Best Salt Lake City to San Diego Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
If you're moving from Salt Lake City to San Diego and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 751 mile move from Utah to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 27 Salt Lake City to San Diego moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is The Rock Movers), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $6,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Salt Lake City compared to San Diego. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

Best Salt Lake City to San Diego Moving Companies
Rank | Company | Affordability Index | License | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | The Rock Movers | 9.50 | 9.53 | Authorized For HHG |
2 | Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. | 9.49 | 9.62 | Authorized For HHG |
3 | 801 Moving Company | 9.43 | 9.49 | Authorized For HHG |
4 | Best of Utah Moving Company | 9.35 | 8.73 | Authorized For Property, HHG |
5 | You Move Me Salt Lake City | 9.27 | 8.96 | Authorized For HHG |
How Much Does it Cost to Move from Salt Lake City to San Diego?
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 751 miles from Salt Lake City, UT to San Diego, CA will cost on average $2,420 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Salt Lake City to San Diego move is roughly $5,805. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,628 | 300 ft³ | $5.43 |
1 Bedroom | $2,420 | 450 ft³ | $5.38 |
2 Bedrooms | $3,996 | 750 ft³ | $5.33 |
3 Bedrooms | $5,805 | 1100 ft³ | $5.28 |
4 Bedrooms | $8,364 | 1600 ft³ | $5.23 |
5+ Bedrooms | $9,319 | 1800 ft³ | $5.18 |


Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Diego to Salt Lake City guide.
Compare the 5 Best Salt Lake City to San Diego Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

The Rock Movers
7087 Camino Revueltos UNIT 306
San Diego, CA, 92111
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 relocations....
Services
- Local Residential
- Furniture Moving
- Full Packing Service
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3653432 / 1541470 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
Registered Drivers | 7 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 40,000 (2023) |

Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.
2020 Camino De La Reina
San Diego, CA, 92108
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,...
Services
- Local Moves
- Long-Distance Moves
- Packing Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3177184 / 1157114 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
Registered Drivers | 7 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 200,000 (2024) |

801 Moving Company
3735 Redmaple Rd
Millcreek, UT, 84106
About 801 Moving Company
801 Moving Company has been serving the Salt Lake City Metro, UT area since 2008. Based in Salt Lake City, this...
Services
- Packing services
- Long-distance moves
- Local moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 4140953 / 1587673 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
Registered Drivers | 5 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | - |

Best of Utah Moving Company
10291 S 1300 E #142
Sandy, UT, 84094
About Best of Utah Moving Company
Best of Utah Moving Company is one of the top-rated local moving companies in Utah. It is fully licensed and insured...
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Office moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2920944 / 1476153 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 14 |
Registered Drivers | 12 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 100,000 (2023) |

You Move Me Salt Lake City
Woods Cross, UT, 84087
About You Move Me Salt Lake City
You Move Me Salt Lake City is a top-rated local moving company offering a wide range of services such as packing,...
Services
- Local Moving Services
- Long-Distance Moving Services
- Packing Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3820939 / 1382615 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
Registered Drivers | 3 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2021) |

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.
Salt Lake City vs. San Diego Neighborhood Comparison
Moving from one city to another can be a daunting experience, especially when you're not familiar with your new home. To ease this transition, we've put together a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Salt Lake City, UT & San Diego, CA . This guide will help you find a neighborhood in San Diego that shares the same vibe and characteristics as your old stomping ground in Salt Lake City.
Salt Lake City | San Diego | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
The Avenues | Hillcrest | Diverse, vibrant community |
Sugar House | North Park | Eclectic, youthful energy |
Downtown SLC | Downtown SD | Urban, lively atmosphere |
9th & 9th | South Park | Quaint, tight-knit vibe |
Capitol Hill | Bankers Hill | Historic, upscale feel |
Liberty Wells | Golden Hill | Central, historic homes |
Harvard/Yale | Kensington | Peaceful, charming streets |
Foothill | Del Mar | Upscale, coastal lifestyle |
University District | La Jolla | Elite, educational environment |
Ballpark | East Village | Trendy, developing area |
For those moving from Sugar House in Salt Lake City, you'll find North Park in San Diego to be a familiar mix of eclectic shops, trendy restaurants, and active nightlife, similar to what you're used to back home. Enjoy an evening out at popular spots like Urban Mo’s in Hillcrest or a leisurely afternoon exploring the historic architecture in Bankers Hill, which mirrors the charm of Capitol Hill. San Diego's La Jolla neighborhood, comparable to the University District, offers not only stunning ocean views but also a plethora of educational institutions and cultural experiences, such as the renowned Birch Aquarium. Whether you're craving the vibrant, lively atmosphere of downtown areas or the quaint, tight-knit vibe of smaller neighborhoods, this guide will help translate your Salt Lake City locale preferences into your new San Diego life.

