Best Phoenix to San Diego Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Embarking on a move from Phoenix, the Valley of the Sun, to San Diego, America's Finest City, marks a thrilling chapter in your life, filled with new adventures and opportunities. You’re trading the desert's expansive beauty and heat for San Diego's cool breezes, picturesque beaches, and vibrant neighborhoods. Considering the distance and the life change ahead, it's crucial to choose professional movers you can trust. At Great Guys Moving, we use an unbiased ranking algorithm to ensure you’re connected with the best, making your transition as smooth and worry-free as possible.
Best Phoenix to San Diego Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling Interstate LLC | 9.75 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| The Rock Movers | 9.49 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. | 9.46 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| New Beginnings Moving Solutions | 9.32 | A+ | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| Creative Moving and Packing, LLC | 9.30 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Diego to Phoenix guide.
5 Best Phoenix to San Diego Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
This listing has been claimed by Sterling Interstate LLCAbout Sterling Interstate LLC
Established in 2017, Sterling Interstate opened with the intention to change the stigma around the moving industry by providing reliable, cu...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
- Packing services
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 ...Read More >>
Services
- Local Residential
- Furniture Moving
- Full Packing Service
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, the compan...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moves
- Long-Distance Moves
- Packing Services
About New Beginnings Moving Solutions
New Beginnings Moving Solutions is a full-service moving company specializing in long-distance moves. It is locally-owned and operated and h...Read More >>
Services
- Long Distance Moves
- Local Moves
- Business Relocation
This listing has been claimed by Creative Moving and Packing, LLCAbout Creative Moving and Packing, LLC
Since 2008, Creative Moving and Packing has served the Phoenix, AZ, area with high-quality local and long-distance relocation services. This...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving Services
- Long-Distance Moving Services
- Commercial Moving Services
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.
Phoenix vs. San Diego Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when it comes to finding a neighborhood that feels like home. To make this transition easier, we’ve prepared a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Phoenix, AZ & San Diego, CA . This guide will help you familiarize yourself with an unfamiliar city by drawing parallels with what you already know and love.
| Phoenix | San Diego | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Arcadia | Point Loma | Waterfront charm, family-friendly |
| Paradise Valley | La Jolla | Upscale, scenic ocean views |
| Roosevelt Row | North Park | Artistic hub, craft breweries |
| Downtown Phoenix | Gaslamp Quarter | Bustling nightlife, dining |
| Encanto | Hillcrest | Diverse community, rich culture |
| Biltmore Area | Little Italy | Chic, stylish boutiques and eateries |
| Desert Ridge | Carmel Valley | Family-oriented, modern amenities |
| Coronado | Coronado | Iconic, historical landmark |
| North Central Phoenix | Del Mar | Quaint, shops and beaches |
| South Mountain | Mission Hills | Hiking trails, natural beauty |
For those who appreciate the artisanal vibe and burgeoning arts scene in Roosevelt Row, San Diego’s North Park offers a similar blend of creativity and community spirit, hosting local art exhibitions and craft beer festivals. If you’re moving from the historic charm of Encanto in Phoenix, you'll find a similar sense of diversity and cultural richness in San Diego's Hillcrest, celebrated for its welcoming atmosphere and vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. Meanwhile, outdoor enthusiasts who love the trails and natural beauty of South Mountain will enjoy the serenity and scenic overlooks of Mission Hills. Both neighborhoods provide a peaceful retreat from the bustling city life, showcasing each city's unique natural beauty.
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 Phoenix to San Diego
Moving from one city to another can be a significant life event that requires careful consideration of both the challenges and benefits associated with the move. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Phoenix, AZ to San Diego, CA , to help you make a well-informed decision. By comparing the cons of leaving Phoenix against the pros of moving to San Diego, and vice versa, we hope to offer a balanced view of this transition.
Phoenix, AZ- Extreme heat
- Less marine access
- Lower walkability
- Scarcity of green spaces
San Diego, CA- Milder climate
- Beaches nearby
- Highly walkable
- More greenery
San Diego, CA- Higher expenses
- More crowded
- Busier neighborhoods
- Heavier traffic
Phoenix, AZ- Lower cost of living
- Wide open spaces
- Quiet suburbs
- Better traffic conditions
Moving to San Diego from Phoenix offers benefits such as enjoying a milder climate, which means escaping the scorching summer heat that Phoenix is known for. San Diego boasts beautiful beaches like La Jolla Shores and Coronado Beach, ideal for both relaxation and water sports. The city is also renowned for its walkability and vibrant neighborhoods like Little Italy and Gaslamp Quarter, offering a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and shops. On the flip side, the cost of living in San Diego may be higher, and you might find the city more crowded than Phoenix. However, the increased expenses are often seen as a fair trade for access to a plethora of green spaces, including Balboa Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States, offering numerous outdoor activities, museums, and gardens.
