enjoyed in Oakland. For a comforting bowl of mac 'n' cheese like Homeroom's, the Mac Shack in San Diego serves up a creative twist on this classic dish, satisfying both traditional and adventurous palates. Craving authentic Neapolitan pizza? BUONA FORCHETTA stands proud as San Diego's answer to Pizzaiolo, where the pizza is just as heartwarming and the ambiance equally inviting. For those mornings when only artisanal pastries will do, Bread & Cie Bakery in San Diego mirrors the warmth and excellence of La Farine Bakery in Oakland, ensuring your breakfast ritual remains as delightful as ever.
Ready to start your move?
Oakland vs. San Diego Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, it's crucial to understand how the housing market of your new city compares to your current one. This comparison between Oakland and San Diego focuses on real estate costs, architectural styles, and lifestyle factors, providing valuable insights for potential movers.
| Comparison | Oakland | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Victorian and Modern | Spanish and Modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to San Francisco, views | Proximity to beaches, outdoor living spaces |
In comparing Oakland and San Diego's real estate markets, several interesting differences emerge. For example, while both cities tout modern architecture, Oakland's housing stock also prominently features Victorian styles, whereas San Diego leans heavily towards Spanish influences, a nod to its historical roots. This architectural diversity speaks to the unique cultural fabric of each city. Additionally, while San Diego is slightly more affordable in terms of median home prices and rent, its walkability score is marginally lower than Oakland's, which may influence your lifestyle choice depending on your preference for walking over other forms of transportation. However, both cities rank equally in offering an urban lifestyle, suggesting a vibrant, active community regardless of your choice.
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.
Oakland vs. San Diego Weather Considerations
Moving from one city to another means adapting to new weather conditions. Understanding the climate differences will help you prepare for Oakland and San Diego's diverse environments. This guide compares key weather aspects to assist in your transition.
Oakland, CA
San Diego, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Oakland, CA
San Diego, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Oakland, CA
San Diego, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Oakland, CA
San Diego, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Oakland | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When comparing Oakland and San Diego, you'll find San Diego generally enjoys milder winters and slightly warmer summers. The extra days of sunshine in San Diego support an active outdoor lifestyle year-round. Despite comparatively lower humidity, the San Diego climate necessitates preparedness for both earthquakes and wildfires, unlike Oakland, where earthquakes are the primary natural disaster concern. Additionally, the significant difference in annual rainfall between the two cities influences not just the local environment but also water usage and landscaping practices.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Oakland to San Diego
Moving between cities is a significant life event, particularly when it comes to finances. Understanding how the cost of living in Oakland compares to San Diego can help you manage your money more effectively upon relocation. Let's deep dive into the financial aspects that will influence your move the most.
| Comparison | Oakland | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $82,236 | $93,042 |
| Cost of Living Index | 139.1 | 132.3 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 9.3% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.78% | 0.76% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 9.25% | 8.75% |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Healthcare, Education | Military, Tourism, International Trade |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Moderate | Low |
| Homelessness | High | Moderate |
When relocating from Oakland to San Diego, you'll find various financial and economic differences that could influence your decision-making. Although the average household income is slightly higher in San Diego, the cost of living index shows that life in Oakland is more expensive, particularly in housing. However, with both cities being in California, they share the state income tax rate. The dominant industries in each city can also affect job opportunities; for example, technology and healthcare are significant in Oakland, whereas San Diego is known for its military presence, tourism, and international trade. Understanding these differences can help you better prepare for the financial aspect of your move.
Oakland vs. San Diego Political & Religious Comparison
Considering a move from Oakland to San Diego? This quick snapshot offers an insightful comparison of the political and religious makeup of Oakland & San Diego, helping you grasp the community vibes and understand your potential neighbors better.
| Oakland | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Strongly Democratic | Leans Democratic |
| Local Politics | Progressive policies, high civic engagement | Moderately progressive, focus on business and military |
| Religion | Diverse: Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, etc. | Diverse with a significant Catholic presence |
In both Oakland and San Diego, the political atmosphere leans towards Democratic values, but with Oakland being recognized for its more progressive stance and higher levels of civic engagement, you might find San Diego a bit moderate in comparison. Religion in both cities reflects California's diverse cultural tapestry, though San Diego has a notably significant Catholic community. Understanding these dynamics can provide a smoother transition by aligning your expectations with the local norms and community practices.
Oakland vs. San Diego Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Oakland, CA to San Diego, CA? This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Oakland & San Diego will help you better understand what your daily commute and traffic situations might be like in these cities.
| Comparison | Oakland | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 32 | 25 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes, with effort | Yes, but challenging |
In Oakland, you'll find that the average commute time is slightly longer compared to San Diego, reflecting its busier traffic conditions. However, Oakland boasts a higher availability of public transit options, making it somewhat easier to navigate the city without a car. The BART system, alongside buses, provides comprehensive coverage across the city and neighboring areas. San Diego, on the other hand, while having less traffic congestion overall, has a lower public transit score. You might find it a bit challenging to rely solely on public transport, such as the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System, especially if your daily commute includes less centrally located areas.
Popular Oakland, CA to California Moving Routes
- Oakland to Los Angeles
- Oakland to San Jose
- Oakland to San Francisco
- Oakland to Fresno
- Oakland to Sacramento
- Oakland to Long Beach
- Oakland to Bakersfield
- Oakland to Anaheim
- Oakland to Santa Ana
- Oakland to Riverside
- Oakland to Stockton
- Oakland to Irvine
- Oakland to Chula Vista
- Oakland to Fremont
- Oakland to San Bernardino
- Oakland to Modesto
- Oakland to Fontana
- Oakland to Moreno Valley
Popular Moving Routes
Nearby Moving Routes