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 Salt Lake City to San Diego
Moving from one city to another is a complex decision that involves weighing the advantages against the drawbacks. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of moving from Salt Lake City, UT to San Diego, CA , showcasing both the gains and sacrifices involved in such a relocation. Examine the pros and cons to understand how your lifestyle might change for the better or otherwise.
- Colder Winters
- Less Beach Access
- Smaller City Vibes
- Higher Altitude
- Milder Climate
- Beachfront Living
- Vibrant City Life
- Sea Level Living
- Higher Living Costs
- More Crowded
- Higher Crime Rates
- Expensive Housing
- Outdoor Recreation
- Close-knit Community
- Lower Crime Rates
- Lower Housing Costs
The transition from Salt Lake City's chilly winters to San Diego's perennial sunshine is often a significant draw, particularly for those who prefer a milder, beach-friendly climate. San Diego boasts incredible beachfront locations such as La Jolla Shores and Pacific Beach, offering not just stunning views but a vibrant local scene brimming with restaurants and cafés like Cafe Mono in Mission Beach. While Salt Lake City is prized for its close-knit community and lower cost of living, it's San Diego's dynamic urban lifestyle—with landmarks like Balboa Park and the Gaslamp Quarter—that often captivates newcomers. However, this comes at the cost of higher living expenses and housing prices, challenging new residents to find a balance between the perks of coastal living and the financial adjustments required.
Salt Lake City vs. San Diego Food Guide
Understanding that food is an integral part of local culture and reflects the essence of living in an area, we will embark on a journey to explore how the culinary scenes differ and delight. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Salt Lake City & San Diego to arm you with knowledge about the food landscape where you're headed.
- Red Iguana
- The Clucking Oyster
- Valter's Osteria
- Hodad's
- Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill
- Phil's BBQ
In comparing the local cuisine of Salt Lake City with San Diego, you'll find that Salt Lake City offers unique dishes like Fry sauce and Utah Scones that reflect its heritage and landscape. Notably, establishments like Red Iguana and Valter's Osteria are must-visit spots for newcomers. San Diego, known for its laid-back coastal vibe, shines with its Fish Tacos and Carne Asada, emblematic of its proximity to the ocean and Mexican influence. Neighborhoods like Ocean Beach, with spots like Hodad's, and Pacific Beach, home to numerous vegan dining options, are great starting points to dive into the city's vibrant food scene. Moving to San Diego, you will discover a city deeply passionate about health, fitness, and an abundance of food trucks, offering a wide range of culinary delights to suit any palate.
Salt Lake City vs. San Diego Restaurant Comparison
Finding a new favorite eatery can truly make a new city feel like home. This comparison is designed to seamlessly transition your taste buds from the flavors of Salt Lake City to the diverse culinary landscape of San Diego, helping you discover your next go-to dining spots based on your current preferences.
Salt Lake City | San Diego | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
Red Iguana | Las Cuatro Milpas | Authentic Mexican cuisine, family-run vibe |
Valter's Osteria | Bencotto Italian Kitchen | Handmade pasta, upscale dining experience |
The Rest | Prohibition Lounge | Unique speakeasy atmosphere, craft cocktails |
Moochie's Meatballs and More! | Buona Forchetta | Cozy spot for Italian classics, known for meatballs |
Bruges Waffles & Frites | Bleu Bohème | European-inspired dishes, casual yet chic vibe |
Log Haven | The Marine Room | High-end dining with a view, similar romantic setting |
Lucky 13 | Hodad's | Legendary burgers, similar laid-back atmosphere |
Pago | Juniper & Ivy | Innovative American cuisine, focus on local ingredients |
Settebello Pizzeria | Buona Forchetta | Authentic Neapolitan pizzas, warm ambience |
HSL (Handle Salt Lake) | Herb & Wood | Creative dishes, similar upscale yet comforting setting |
Among these culinary gems, The Rest and Prohibition Lounge offer an intriguing spin on the dining experience with their speakeasy vibes, craft cocktails, and a curated atmosphere that promises an evening of intimate conversations and memorable moments. Meanwhile, those pining for a touch of Mediterranean in San Diego will find solace at Bencotto Italian Kitchen and Buona Forchetta. Both establishments cater to the penchant for handmade pasta and authentic flavors, ensuring that the essence of Valter's Osteria and Settebello Pizzeria is not missed. On the other end, the robust and flavorful experiences offered by Red Iguana and Las Cuatro Milpas reflect the rich tapestry of Mexican cuisine available in both cities, showcasing the depth and authenticity that are paramount to a truly memorable meal.

