Best Philadelphia to San Diego Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the historic charm of Philadelphia, PA to the sun-soaked beaches of San Diego, CA represents an exciting pivot in your life's journey. You're trading the rich history and iconic Philly cheesesteaks of "The City of Brotherly Love" for the laid-back vibe and year-round sunshine in "America's Finest City." Recognizing the vast distance and life change this move entails, it's crucial to partner with trusted and reliable professional movers. At Great Guys Moving, we utilize an unbiased ranking algorithm to connect you with the best movers, ensuring your transition is as smooth and stress-free as the San Diego coast.
Best Philadelphia to San Diego Moving Companies
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Diego to Philadelphia guide.
5 Best Philadelphia to San Diego Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About EverSafe Moving Co.
Founded in 2011, EverSafe Moving has built a reputation in the Greater Philadelphia area for courtesy, care, and quality due to its team of ...Read More >>
Services
- Local Movers
- Long-distance Movers
- 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 Pineapple Movers
Pineapple Movers is a Philadelphia-based moving company that specializes in relocating residences and offices of all sizes. Established in 2...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Cross-country moving
About banning moving
Banning Moving is a professional moving company focused on providing reliable and caring services for its customers. With experienced movers...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Cross-country moving
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.
Philadelphia vs. San Diego Neighborhood Comparison
Deciding to move from one city to another can be a daunting prospect. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to help you familiarize yourself with an unknown city by using your existing city as a baseline. We will compare popular neighborhoods in Philadelphia, PA & San Diego, CA to find their closest similar counterpart. This comparison will make the transition feel a little more like home.
| Philadelphia | San Diego | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Rittenhouse Square | La Jolla | Upscale, coastal vibes |
| Fishtown | North Park | Vibrant arts scene |
| Old City | Gaslamp Quarter | Historic charm |
| University City | Hillcrest | Diverse, academic influence |
| Manayunk | Ocean Beach | Laid-back, on the water |
| Northern Liberties | Little Italy | Trendy with a strong sense of community |
| Center City | Downtown San Diego | Urban core, business hub |
| West Philadelphia | Golden Hill | Diverse, artistic community |
| East Passyunk | Kensington | Culinary hotspot, eclectic |
| Chestnut Hill | Del Mar | Quaint, upscale residential |
For those charmed by the historic ambiance and cobblestone streets of Old City in Philadelphia, the Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego offers a parallel experience with its Victorian buildings and lively nightlife. Lovers of the vibrant arts scene in Fishtown will find a similar creative spirit in North Park, where art galleries, craft beer breweries, and indie music venues abound. If the serene, upscale residential feel of Chestnut Hill is what you're accustomed to, Del Mar in San Diego will not disappoint with its luxurious homes and pristine beaches. Whether you're enjoying the diverse culinary offerings of East Passyunk or exploring the trendy shops in Northern Liberties, there are neighborhoods in San Diego ready to offer equivalent experiences, from the culinary hotspot of Kensington to the community vibes of Little Italy.
Things to Do in San Diego
Visit the San Diego Zoo- 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 Philadelphia to San Diego
Moving from one city to another presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. This guide is designed to offer an honest reflection on the good and bad attributes of relocating from Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA . By comparing the cons and pros, you'll gain a more nuanced understanding of what to expect in your new home.
Philadelphia, PA- Colder winters
- Higher crime rates
- Less outdoor activities
San Diego, CA- Warmer winters
- Lower crime rates
- More outdoor activities
San Diego, CA- Less historical sites
- Higher cost of living
- Expensive dining options
Philadelphia, PA- Rich history
- More affordable housing
- Diverse food scene
While San Diego boasts of its warmer winters and lower crime rates compared to Philadelphia, it's the vibrant outdoor lifestyle that truly sets it apart. San Diego offers an abundance of activities from surfing at La Jolla Cove to hiking in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. However, the move might mean a trade-off in terms of the living costs. San Diego's higher cost of living, especially housing, can be a shock coming from Philadelphia, where the housing market is more affordable. Despite this, the restaurant scenes in both cities have their merits with Philadelphia's diverse food scene from iconic spots like Reading Terminal Market to San Diego's expensive yet high-quality dining experiences at restaurants like George's at the Cove. Whether you prioritize weather, safety, or lifestyle, this move involves weighing these factors carefully.
