Best San Diego to Phoenix Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the sun-soaked beaches of San Diego, CA, to the vibrant desert landscape of Phoenix, AZ, represents an adventurous leap into a new chapter of your life. You're leaving behind the laid-back "America's Finest City" vibe for the dynamic, sun-drenched energy known as the "Valley of the Sun." Recognizing the considerable distance and life shift this move entails, it's crucial to choose trusted and reliable professional movers. Our carefully curated rankings at Great Guys Moving ensure you have the best team by your side, making this pivotal transition as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Best San Diego to Phoenix Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling Interstate LLC | 9.75 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| The Rock Movers | 9.50 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. | 9.47 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| New Beginnings Moving Solutions | 9.32 | A+ | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| Atlas Transfer & Storage Co. | 8.95 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Phoenix to San Diego guide.
5 Best San Diego to Phoenix 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
About Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.
Founded in 1925, Atlas Transfer & Storage Company has been serving Southern California for over 95 years. This family-owned and operated...Read More >>
Services
- Long Distance Moving
- International Moving
- Storage 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.
San Diego vs. Phoenix Neighborhood Comparison
Moving can be a daunting process, especially when relocating to an unfamiliar city. Our guide aims to ease this transition by comparing local neighborhoods between San Diego, CA & Phoenix, AZ . By leveraging what you know and love about your current San Diego neighborhood, we'll help you find a new neighborhood in Phoenix with a similar vibe, culture, and amenities. Let's dive in to find your next community.
| San Diego | Phoenix | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| La Jolla | Paradise Valley | Upscale, scenic views |
| North Park | Coronado Historic District | Vibrant, artsy community |
| Gaslamp Quarter | Roosevelt Row | Bustling nightlife, cultural hub |
| Ocean Beach | Arcadia | Laid-back, community vibe with great eateries |
| Hillcrest | Encanto | Diverse, LGBTQ-friendly with unique boutiques |
| Little Italy | Wilshire Terrace | Rich culinary scene, cultural events |
| Del Mar | Desert Ridge | Family-friendly, luxury shopping |
| Pacific Beach | Old Town Scottsdale | Lively, young professional scene |
| Coronado | Biltmore Area | Exclusive, well-manicured estates |
| Carmel Valley | Kierland | Modern, upscale living with amenities |
If you're drawn to the coastal charm and upscale dining of La Jolla, Paradise Valley in Phoenix offers similar upscale living with breathtaking scenic views, making it an excellent choice for your new home. The vibrant cultural scene and nightlife of Gaslamp Quarter find their match in Phoenix's Roosevelt Row, where art and music flourish. For those who love the laid-back, community-oriented vibe of Ocean Beach, Arcadia in Phoenix provides a welcoming neighborhood with impressive eateries like La Grande Orange Grocery and a similar tight-knit community feel. And if Hillcrest's unique boutiques and LGBTQ-friendly atmosphere are what you treasure, Encanto's diverse culture and historical charm will make you feel right at home.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from San Diego to Phoenix
Moving from San Diego, CA to Phoenix, AZ is not a decision to be made lightly. This comparison explores the pros and cons of such a relocation, providing an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of making this significant life change.
San Diego, CA- High living costs
- Cooler summers
- Beach access
Phoenix, AZ- More affordable
- Hotter summers
- Desert landscape
Phoenix, AZ- Less diversity
- Quieter nightlife
- Drier climate
San Diego, CA- Cultural diversity
- Vibrant nightlife
- Ocean breeze
Moving from San Diego to Phoenix means adjusting to a dramatic change in landscape and climate. Whereas San Diego offers splendid beach fronts and a milder climate, Phoenix unfolds as a canvas of desert beauty, seasoned with incredibly hot summers. However, the cost of living takes a favorable turn in Phoenix, making it more accessible for broader housing options and everyday expenses. Cultural venues like the Pueblo Grande Museum and natural attractions like the Desert Botanical Garden offer unique experiences that differ vastly from San Diego's beach-centric lifestyle. Moreover, neighborhoods like Roosevelt Row are burgeoning with art galleries, trendy restaurants such as The Vig, and vibrant nightlife, providing a fresh setting for newcomers from San Diego.
