A complete, honest breakdown of what you'll actually pay for a San Diego move in 2025, by home size, distance, and crew. No fluff, no bait-and-switch math.
If you're planning a move in San Diego, the first question on your mind is probably the same one everyone asks: how much is this going to cost me? The honest answer is that it depends on a few key factors, your home size, how far you're moving, and which company you hire. This guide breaks it all down clearly so you can plan and budget with confidence.
Most licensed San Diego moving companies charge between $100 and $150 per hour for a standard 2-person crew with a truck. Discount Movers charges $109/hr with a 3-hour minimum. Here's what that typically translates to by home size:
| Home Size | Estimated Hours | Estimated Cost | Crew |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Small 1-Bedroom | 3 hours | $327 | 2 movers |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | 3-4 hours | $327-$436 | 2 movers |
| 2-Bedroom Home or Apt | 4-6 hours | $436-$654 | 2 movers |
| 3-Bedroom Home | 5-7 hours | $545-$763 | 2-3 movers |
| 4+ Bedroom Home | 7-10+ hours | $763-$1,090+ | 3-4 movers |
*Estimates based on local San Diego moves. Actual time depends on distance, packing level, stairs, and elevator access.
The biggest driver of moving cost is simply how much stuff you have. A minimally furnished 1-bedroom takes far less time than a packed 2-bedroom with a garage full of boxes. More items means more time loading, more trips to the truck, and more time unloading and placing furniture.
Local San Diego moves (within the county) are billed hourly. The further the drive between your old and new address, the more time the move takes. A move from La Jolla to Encinitas will take longer than a move within the same apartment complex.
Stairs slow down a move. A 3-story walkup takes significantly more time than a ground-floor unit. High-rise moves with elevator reservations and limited loading windows add additional complexity. Some movers charge extra for stairs, at Discount Movers, stairs are included in the hourly rate.
San Diego movers are busiest on weekends, at the beginning and end of the month, and during summer. Moving mid-week or mid-month is almost always faster to book and sometimes cheaper. If your schedule is flexible, a Tuesday or Wednesday move in mid-month is the smart play.
If you need the movers to pack your boxes, that adds time and cost. Full packing service for a 2-bedroom home adds 2-4 hours to a move. Packing yourself before move day is the single easiest way to reduce your total bill.
Adding a third mover at $50/hr can significantly reduce total move time. For large homes or moves with lots of stairs, the math often works out in your favor, 3 movers at $159/hr finishing in 5 hours costs less than 2 movers at $109/hr taking 8 hours.
Local moves within San Diego County are billed hourly. Long distance moves (out of county or out of state) are typically billed as a flat rate based on weight and distance. A San Diego to Los Angeles move, for example, is typically $600-$1,200 depending on home size. A San Diego to Las Vegas move typically runs $900-$2,000+ for a full household.
Not all San Diego movers are upfront about their full pricing. Before you book, always ask about:
At Discount Movers, we disclose our 3-hour minimum and $50/hr additional mover rate upfront. There are no fuel surcharges added to your bill.
California requires all movers to hold a CA PUC (Public Utilities Commission) license. Before booking any mover, ask for their CA PUC number and verify it at the CA PUC website. Discount Movers' license number is CA PUC #657376. Unlicensed movers have no accountability if something goes wrong, and in San Diego, there are many of them advertising on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.
$109/hr, 3-hour minimum, 25 free boxes. Family owned since 1997. 4.9 stars, 525 verified reviews.