Phoenix vs. San Diego Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Phoenix & San Diego, highlighting the importance food plays in local culture and daily life. Understanding the culinary scene of your potential new home can enrich your moving experience and help you dive into what makes each city unique.
| Phoenix | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Navajo Taco | California Burrito |
| Most popular meat dish | Carne Asada | Fish Tacos |
| Most popular street food item | Elote | Street Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegan Tacos | Avocado Toast |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Phoenix, the culinary landscape is as vibrant and diverse as its population. Here, you can indulge in the savory Navajo Taco, a dish that perfectly illustrates the blend of Native American and Mexican cuisines. The streets of downtown Phoenix are bustling with food trucks that offer everything from Elote to Vegan Tacos, reflecting the city's health-conscious ethos. For those wanting to explore the local dining scene, Pizzeria Bianco stands out for its wood-fired pizzas, a testament to Phoenix’s artisan culinary craft. On the other hand, San Diego offers a seaside culinary adventure, with Fish Tacos embodying the city's love affair with fresh, local seafood. Neighborhoods like Ocean Beach and the Gaslamp Quarter are teeming with food options, from the iconic California Burrito to avocados in almost everything. Hodad's in Ocean Beach serves up some of the best burgers whilst Phil's BBQ is a must-visit for barbecue enthusiasts.
Phoenix vs. San Diego Restaurant Comparison
Food plays a crucial role in making a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison will help you navigate the culinary landscapes of Phoenix and San Diego , ensuring you discover your next favorite eateries by drawing parallels with familiar spots from your current hometown.
| Phoenix | San Diego | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Barrio Café | Puesto | Authentic Mexican flavors in a vibrant setting |
| Different Pointe of View | George’s at the Cove | Breathtaking views with upscale dining |
| Bianco | Buona Forchetta | Neapolitan pizzas and Italian classics |
| La Santisima | Las Cuatro Milpas | Homestyle Mexican food with a cult following |
| Matt’s Big Breakfast | The Cottage La Jolla | Cozy breakfast spot with a farm-to-table approach |
| Durant's | Born & Raised | High-end steakhouse with a vintage feel |
| Little Miss BBQ | Grand Ole BBQ | Authentic Texas-style barbecue |
| Rusconi’s American Kitchen | Trust Restaurant | American cuisine with innovative twists |
| Cibo | Isola Pizza Bar | Cozy Italian eatery with a focus on pizzas and wines |
| Nobuo at Teeter House | Sushi Ota | Renowned spot for sushi and Japanese delicacies |
Exploring San Diego's culinary scene brings you closer to unique dining experiences that reflect the city's diverse culture, much like Phoenix. For instance, if you're mesmerized by the authentic Mexican flavors and vibrant atmosphere of Barrio Café, you'll find a similar zest at Puesto. Both establishments serve dishes that are a testament to their dedication to Mexican cuisine. For an elegant dining experience akin to Different Pointe of View, George’s at the Cove offers not just stunning ocean views but also a menu that creatively showcases the best of Californian ingredients. Lastly, BBQ enthusiasts who relish the smoky, tender offerings at Little Miss BBQ will appreciate Grand Ole BBQ's dedication to Texas-style barbecue, proving that no matter where you are, great barbecue is a universal language of comfort and deliciousness.
Ready to start your move?
Phoenix vs. San Diego Real Estate & Living Facts
When making the move from one city to another, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial. This comparison outlines key housing aspects to consider when relocating from Phoenix, AZ to San Diego, CA , helping you to make informed decisions about your new home.
| Comparison | Phoenix | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Ranch, Contemporary | Spanish Revival, Modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Pool, Outdoor Living | Ocean View, Sustainability Features |
In exploring the differences between Phoenix and San Diego's real estate markets, several key facets emerge. The substantial difference in median home prices highlights San Diego's higher cost of living but is balanced by its vibrant urban lifestyle and proximity to the ocean, which reflects in its higher walkability score. The popularity of sustainability features in San Diego listings indicates a city-wide emphasis on eco-conscious living, contrasting with Phoenix's focus on pools and outdoor living spaces—a nod to its hotter climate. Considering these aspects can guide you towards a residence that not only meets your budget but also your lifestyle preferences in 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.