San Diego vs. Phoenix Food Guide
Understanding the palate of a new city is a delicious part of the moving experience. As such, this guide offers a comparison of the local cuisine between San Diego & Phoenix to help you grasp the food scene in your new locale. From iconic dishes to the availability of food trucks, dive into what makes each city's culinary culture unique.
| San Diego | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Fish Tacos | Sonoran Hot Dog |
| Most popular meat dish | Carne Asada | Beef Tacos |
| Most popular street food item | California Burrito | Tamales |
| Most popular vegan food | Avocado Toast | Vegan Tacos |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
San Diego's food scene is renowned for its innovation in Mexican cuisine, with fish tacos standing as a testament to the city's coastal flavors. You'll find the best examples in neighborhoods like La Jolla and Pacific Beach. Meanwhile, Phoenix introduces you to the unique Sonoran Hot Dog, a must-try that encapsulates Arizona's fusion of flavors, best experienced at local street vendors in downtown Phoenix. Both cities offer a vibrant food truck scene, but San Diego takes the lead with its eclectic range, mirroring its diverse culinary culture. Whether you're in the mood for a beachside fish taco in San Diego or a savory Sonoran Hot Dog in the heart of Phoenix, both cities promise an exciting culinary adventure.
San Diego vs. Phoenix Restaurant Comparison
Understanding that food plays a crucial role in making a new city feel like home, this restaurant comparison aims to ease the transition for those moving from San Diego to Phoenix. By comparing top restaurants in San Diego to their closest counterparts in Phoenix, AZ , movers can quickly find new favorite spots that remind them of home. Let this guide be your culinary compass.
| San Diego | Phoenix | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Juniper & Ivy | Binkley's Restaurant | Offers innovative American cuisine in an intimate setting |
| Puesto | Barrio Café | Famous for gourmet Mexican dishes and a vibrant atmosphere |
| Phil's BBQ | Little Miss BBQ | Known for authentic smoked meats and Southern sides |
| Hodad's | Zinburger | Gourmet burgers and shakes in a lively setting |
| Ironside Fish & Oyster | Buck & Rider | Fresh seafood and raw bar with a trendy, upscale vibe |
| Cucina Urbana | Cibo | Serves Italian fare in a charming, historic home |
| Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop | La Santisima | Unique tacos and a vast salsa bar, capturing the essence of Mexican street food |
| Mister A's | Different Pointe of View | Fine dining with breathtaking city views and sophisticated cuisine |
| Craft & Commerce | Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour | Known for craft cocktails and creative bites in a quirky setting |
| Extraordinary Desserts | Tammie Coe Cakes | Offers stunning, unique desserts that make each visit memorable |
For those moving from San Diego to Phoenix, finding a restaurant that feels like home is essential. Little Miss BBQ in Phoenix mirrors the love for barbecue found at Phil's BBQ in San Diego, offering an authentic taste that will have you feeling connected to what you left behind. Similarly, the transition from the diverse Mexican culinary landscape of San Diego, represented by Puesto, to Phoenix's Barrio Café can be seamless, as both offer an innovative approach to traditional dishes wrapped in a vibrant ambiance. For the fine-dining aficionados, the shift from Mister A's to Phoenix's Different Pointe of View promises to retain that luxurious dining experience with breathtaking views and meticulously crafted menus. These comparisons not only suggest culinary continuity but also the beginning of new traditions in a city that warmly welcomes all.
Ready to start your move?
San Diego vs. Phoenix Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate greatly influences the decision-making process when relocating. Understanding how San Diego and Phoenix contrast in their housing markets , is crucial for a smooth transition. Let’s explore the aspects such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle.
| Comparison | San Diego | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Spanish Colonial | Ranch-style |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Outdoor spaces, ocean views | Pool, desert landscaping |
When comparing the two cities, you'll find that San Diego's housing market is notably more expensive, both in home prices and rent. However, the higher cost comes with perks such as proximity to the ocean, leading to mentions of outdoor spaces and ocean views in listings. Phoenix, on the other hand, offers more affordable living with a focus on amenities like pools and desert-friendly landscaping reflective of its environment. The typical architectural styles between the cities vary greatly, from the Spanish Colonial in San Diego to Phoenix's Ranch-style homes, each adding unique character to their respective urban landscapes. If you're seeking a more walkable and urban lifestyle, San Diego edges out Phoenix, though Phoenix offers slightly better bikeability.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Phoenix, AZ
1. Midtown Phoenix: Known for its walkable streets and numerous pet-friendly patios, your furry friends will love the welcoming atmosphere and Rosie McCaffrey’s Irish Pub for a bite where pets are happily seen on the patio.
2. Arcadia: This neighborhood is a paradise for pets with spacious backyards and close proximity to Camelback Mountain for adventurous walks and hikes, making it perfect for active dogs.
