Best San Diego to Los Angeles Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the laid-back surf vibes of San Diego to the bustling, star-studded streets of Los Angeles marks an exciting journey and a significant life change. You're transitioning from the sun-soaked beaches and relaxed pace of "America's Finest City" to the glitzy allure and endless opportunities in the "City of Angels." Recognizing the magnitude of this city-to-city move, it's crucial to entrust your belongings to professional movers who are both trusted and reliable, ensuring a smooth transition on this new chapter of your life. As part of our commitment, we at Great Guys Moving utilize an unbiased ranking algorithm to connect you with the best movers, taking the guesswork out of who to trust with your move.
Best San Diego to Los Angeles Moving Companies
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Los Angeles to San Diego guide.
5 Best San Diego to Los Angeles Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About Roadway Moving - LA Moving Company
Roadway Moving, in operation since 2008, is a Los Angeles-based moving company that offers services across the United States. They specializ...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moves in NYC
- Long-Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
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 The Small Delivery Co.
Moving is a difficult task, even if you're just moving from a studio apartment. Unfortunately, some moving companies have a minimum service ...Read More >>
Services
- Small move assistance (single items, one room of furniture, studio apartments, up to a one bedroom apartment)
- Furniture delivery/specialty items/donation drop off
- Loading/unloading a moving truck or storage container
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2690366 / - Not Authorized Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 1 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | - |
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) |
About 24/7 Moving and Storage
This locally owned and operated moving company has been helping people in the San Diego area move since 2013. 24/7 Moving and Storage offers...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving services
- Long distance moving services
- Full service packing/moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2707732 / - Not Authorized Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 50,000 (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.
San Diego vs. Los Angeles Neighborhood Comparison
Relocating can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating the vibes of a new city's neighborhoods. To ease the transition, we've crafted a comparison of local neighborhoods between San Diego, CA & Los Angeles, CA , highlighting similarities to help you find your next favorite spot. Whether you're seeking beachfront bliss or a bustling urban feel, this guide aims to make you feel at home in your new city by drawing parallels with the familiar.
| San Diego | Los Angeles | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| La Jolla | Malibu | Upscale beach living |
| Gaslamp Quarter | Downtown LA | Vibrant nightlife and dining |
| Little Italy | Atwater Village | Culturally rich with artisan eateries |
| Hillcrest | West Hollywood | LGBTQ+ friendly with lively entertainment |
| North Park | Silver Lake | Hip, with a strong sense of community |
| Pacific Beach | Venice | Beach culture with a bohemian vibe |
| Del Mar | Santa Monica | Beachside city with upscale shopping |
| Carmel Valley | Studio City | Suburban feel with city access |
| Ocean Beach | Redondo Beach | Laid-back beach atmosphere |
| Coronado | Manhattan Beach | Prestigious community with gorgeous beaches |
Exploring the unique charm of each neighborhood helps in envisioning your life in a new city. For example, if the beachfront luxury and laid-back culture of La Jolla captured your heart, Malibu's stunning coastline and upscale living would make you feel right at home. On the other hand, if you're drawn to the eclectic and vibrant energy of North Park, Silver Lake's tight-knit community and bohemian flair will surely appeal to you. Each area boasts its own gems, from the La Jolla Playhouse to the iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk, offering an exquisite blend of cultural, dining, and leisure activities catering to a variety of lifestyles and interests.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from San Diego to Los Angeles
Moving between cities can bring both excitement and apprehension. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA. Through comparative charts, understand what changes you might embrace and what challenges you could face in your new home.
San Diego, CA- Higher living costs
- Less beach access
- Quieter nightlife
Los Angeles, CA- More job opportunities
- Greater cultural diversity
- Vibrant music scene
Los Angeles, CA- Heavier traffic
- Higher pollution
- More expensive housing
San Diego, CA- Milder climate
- Relaxed lifestyle
- Better surf spots
Moving from the laid-back, surf-friendly beaches of San Diego like La Jolla Shores to the bustling, diverse cultural landscape of Los Angeles entails embracing a dynamic lifestyle change. Los Angeles, with neighborhoods like Silver Lake and Little Ethiopia, offers a rich tapestry of dining experiences from trendy cafes to ethnic restaurants. The music scene in areas such as The Echo in Echo Park provides a stark contrast to the quieter nightlife back in San Diego, introducing you to potential new favorite acts and vibrant social gatherings. While the adjustment may involve dealing with heavier traffic and exploring alternative means to enjoy nature, the change promises an enriching experience full of new opportunities.
