Best San Diego to Austin Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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San Diego to Austin Movers

Moving from the coastal charm of San Diego, CA, to the vibrant streets of Austin, TX, is an adventure that promises new beginnings and exciting opportunities. You're trading the laid-back surf culture of "America's Finest City" for the live music and bustling tech scene of the "Live Music Capital of the World." Understanding the importance of this transition, we emphasize the need for trusted and reliable movers to ensure a smooth journey to your new chapter, which is why our rankings help you find the best fit for your long-distance move.

California iconArrow iconTexas icon

Best San Diego to Austin Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
The Rock Movers9.50NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.9.47NRAuthorized For HHGContact
MoverTron Moving9.45NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Heavenly Moving and Storage9.30A+Authorized For HHGContact
Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.8.95A+Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Austin to San Diego guide.

5 Best San Diego to Austin Moving Companies

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

The Rock Movers Logo
Exceptional9.50/10
based on 2,305+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

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
Exceptional9.47/10
based on 477+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

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
MoverTron Moving Logo
Exceptional9.45/10
based on 297+ data points

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Residential Moving
  • Long-Distance Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/19/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

4135479 / 1584479

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
3
Heavenly Moving and Storage Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.30/10
based on 4,606+ data points

About Heavenly Moving and Storage

Heavenly Moving and Storage has been one of Austin’s premier moving companies since 2005. This locally-owned moving company provides high-qu...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Full-service packing

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3429695 / 1110864

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans12
Registered Drivers10
Total Annual Miles Moved250,000 (2021)
View Full Review
4
Atlas Transfer & Storage Co. Logo
Superb8.95/10
based on 2,147+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

877737 / 383831

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved8,778 (2022)
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.

San Diego vs. Austin Neighborhood Comparison

Understanding a new city can be daunting, but comparing it to what you already know can make the transition smoother. This guide aims to help by offering a comparison of the local neighborhoods between San Diego, CA & Austin, TX . By identifying the closest equivalent neighborhoods, we hope to provide a familiar reference point for those planning to move from beachside vibes to the heart of Texas.

San DiegoAustinHow They're Similar
La JollaTarrytownAffluent, scenic waterfront
North ParkEast AustinTrendy, artsy scene
Gaslamp QuarterDowntown AustinVibrant nightlife
Little ItalySouth CongressQuaint shops, eateries
Ocean BeachZilkerLaid-back, nature-oriented
Pacific BeachBarton HillsYouthful, outdoor activities
HillcrestTravis HeightsInclusive, community vibe
Del MarHyde ParkHistoric, family-friendly
Carmel ValleyCircle C RanchSuburban, upscale living
CoronadoClarksvilleQuiet, prestigious living

If you love the vibrant street life and iconic restaurants like Juniper & Ivy in Little Italy, you'll feel right at home in South Congress, Austin, where spots like Home Slice Pizza offer a slice of local culture. The laid-back beach culture of Pacific Beach, with its surf shops and endless bars along the boardwalk, finds its match in Barton Hills, where outdoor enthusiasts gather for concerts at Barton Springs Pool and hiking trails in Barton Creek Greenbelt. Meanwhile, for those who appreciate the inclusive and vibrant community of Hillcrest, Travis Heights in Austin provides a similar sense of belonging, with a diverse community and an array of local cafes and boutiques lining South Congress Avenue.

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Things to Do in Austin

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Pros and Cons of Moving from San Diego to Austin

Moving from sunny San Diego, CA to vibrant Austin, TX brings its own set of changes. This comparison aims to offer an honest reflection on both the good and bad aspects of this relocation, illuminating the pros and cons of leaving San Diego for Austin. Whether it's the weather, lifestyle, or cost of living, understanding these differences will help you make an informed decision.

CONs
PROs
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • Higher living cost
  • Less live music
  • Cooler water beaches
  • Traffic congestion
Austin, TX iconAustin, TX
  • More affordable housing
  • Vibrant music scene
  • Warmer inland climate
  • Less traffic
Austin, TX iconAustin, TX
  • No beaches nearby
  • Hotter summers
  • Less coastal activities
  • Different cuisine focus
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • Beautiful beaches
  • Mild winters
  • Outdoor lifestyle
  • Diverse food scene


When considering the move from San Diego, CA to Austin, TX, it's essential to recognize the unique offerings of each city. San Diego is famed for its stunning beaches like La Jolla Shores and Coronado Beach, offering unparalleled opportunities for surfing, sunbathing, and oceanfront dining, such as at Crown Room. On the other hand, Austin is renowned for its live music scene which can be experienced at iconic venues like C3 Concerts. Austin's warmer climate appeals to those who prefer hot summers and mild winters, perfect for exploring outdoor hotspots such as Zilker Metropolitan Park. Each city boasts a vibrant food scene, though Austin takes the lead with its focus on BBQ and Tex-Mex, highlighted by local favorites like Franklin Barbecue. Despite the transition from coastal to inland living, both cities offer unique lifestyles and communities that cater to diverse preferences.