Philadelphia vs. San Diego Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Philadelphia & San Diego, highlighting that food is a critical component of local culture and living experience. Understanding the culinary landscape of these cities will help you transition smoothly to your new locale.
| Philadelphia | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Cheesesteak | Fish Tacos |
| Most popular meat dish | Roast Pork Sandwich | Carne Asada |
| Most popular street food item | Pretzels | California Burrito |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegan Cheesesteak | Vegan Tacos |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Philadelphia and San Diego offer unique culinary experiences that reflect their local culture and preferences. In Philadelphia, the celebrated cheesesteak can be best enjoyed at Pat's King of Steaks, whereas San Diego's love for seafood shines through its iconic fish tacos, with places like Las Cuatro Milpas showcasing the best of Mexican cuisine with a Californian twist. San Diego’s higher scores in health conscientiousness and vegan friendliness are evident in its numerous vegan options and healthier takes on traditional dishes. The vibrant food truck scene in both cities offers an eclectic mix of gourmet and casual dining options, enriching the street food culture.
Philadelphia vs. San Diego Restaurant Comparison
Finding comfort in a new city often starts with discovering great food spots. This restaurant comparison between Philadelphia, PA, and San Diego, CA is designed to make your move smoother by matching you with your new favorite eateries, drawing parallels from those you already love. Let this guide be a roadmap to delicious destinations in your new hometown.
| Philadelphia | San Diego | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Zahav | Lola 55 | Fine dining with a modern twist, similar upscale and inventive approach to cuisine |
| Reading Terminal Market | Liberty Public Market | Diverse food offerings in a market setting, showcasing a variety of local eats |
| Pizzeria Vetri | Isola Pizza Bar | Authentic, wood-fired pizzas with a focus on quality ingredients |
| Franklin Fountain | Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop | A historic vibe serving up classic and delightful ice cream creations |
| Pat's King of Steaks | Phil’s BBQ | While not a direct comparison, both are iconic to their cities for meats; Phil’s BBQ brings that renown in BBQ form |
| La Colombe Coffee Roasters | Bird Rock Coffee Roasters | Both are celebrated coffee spots known for their dedication to bean sourcing and roasting |
| Vedge | Kindred | Inventive and flavorful vegan dishes, offering a unique dining experience |
| Federal Donuts | Donut Bar | Famous for unique and decadent donut creations, appealing to foodies and donut enthusiasts alike |
| El Vez | Puesto | Both offer a vibrant and contemporary take on Mexican cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients |
| Di Bruno Bros. | Veni Vidi Vici | A gourmet Italian market offering a similar array of fine imported products and prepared foods |
Embracing the diverse culinary landscapes of San Diego can start with familiar flavors that remind you of Philadelphia. For instance, the transition from Zahav’s renowned Israeli fare to the modern Mexican cuisine at Lola 55 showcases both cities’ penchant for high-quality, innovative dining experiences. Similarly, the communal vibes of Reading Terminal Market find a parallel in Liberty Public Market, where the spirit of local entrepreneurship and culinary exploration thrives. If you're seeking a sweet indulgence, transitioning from Franklin Fountain's nostalgia-steeped confections to the classic offerings of Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop will satisfy your cravings while underscoring each city's unique historical charm. This culinary mapping not only provides a taste of home but invites you to venture into new gastronomic territories with excitement and comfort.
Ready to start your move?
Philadelphia vs. San Diego Real Estate & Living Facts
When considering a move, real estate is a pivotal factor that can shape your living experience. Comparing housing characteristics between Philadelphia, PA and San Diego, CA, helps you grasp what to expect. This guide looks at housing cost, architectural styles, and the urban lifestyle of both cities to inform your decision.
| Comparison | Philadelphia | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial and Federal | Spanish Revival and Modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Historic details, proximity to parks | Ocean views, modern amenities |
Philadelphia and San Diego offer distinctive living experiences, largely influenced by their unique real estate landscapes. Philadelphia’s historic Colonial and Federal-style homes, often surrounded by lush parks, contribute to the city's high urban lifestyle score. In contrast, San Diego’s real estate market is characterized by its Spanish Revival and Modern architectures, with listings frequently boasting of ocean views and modern amenities. The stark difference in median home prices and monthly rents reflects the premium attached to San Diego's coastal living versus Philadelphia's vibrant, urban environment. Understanding these nuances can help you anticipate the lifestyle adjustments and financial planning needed for your move.
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.