San Diego vs. Los Angeles Food Guide
When planning your move, it's not just the landscapes and lifestyles of comparing the local cuisine between San Diego & Los Angeles that might change, but also the flavors and dining experiences. This guide aims to give you a brief but insightful comparison of the food scene in both cities, enriching your knowledge and possibly your palate as you transition from one city to another.
| San Diego | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Fish Tacos | Sushi |
| Most popular meat dish | Carne Asada | Korean BBQ |
| Most popular street food item | California Burrito | Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Avocado Toast | Vegan Ramen |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
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|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In both San Diego and Los Angeles, the local cuisine is a reflection of the diverse culture and vibrant communities within each city. In San Diego, the beachfronts of La Jolla and Ocean Beach offer perfect settings to enjoy the city's famed Fish Tacos, while iconic restaurants like George's at the Cove showcase the coastal cuisine. Moving to Los Angeles, the city's melting pot of cultures brings a variety of flavors to the table, from the sushi bars in Little Tokyo to the bustling food trucks scattered around Downtown LA offering everything from Korean BBQ to vegan delights. Both cities boast a high health consciousness, with Los Angeles slightly edging out in terms of the abundance and variety of food trucks and vegan options. Whether you're grabbing a California Burrito in San Diego or exploring the vegan scene in Los Angeles, you're in for a culinary adventure.
San Diego vs. Los Angeles Restaurant Comparison
Food plays a pivotal role in making a new city feel like home. To ease your move from San Diego to Los Angeles, we've compared top dining spots in both cities. This will help you discover your next favorite eatery using San Diego as a starting point to explore similar culinary experiences in Los Angeles.
| San Diego | Los Angeles | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| George's at the Cove | Perch | Elevated French cuisine with stunning views |
| Ironside Fish & Oyster | Connie and Ted's | Fresh, high-quality seafood in a casual setting |
| Born & Raised | Bestia | Innovative dishes in an upscale, industrial-chic space |
| Phil's BBQ | Bludso's Bar & Que | Authentic, slow-cooked BBQ with a soulful touch |
| Las Cuatro Milpas | Guelaguetza | Traditional Oaxacan cuisine representing the rich flavors of Mexico |
| Juniper & Ivy | Republique | Modern American cuisine with innovative presentations |
| The Crack Shack | Howlin' Ray's | Known for Nashville hot chicken in a lively atmosphere |
| Puesto | Guisados | Authentic, homestyle Mexican tacos with a variety of fillings |
| Hodad's | Umami Burger | Gourmet burgers with unique flavors and ingredients |
| Extraordinary Desserts | Sweet Lady Jane | High-end bakery known for artistic cakes and pastries |
For those who relish the seaside charm and exquisite dining experience of George's at the Cove in San Diego, Perch in Los Angeles offers a similar blend of breathtaking views and French cuisine, transporting diners to a rooftop delight in the heart of the city. Meanwhile, fans of unique, modern American creations at Juniper & Ivy will find Republique's innovative menu and stunning decor a comforting reminder of San Diego's culinary sophistication. For barbecue enthusiasts accustomed to the smoky, succulent flavors of Phil's BBQ, Bludso's Bar & Que in LA provides an authentic, soulful barbecue experience that mirrors the quality and atmosphere found in San Diego. These transitions between cities highlight a shared dedication to culinary excellence, ensuring you don't have to sacrifice flavor for location.
Ready to start your move?
San Diego vs. Los Angeles Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a crucial factor to consider when relocating. Understanding how San Diego and Los Angeles compare in terms of housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle is essential for making an informed decision. This comparison aims to highlight the significant aspects of real estate in both cities.
| Comparison | San Diego | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Spanish Colonial | Modernist |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Ocean view, outdoor spaces | Proximity to entertainment, luxury finishes |
When it comes to housing, both San Diego and Los Angeles offer unique advantages. San Diego's typical Spanish Colonial architecture reflects the city's historical roots and adds a unique charm to residential areas, which might appeal if you're looking for scenic views and outdoor living spaces. On the other hand, Los Angeles, known for its Modernist buildings, caters to those who appreciate a more contemporary aesthetic and close proximity to the entertainment industry. Although the cost of living in Los Angeles is slightly higher—with median home prices and rent surpassing those in San Diego—the city scores better in terms of walkability, bikeability, and urban lifestyle, making it an attractive choice for individuals who prefer a fast-paced city life.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Los Angeles, CA
1. Studio City: With its multitude of pet-friendly cafes and the famous Laurel Canyon Dog Park, Studio City welcomes you and your furry friend with open arms.
2. Silver Lake: Known for its hip vibe, Silver Lake boasts an array of dog-friendly restaurants and a renowned dog park, Silver Lake Dog Park, making it a perfect place for pet owners.