San Diego vs. Austin Food Guide

Comparing the local cuisine between San Diego and Austin reveals striking contrasts and delightful similarities. Food isn't just sustenance; it's a profound expression of local culture and a significant factor in the quality of life in a new area. By examining the food scenes of these vibrant cities, you're better equipped to dive into the local lifestyle where you're headed.

San DiegoAustin
Most iconic local food itemFish TacosBrisket
Most popular meat dishCarne AsadaBrisket BBQ
Most popular street food itemCalifornia BurritoTacos
Most popular vegan foodVegan Mexican CuisineBBQ Jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Georges at the Cove
  • Phil's BBQ
  • Hodad's
  • Franklin Barbecue
  • Uchi
  • Torchy's Tacos
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In San Diego, the coastal influence is palpable in its cuisine, with fish tacos standing as an iconic dish that encapsulates the city's love for fresh, ocean-sourced ingredients. You'll find the best fish tacos in neighborhoods like La Jolla and Pacific Beach, where the proximity to the ocean ensures the freshest catch. Vegan Mexican cuisine, reflecting the city's health-conscious ethos, is widely celebrated, with places like Kindred offering innovative plant-based dishes. Conversely, Austin's heart beats to the rhythm of smoked brisket, a local obsession that reaches its zenith at Franklin Barbecue, where people queue for hours to savor this quintessential Texan delight. The city's food truck parks, such as those found on South Congress Avenue, offer a kaleidoscope of flavors, from gourmet tacos to inventive vegan BBQ, showcasing Austin's eclectic and inclusive food scene.

San Diego vs. Austin Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a significant role in making a new city feel like home. This guide is designed to help you transition smoothly from San Diego to Austin by finding familiar tastes and new favorites. San Diego to Austin restaurant comparison will ease your move by aligning your culinary preferences .

San DiegoAustinWhat You'll Love
Juniper & IvyOlamaieSouthern cuisine with a sophisticated twist
Phil's BBQFranklin BarbecueIconic slow-smoked meats
Hodad'sPool BurgerCasual vibe with quality burgers
AddisonUchiHigh-end dining with innovative sushi
The Fish MarketPerla'sFresh seafood with a coastal feel
Café 21Hillside FarmacyQuaint eatery with local organic fare
Las Cuatro MilpasVeracruz All NaturalAuthentic Mexican cuisine
CUCINA urbanaItalicRustic Italian in a chic setting
PuestoLa CondesaModern Mexican dishes in a stylish space
George's at the CoveOasisStunning views with distinctive meals

If you're a fan of the innovative Southern cuisine at Juniper & Ivy in San Diego, you're going to love the sophisticated twist on Southern staples at Olamaie in Austin. Both restaurants offer dishes that are deeply rooted in tradition yet presented with a modern flare. For barbecue enthusiasts missing Phil's BBQ, Franklin Barbecue in Austin needs no introduction; its reputation for slow-smoked meats precedes it, reminiscent of the iconic status Phil's BBQ holds in San Diego. Lastly, sushi aficionados accustomed to the high-end dining experience at Addison will find a new home at Uchi, where the innovative sushi menu and intimate dining atmosphere create a culinary adventure that rivals San Diego's finest.

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San Diego vs. Austin Real Estate & Living Facts

When considering a move, real estate emerges as a crucial factor that demands thorough comparison. This guide aims to elucidate the differences in housing aspects between San Diego, CA, and Austin, TX, providing insights into costs, architectural styles, and lifestyle metrics to inform your decision-making process.

ComparisonSan DiegoAustin
Typical Architecture StyleSpanish ColonialModern and Traditional Texas Hill Country
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingOcean Views, Outdoor Living SpacesEnergy Efficiency, Smart Home Features

Moving from San Diego to Austin introduces you to different housing landscapes, reflecting each city's unique cultural and environmental characteristics. San Diego's housing market is steeped in Spanish Colonial architecture, emphasizing outdoor living to take advantage of its coastal climate. Alternatively, Austin's real estate highlights a blend of Modern and Traditional Texas Hill Country styles, with a growing emphasis on smart home features and energy efficiency. Despite a higher bikeability score in Austin, indicating a slightly more bike-friendly environment, San Diego offers a richer urban lifestyle tied closely to its ocean views and vibrant outdoor culture.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Austin, TX

1. Zilker: This neighborhood is a paradise for your pets, offering the sprawling Zilker Metropolitan Park and the leash-free Barkin Springs, where your furry friends can play and splash to their heart's content.