Philadelphia vs. San Diego Weather Considerations
When relocating from Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA , it's crucial to gauge how the weather will change. Understanding these variations ensures you adapt more seamlessly to your new environment, preparing you for different seasonal experiences in San Diego compared to what you're accustomed to in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia, PA
San Diego, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Philadelphia, PA
San Diego, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Philadelphia, PA
San Diego, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Philadelphia, PA
San Diego, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Philadelphia | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Snowstorms, Flooding | Wildfires, Earthquakes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Philadelphia to San Diego, you'll experience a major shift in weather patterns, most notably in terms of sunshine and winter temperatures. San Diego's milder winters and reduced humidity make it a haven for those looking to escape the harsh northeastern winters. However, adapting to the increased UV exposure and understanding the new natural disaster risks, such as wildfires and earthquakes, are critical for a smooth transition. Lastly, while San Diego has much less rainfall, its air quality is generally better, a significant plus for overall well-being.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Philadelphia to San Diego
When planning a move from one city to another, it's crucial to compare the financial aspects to understand how the cost of living and other economic factors will impact you . This comparison between Philadelphia, PA and San Diego, CA provides a clear picture of what to expect in terms of money and finance.
| Comparison | Philadelphia | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $52,899 | $93,042 |
| Cost of Living Index | 126.5 | 132.3 |
| State Income Tax | 3.07 | 9.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.99 | 0.76 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 8 | 7.75 |
| Top 3 Industries | Education, Health Services, Professional & Business Services | Defense/Military, Tourism, International Trade |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | High | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Significant | Significant |
Moving from Philadelphia to San Diego, you’re transitioning to a city with a higher average household income but also a notably higher cost of living. Despite the appealing higher income levels in San Diego, the steep increase in living expenses, particularly reflected in its cost of living index at 160.1, can be a significant adjustment. The state income tax in California is considerably higher than Pennsylvania's flat rate, affecting take-home pay. Additionally, while San Diego is affluent with vital industries like defense and tourism fueling the economy, both cities face significant homelessness issues, highlighting a complex socio-economic landscape. Understanding these differences is key to planning a financially viable move.
Philadelphia vs. San Diego Political & Religious Comparison
When considering moving from Philadelphia, PA, to San Diego, CA, it's useful to get a quick glance at how the communities compare. This overview provides insight into the comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Philadelphia & San Diego, offering a snapshot of what to expect from your new neighbors.
| Philadelphia | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Leans Democratic | Leans Democratic |
| Local Politics | Democratic stronghold | Mix of Democratic and moderate Republican |
| Religion | Diverse: Christian, Jewish, Muslim | Diverse: Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu |
In both Philadelphia and San Diego, you'll find a political landscape that leans Democratic, which might ease the transition for those concerned about political alignment. However, San Diego presents a slightly more varied political atmosphere with significant moderate Republican influence compared to Philadelphia's Democratic stronghold. This difference could offer a refreshing change or an added layer of diversity in political conversation for newcomers. Religion in both cities offers a tapestry of faiths, reflecting a broad spectrum of cultures and beliefs. San Diego's population includes a prominent Buddhist and Hindu presence, enriching the city's religious diversity. This reflection of various faiths and political views in your new home can enrich your personal and social life, allowing a broader understanding of different perspectives.
Philadelphia vs. San Diego Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Relocating from Philadelphia, PA to San Diego, CA brings a significant shift in your daily commute and traffic experiences. This comparison will help you understand the nuances of driving and transiting in Philadelphia & San Diego , making your adjustment smoother.
| Comparison | Philadelphia | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 32 | 24 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes, with effort | Challenging |
When transitioning from Philadelphia to San Diego, you'll notice differences not just in climate, but in your commute as well. Philadelphia’s public transit, with its extensive network including SEPTA, is ranked higher, suggesting a city more navigable without a car. While in San Diego, despite having a structured public transit system through MTS, the city leans more towards car dependency. Interestingly, traffic congestion is slightly less in San Diego, potentially due to its spread-out nature, which might offer some respite during your daily travels. However, the average commute time in San Diego is notably quicker, reflecting a more efficient flow or possibly shorter distances between residential and commercial areas.
Popular Philadelphia, PA to California Moving Routes
- Philadelphia to Los Angeles
- Philadelphia to San Jose
- Philadelphia to San Francisco
- Philadelphia to Fresno
- Philadelphia to Sacramento
- Philadelphia to Long Beach
- Philadelphia to Oakland
- Philadelphia to Bakersfield
- Philadelphia to Anaheim
- Philadelphia to Santa Ana
- Philadelphia to Riverside
- Philadelphia to Stockton
- Philadelphia to Irvine
- Philadelphia to Chula Vista
- Philadelphia to Fremont
- Philadelphia to San Bernardino
- Philadelphia to Modesto
- Philadelphia to Fontana
- Philadelphia to Moreno Valley
Popular Moving Routes
Nearby Moving Routes