3. West Hollywood: This neighborhood shines for pet lovers, highlighting pet-friendly establishments and the much-loved West Hollywood Park, which includes areas for dogs to play freely.
San Diego vs. Los Angeles Weather Considerations
Moving from one location to another involves adapting to new surroundings, including weather patterns. It's vital you understand how weather in San Diego and Los Angeles compares. This will help you prepare for the climate differences and what you're used to.
San Diego, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
San Diego, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
San Diego, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
San Diego, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | San Diego | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Wildfires | Earthquakes, Wildfires, Mudslides |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While both San Diego and Los Angeles enjoy abundant sunshine and mild climates, there are subtle differences you'll notice after your move. For instance, Los Angeles typically has more days of sunshine per year and a slightly higher summer temperature compared to San Diego. Humidity in San Diego is on average higher, making the air feel a bit more moist compared to Los Angeles. Understanding these variances, along with the potential for more natural disasters in Los Angeles due to its geographic and climatic conditions, is crucial for adapting to your new home effectively.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from San Diego to Los Angeles
Moving from one city to another brings many changes, especially when it comes to your finances. It's crucial to understand how San Diego compares with Los Angeles in terms of money and finance, to prepare for what's ahead. This guide will help you navigate the financial landscape of your new home.
| Comparison | San Diego | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $93,042 | $70,372 |
| Cost of Living Index | 132.3 | 136.4 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3 | 9.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.76 | 0.79 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7.75 | 9.5 |
| Top 3 Industries | Defense/Military, Tourism, International Trade | Entertainment, Aerospace, Fashion |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Lower | Higher |
| Homelessness | Significant | Severe |
When moving from San Diego to Los Angeles, you'll need to brace yourself for a higher cost of living, despite a generally higher level of poverty and homelessness. The average household income in Los Angeles is lower, but the city is noted for its affluence, driven by industries such as entertainment, aerospace, and fashion. This economic dichotomy highlights the critical need to manage your finances carefully. Understanding and planning for these financial aspects can make your transition smoother and help to reduce surprises in your new city.
San Diego vs. Los Angeles Political & Religious Comparison
Welcome! This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between San Diego & Los Angeles . It's designed to help you understand how the community might differ in the city you're moving to compared to where you're moving from.
| San Diego | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Moderately liberal | Strongly liberal |
| Local Politics | More balanced between parties | Heavily Democratic |
| Religion | Diverse, with Christianity being predominant | Highly diverse, with a larger percentage of non-religious residents |
When moving from San Diego to Los Angeles, you'll find that Los Angeles tends to lean more heavily Democratic, reflecting the city's strong liberal stance on various issues. This shift might be more pronounced than the generally moderate liberal atmosphere you're used to in San Diego, where local politics can be more balanced between the parties. On the religious front, both cities boast a diverse tapestry of faiths, but Los Angeles has a larger community of residents who identify as non-religious, reflecting perhaps a broader spectrum of beliefs and practices. This insight should help you prepare for the different community vibes you'll encounter in your new home.
San Diego vs. Los Angeles Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
When planning your move from San Diego to Los Angeles, it's essential to comprehend the differences in daily commute and traffic. This comparison between San Diego & Los Angeles will provide you with insights into what to expect in terms of driving and public transportation options in both cities.
| Comparison | San Diego | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25 | 30 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without a car? | Possible but challenging | Difficult |
In both San Diego and Los Angeles, you'll notice distinct differences in the daily commute experience. While San Diego generally offers a shorter average commute time compared to Los Angeles, the latter provides slightly better public transit options, making navigating the city somewhat more manageable without a car. However, the higher traffic congestion in Los Angeles means you'll likely spend more time in traffic, underscoring the importance of proximity to work or access to efficient transit routes. Additionally, while it's possible to get by without a car in San Diego, Los Angeles poses more of a challenge, necessitating a compromise between convenience, cost, and lifestyle preferences.
Popular San Diego, CA to California Moving Routes
- San Diego to San Jose
- San Diego to San Francisco
- San Diego to Fresno
- San Diego to Sacramento
- San Diego to Long Beach
- San Diego to Oakland
- San Diego to Bakersfield
- San Diego to Anaheim
- San Diego to Santa Ana
- San Diego to Riverside
- San Diego to Stockton
- San Diego to Irvine
- San Diego to Chula Vista
- San Diego to Fremont
- San Diego to San Bernardino
- San Diego to Modesto
- San Diego to Fontana
- San Diego to Moreno Valley
Popular Moving Routes
Nearby Moving Routes