Phoenix vs. San Diego Weather Considerations
When planning a move from one city to another, understanding how the weather compares is crucial for a smooth transition. This comparison aims to outline the weather differences between Phoenix and San Diego , helping you prepare for what's ahead.
Phoenix, AZ
San Diego, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Phoenix, AZ
San Diego, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Phoenix, AZ
San Diego, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Phoenix, AZ
San Diego, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Phoenix | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Heatwaves, Dust Storms | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Phoenix to San Diego, you'll notice a significant difference in climates. Phoenix experiences extremely hot summers with temperatures often soaring above 100°F, while San Diego enjoys a milder climate year-round, thanks to its coastal location, which also brings higher humidity levels than Phoenix's arid surroundings. Additionally, while both cities enjoy a generous amount of sunny days, San Diego provides cleaner air quality, beneficial for those sensitive to pollution. Understanding these differences will help you adjust your lifestyle and expectations accordingly in your new home.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Phoenix to San Diego
Moving from one city to another is a significant decision, especially when it comes to finances. If you're considering relocating from Phoenix, AZ to San Diego, CA, it's crucial to understand how the cost of living, taxes, and income will compare. This will help you manage your expectations and plan your finances accordingly.
| Comparison | Phoenix | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $68,435 | $93,042 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100.7 | 132.3 |
| State Income Tax | 2.59 to 4.50 | 1.00 to 13.30 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.62 | 0.76 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 8.6 | 7.75 |
| Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Retail, Manufacturing | Defense/Military, Tourism, International Trade |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Moderate | Low |
| Homelessness | Significant | High |
When moving from Phoenix to San Diego, prepare for a significant shift in your financial landscape. San Diego's higher cost of living, reflected in its 160.1 index, demands a larger budget for daily and housing expenses. However, it's balanced by an impressive average household income of $79,673, compared to Phoenix's $62,055. The range in state income tax in California also widens, but offers a progressive scheme that could benefit those with lower incomes. Keep in mind, the thriving industries in San Diego such as defense and tourism might offer new career opportunities that can compensate for the higher living expenses. Adjusting to these differences requires careful financial planning and awareness of the economic environment in your new home.
Phoenix vs. San Diego Political & Religious Comparison
Moving from Phoenix, AZ to San Diego, CA? Here's a quick, at-a-glance snapshot to help you understand how life might change in terms of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Phoenix & San Diego. This comparison offers insights into your potential new community.
| Phoenix | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Moderately liberal | Liberal |
| Local Politics | Mixed, with a slight Democratic lean in local elections | Democratic majority in local government |
| Religion | Diverse, Christian majority with significant Catholic community | Diverse, Catholic and non-denominational Christian communities prevalent |
When you move from Phoenix to San Diego, you'll find that both cities boast a diverse tapestry of religious and political views, but with some nuances. Phoenix has a slightly more moderate approach to politics, with a mix that leans Democratic in local elections. San Diego, however, is known for its liberal stance and a Democratic majority in local government, reflecting a coastal city's typical political climate. In terms of religion, both cities have a diverse range of faith communities, but you might notice a more visible presence of Catholic and non-denominational Christian groups in San Diego. Understanding these dynamics can help you better integrate into your new community.
Phoenix vs. San Diego Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
When relocating, understanding the differences in traffic and transportation options between Phoenix & San Diego is crucial for anticipating your daily commute. This comparison will offer insights into what you can expect.
| Comparison | Phoenix | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25 | 24 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Challenging | More feasible |
In Phoenix, while the average commute time may be slightly longer than in San Diego, it's the availability of public transit that marks a significant difference between the two cities. In Phoenix, reliance on a car is almost inevitable due to its sprawling nature and less developed public transportation system. San Diego, on the other hand, offers slightly better public transit options making it more feasible, though not entirely hassle-free, to get by without a personal vehicle. Factors like the higher traffic congestion in San Diego make it imperative to plan your travel wisely.
Popular Phoenix, AZ to California Moving Routes
- Phoenix to Los Angeles
- Phoenix to San Jose
- Phoenix to San Francisco
- Phoenix to Fresno
- Phoenix to Sacramento
- Phoenix to Long Beach
- Phoenix to Oakland
- Phoenix to Bakersfield
- Phoenix to Anaheim
- Phoenix to Santa Ana
- Phoenix to Riverside
- Phoenix to Stockton
- Phoenix to Irvine
- Phoenix to Chula Vista
- Phoenix to Fremont
- Phoenix to San Bernardino
- Phoenix to Modesto
- Phoenix to Fontana
- Phoenix to Moreno Valley