2. South Congress: Known for its vibrant atmosphere, South Congress is pet-friendly with numerous cafes and shops like Jo's Coffee that welcome pets, making it the perfect neighborhood for pet owners who love to dine and shop with their furry companions.

3. Travis Heights: With its close proximity to the Stacy Parks and off-leash areas, this neighborhood is ideal for pet owners seeking a community that values outdoor activities and has access to pet-friendly spaces.

San Diego vs. Austin Weather Considerations

Moving from one location to another is a significant change, especially when considering how the weather will impact your lifestyle. Understanding the weather comparisons between San Diego and Austin is essential for preparing for your new environment. This comparison will help you adjust your expectations and plan accordingly.

Summer icon
77°F / 64°F

San Diego, CA

95°F / 72°F

Austin, TX

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
66°F / 50°F

San Diego, CA

62°F / 42°F

Austin, TX

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
10.34

San Diego, CA

34.25

Austin, TX

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

San Diego, CA

0.6

Austin, TX

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSan DiegoAustin
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresTornadoes, Flooding
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When considering a move from San Diego to Austin, you'll encounter more than just a change in scenery. Austin experiences hotter summers and slightly cooler winters compared to San Diego, with a significant difference in summer temperatures. Additionally, while both cities enjoy abundant sunshine, San Diego edges out with more sunny days per year. It's also worth considering the shift in natural disaster risks, moving from an area prone to earthquakes and wildfires in San Diego to facing potential tornadoes and flooding in Austin. Lastly, although both cities suffer from air pollution and seasonal allergies, the types of allergens and air quality levels differ, potentially affecting your daily comfort and health.

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

When planning a move from one city to another, it's crucial to consider how your financial situation might change. This comparison aims to help you understand the financial differences you’ll encounter when moving from San Diego to Austin. Knowing these details can ensure a smooth transition, keeping unexpected costs and financial shocks at bay.

ComparisonSan DiegoAustin
Avg. Household Income$93,042$79,542
Cost of Living Index132.395.5
State Income TaxUp to 13.3%0%
Avg. Property Tax0.76%1.69%
Avg. Sales Tax8.75%8.25%
Top 3 IndustriesDefense/Military, Tourism, International TradeTechnology, Pharmaceutical, Education
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessHighModerate

Moving from San Diego to Austin could significantly impact your finances, mainly due to the zero state income tax in Texas compared to California's high rates, potentially giving you more disposable income. However, consider Austin's higher property tax rates, which might affect homeowners differently. The cost of living index is another critical factor; Austin's score of 119 versus San Diego's 160 highlights Austin's relatively more affordable living costs. Finally, while both cities boast vibrant economies, the leading industries differ, possibly affecting job opportunities in your field.

San Diego vs. Austin Political & Religious Comparison

As you consider moving from San Diego, CA to Austin, TX, understanding the comparison of the politics between San Diego & Austin and the religious landscape is crucial. This quick snapshot offers insight into the societal dynamics of your new city, preparing you for the cultural and ideological environment you'll be entering.

San DiegoAustin
Political Make-upLean LiberalLean Liberal
Local PoliticsDiverse RepresentationProgressive Policies
ReligionMix of Catholic and ProtestantVaried, with a strong non-religious community

San Diego and Austin both share a lean towards liberal politics, reflecting their younger, more diverse populations. Austin, however, is often noted for its particularly progressive policies, even within Texas, a traditionally conservative state. This city prides itself on being a "blue dot" in a red sea, appealing to those who cherish inclusive and forward-thinking local governance. While both cities boast a religious diversity, Austin stands out with its large non-religious community, making it a vibrant, eclectic spiritual landscape. Here, you'll find a wide range of places of worship, including innovative spaces like the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin, alongside those who prioritize philosophical or secular community gatherings.

San Diego vs. Austin Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Understanding the differences in traffic and transportation options between San Diego & Austin is crucial for anyone planning to make the move. This comparison will help you get a better grasp of what your daily commute and overall transit experience might be like in these two cities.

ComparisonSan DiegoAustin
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)24.726.4
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Possible but challengingChallenging

In both San Diego and Austin, having a personal vehicle can greatly enhance your mobility and convenience, given the moderate to high traffic congestion and limitations in public transit options. However, San Diego slightly edges out Austin in terms of public transportation availability, making it somewhat more feasible to get by without a car. The average commute times are fairly close, but Austin's slightly higher figure may reflect its rapidly growing population and infrastructure trying to keep up. In either city, planning your commute and considering alternate modes of transportation, like biking or public transit, might not only save you time but also introduce you to a different aspect of city life.

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