Ready to start your move?
Salt Lake City vs. San Diego Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, comparing real estate aspects between Salt Lake City, UT , and San Diego, CA , is crucial. This overview highlights differences in housing costs, styles, and lifestyle, aiding you in making an informed decision.
Moving from Salt Lake City to San Diego involves a significant shift in housing environment and living expenses. San Diego, known for its Spanish Revival architecture and emphasis on outdoor living, presents a unique urban lifestyle rated highly at 8 out of 10, compared to Salt Lake City’s more moderate urban experience. The higher cost of living in San Diego is reflected in its median home price and rent, attributing to its coastal location and dense urban structure which offers less space but enhanced bikeability. On the other hand, Salt Lake City offers more affordable housing options with stellar mountain views, making it a haven for those who cherish open spaces and a connection with nature.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in San Diego, CA
1. Ocean Beach : You'll find this laid-back community perfect for you and your pet, thanks to its dedicated Dog Beach and numerous pet-friendly establishments.
2. North Park : This vibrant neighborhood offers you plenty of parks and outdoor cafes where pets are always welcome, making it easy to enjoy the day with your furry friend.
3. Carmel Valley : With its abundance of trails and wide-open spaces, you and your pet can enjoy plenty of outdoor adventures in this family-friendly neighborhood.
Salt Lake City vs. San Diego Weather Considerations
When moving from Salt Lake City, UT to San Diego, CA, understanding how the weather varies between these two locations will help you adjust better to your new environment.
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Moving from Salt Lake City to San Diego, you will notice a significant change in weather patterns. San Diego enjoys more days of sunshine with milder temperatures throughout the year, offering an ideal climate for outdoor activities. The absence of snowfall in San Diego is a stark contrast to Salt Lake City's winter landscape. Additionally, the higher humidity in San Diego might take some getting used to, but it's also a factor in the city's lush, vibrant outdoor scenery. Adjusting to these differences will be key to enjoying your new environment.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Salt Lake City to San Diego
When planning a move from one city to another, understanding the financial landscape is crucial. This comparison between Salt Lake City and San Diego highlights key economic indicators to help you gauge how your cost of living and financial health may change.
Moving from Salt Lake City to San Diego, you'll notice several financial adjustments. The average household income in San Diego is higher, but so is the cost of living, significantly influenced by the housing market. While both cities enjoy diverse economic activities, San Diego's reliance on defense/military, tourism, and international trade presents a different job market. Additionally, the higher state and sales taxes in California can affect your take-home pay and spending. Understanding these dynamics will help you plan your finances effectively for a smooth transition.
Salt Lake City vs. San Diego Political & Religious Comparison
This quick glimpse offers a comparison of the politics between Salt Lake City & San Diego to help you understand the local demographic backdrop. Specifically, it provides a snapshot of the political and religious makeup, ensuring you’re well-acquainted with your potential new neighbors.
In moving from Salt Lake City to San Diego, you’ll find both cities share a liberal political makeup. However, the local politics paint a different picture. Salt Lake City's politics are somewhat influenced by the LDS Church, making the city unique in its political landscape. On the other hand, San Diego's politics prominently highlight issues such as environmental conservation and social justice, reflecting its diverse population. Religion plays a vital role in the cultural fabric of Salt Lake City, home to the LDS Church's headquarters. San Diego, with its varied religious beliefs, tends to be more religiously diverse, offering a broad spectrum of religious communities, including a significant Catholic presence.
Salt Lake City vs. San Diego Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Salt Lake City, UT to San Diego, CA can bring significant changes to your daily commute and traffic experience. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Salt Lake City & San Diego helps you understand what to expect and how to prepare for your new life in terms of getting around.
Moving to San Diego from Salt Lake City means preparing for busier roads and a slightly longer average commute time. However, you'll benefit from a more robust public transit system, making getting around without a car more feasible, especially in the core urban areas. While Salt Lake City offers a decent public transit system, the lower traffic congestion makes driving more palatable for many. However, navigating San Diego's vibrant urban landscape can be more rewarding for those willing to explore its diverse neighborhoods and scenic routes, despite the higher traffic congestion.



Additional Resources
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