3. Roosevelt Row: This artsy district not only welcomes pets in many galleries and cafes but also hosts pet-centric events like the annual Phoestivus market, making it an incredibly fun and engaging community for pet lovers.
San Diego vs. Phoenix Weather Considerations
Moving from one city to another can bring significant changes, especially in terms of weather. To help you adjust and plan accordingly, the comparison between San Diego, CA and Phoenix, AZ in terms of weather aspects is crucial. The purpose of these charts is to provide a clearer perspective on what to expect weather-wise in your new home.
San Diego, CA
Phoenix, AZ
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
San Diego, CA
Phoenix, AZ
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
San Diego, CA
Phoenix, AZ
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
San Diego, CA
Phoenix, AZ
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | San Diego | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Wildfires | Heat waves, Dust storms |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When moving from San Diego to Phoenix, expect a drastic change in weather patterns. Phoenix experiences a hotter, drier climate compared to the mild, cooler weather in San Diego. The average summer temperatures in Phoenix can soar above 100°F, significant for those unaccustomed to desert heat. However, Phoenix offers more sunny days per year, which is perfect for solar energy enthusiasts or those simply craving more sunshine. Meanwhile, humidity levels are considerably lower in Phoenix, potentially influencing your comfort and daily hydration needs. Understanding these differences can assist in a smoother transition, enabling you to adapt quickly to your new environment.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from San Diego to Phoenix
When planning a move, it's essential to understand how your finances will be impacted. Comparing the cost of living, taxes, and economic environment between San Diego and Phoenix helps you set realistic expectations and prepare accordingly. Let's delve into the specifics to see how they stack up.
| Comparison | San Diego | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $93,042 | $68,435 |
| Cost of Living Index | 132.3 | 100.7 |
| State Income Tax | 13.3 max | 4.5 max |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.76 | 0.62 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7.75 | 8.6 |
| Top 3 Industries | Military, International Trade, Research & Manufacturing | Technology, Manufacturing, Tourism |
| Affluence | High | Moderate |
| Poverty | Moderate | Higher |
| Homelessness | Significant | Substantial |
Considering the provided data, you'll notice the considerable differences in economic conditions between San Diego and Phoenix. For instance, while San Diego's average household income is significantly higher, so is its cost of living. This disparity makes Phoenix more attractive for those seeking a more affordable living situation without sacrificing economic opportunity. Additionally, the difference in state income tax rates might look appealing to those moving to Phoenix, offering a slight financial reprieve. However, it's also crucial to consider sales tax rates, which are higher in Phoenix, potentially offsetting some of the savings gained from lower income taxes and housing costs. Analyzing these differences helps in making informed decisions that align with your financial goals and lifestyle preferences.
San Diego vs. Phoenix Political & Religious Comparison
This brief overview aims to provide a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the comparison of the politics between San Diego & Phoenix , focusing on the political and religious makeup of the residents. Whether you lean towards the spiritual or the political sphere, this comparison will help you understand the vibe of your new city.
| San Diego | Phoenix | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Leans Democratic | Leans Democratic |
| Local Politics | Progressive policies in urban development and environmental conservation | Focus on economic growth and public safety |
| Religion | Varied, with a significant Catholic community. San Diego Catholic Diocese | Mixed, with a strong representation of Evangelical Christians. Arizona Southern Baptist Convention |
While both San Diego and Phoenix lean Democratic in their political makeup, the emphasis of their local politics differs. San Diego’s progressive tendencies can be seen in its push for sustainable urban development and conservation efforts, reflecting a community that values environmental stewardship. In contrast, Phoenix focuses more on economic growth and ensuring public safety, which might appeal to those looking for a city on the rise economically. Religion plays a varied role in both cities, with San Diego housing a significant Catholic community and Phoenix sporting a robust Evangelical Christian presence, showcasing the diverse tapestry of beliefs in each city.
San Diego vs. Phoenix Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from San Diego, CA to Phoenix, AZ, it's important to compare the traffic and transportation options to better understand what your daily commute and traffic experience will be like. This guide aims to help you grasp the differences and adjust accordingly.
| Comparison | San Diego | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25 | 26 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Possible but challenging | Difficult |
In San Diego, the average commute time is slightly shorter than in Phoenix, but both cities have their challenges when it comes to traffic congestion, though Phoenix is somewhat less congested. Public transit is more accessible in San Diego, where the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System offers extensive bus and trolley services, making it somewhat easier to get by without a car compared to Phoenix. In Phoenix, the Valley Metro provides public transit services, but the city's widespread layout makes it more challenging to rely solely on public transportation.
Popular San Diego, CA to Arizona Moving Routes
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