Best overall value
Local moving companies in San Diego
- Best California Movers: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Grizzly Moving: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- We Like To Move It Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Stella Moving & Delivery: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Aloha Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Best California Movers
rating
4.86 / 5
DOT #: 3489907
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 6
12356 McIvers Ct, Suite 1b, Poway, CA 92064 USMoving day stress gets left behind with Best California Movers, according to an overwhelming 1,177 reviews—of which 98.5% were positive. Customers repeatedly point out efficient service, careful handling, professionalism, quick moving, and excellent communication—attributes not seen as consistently in most moving companies. Feedback shows that belongings arrive safe and undamaged, with movers working swiftly and showing courtesy at every stage. Many notice that clear communication and transparent pricing make the process easier, and crews are praised for problem-solving in tough situations. A handful of reviewers, though, cite incidents involving damaged items, unexpected charges from inaccurate price quotes, or difficulty with claims and follow-up. These lapses are rare compared to industry averages but noteworthy for those prioritizing accountability. While neutral reviews mention minor flaws with after-move support, they still highlight professionalism and care by the moving teams. Compared to other moving services, Best California Movers stands out for reliability, speed, and the personal touch so often missing in the industry.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3489907
- State license #: T0192283
Alternative Business Names
- Best California Movers & Storage
- An Moving Forward
Grizzly Moving
rating
4.8 / 5
DOT #: 2642040
Years in Business: 9
7090 Miramar Rd #102, San Diego, CA 92121 USCustomer input for Grizzly Moving points to standout performance: more than 92% of the 434 reviews highlight prompt, efficient, and careful service. Clients consistently mention that the team handles furniture cautiously and communicates well from booking to delivery. Movers show up on time, treat property with respect, and complete jobs swiftly, which sets Grizzly apart from standard moving companies. The staff is repeatedly described as professional, polite, and considerate, making stressful relocations easier for families, businesses, and individuals alike. On the downside, around 7% of reviewers cite real concerns, especially about damage to belongings, unexpected final costs, and, less frequently, delays or missed arrival windows. While complaints are few compared to the high volume of positive feedback, the nature of issues—such as significant item damage or underestimated costs—are important for potential customers to consider before booking. Compared to competitors, Grizzly’s consistent execution, fair communication, and efficient process earn high marks, though diligence is still advisable to clarify insurance, costs, and special handling when booking. With such a dominant trend of satisfied feedback, Grizzly ranks as a top contender, though a minority of experiences remind customers to confirm all details upfront.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2642040
- State license #: 0191376
Alternative Business Names
- Grizzly Movers LLC
We Like To Move It Moving
rating
4.76 / 5
DOT #: 2843171
Years in Business: 9
4901 Morena Blvd Ste 1102, San Diego, CA 92117 USMoving made nearly effortless—We Like To Move It Moving receives consistently impressive customer feedback. Out of 379 reviews analyzed, 94% describe positive experiences citing efficient service, attention to detail with belongings, and truly professional movers. Many customers mention a quick, organized moving process and commend the team’s friendly, communicative attitude. Movers arrive promptly, handle items with care, and communicate clearly throughout, making stressful moves much easier. Transparent pricing and easy booking also earn high praise. While negative feedback is rare, some customers saw final costs higher than expected, and a few reported damage to belongings or delays. Compared to typical moving companies, We Like To Move It Moving reliably delivers fast, careful, and personable service. High satisfaction rates and strong recommendations set them apart as a leader in the San Diego area.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2843171
- State license #: 0191446
Stella Moving & Delivery
rating
4.62 / 5
DOT #: 3299407
Years in Business: 6
2341 Ulric St B-12, San Diego, CA 92111 USCustomer feedback for Stella Moving & Delivery shows a standout excellence in moving services. Out of 331 reviews analyzed, 94% are positive, highlighting reliable efficiency, courteous and skilled crews, and careful handling of customer belongings. Many reviewers praise their rapid pace, clear communication, and impressive professionalism compared to other moving companies. Clients repeatedly cite stress-free experiences, transparent pricing, and well-organized teams as key benefits. On the flip side, a small portion of reviewers report concerns about damage to belongings, unexpected charges, and difficulties reaching the company after issues arise. Some mention poor problem resolution by management, particularly regarding claims and complaints. While negative input does exist, it’s significantly outweighed by positive experiences. Compared to most moving services, Stella maintains a much higher percentage of five-star ratings and customer satisfaction, with efficiency and care as their calling card.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3299407
- State license #: 0191958
- DOD certified
Alternative Business Names
- Stella Moving & Delivery
- The Remarkable Movers
Aloha Movers
rating
4.58 / 5
DOT #: 2718824
Years in Business: 13
7263 Engineer Rd ste c, San Diego, CA 92111 USStress-free moves are the expectation with Aloha Movers, according to 186 customer reviews, of which an impressive 93.5% are positive. Feedback consistently highlights efficient service, courteous professional staff, swift moving times, and careful handling at a reasonable cost. Many customers note that their moves were completed quicker than expected, and belongings remained undamaged—a step above what’s typical for moving companies. Polite crews and affordable rates make them a standout choice. While the overwhelming majority of experiences are positive, the most common complaints involve item damage, delayed or no-shows, and difficulty getting responses for issues—though these are rare. Neutral feedback centers on underestimating job complexity or concerns with payment methods rather than major errors. Compared to others, Aloha Movers earns unusually consistent praise for professionalism and speed, while only a small percentage of clients report serious problems.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2718824
- State license #: 190867
Alternative Business Names
- Aloha Movers LLC
Factors that influence moving costs from San Diego to McAllen
The cost of San Diego movers will depend on:
- Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from San Diego to McAllen might cost as little as $1,483, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $10,867.
- Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in San Diego, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
- DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $1,060 to $2,701. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.
What to know before moving from San Diego to McAllen
Moving from San Diego to McAllen means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in San Diego than in McAllen, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how San Diego compares to McAllen so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| San Diego | McAllen | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,881 | $1,350 |
| Average home value | $1,003,444 | $221,244 |
| Average income (per capita) | $72,963 | $57,439 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,346 | $1,457 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,719 | $3,557 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 7.9% |
| Sales tax | 7.75% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in McAllen are 53% lower than in San Diego, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in McAllen.
Home prices in McAllen are 78.0% lower than in San Diego. - Income in McAllen is 21.3% lower than in San Diego, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in McAllen include The Monitor Group, Am-Mex Products, and South Texas College.
- The cost of living for a single person in McAllen is 56.5% lower than in San Diego. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in McAllen is 53.9% lower than in San Diego.
- The unemployment rate in McAllen is 19.70% higher than in San Diego.
- You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in McAllen, since the city’s sales taxes in McAllen are 6.45% higher than in San Diego.
- One perk of moving to McAllen is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in San Diego.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,306.34 in McAllen to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Diego.
How life is different in San Diego vs. McAllen
| McAllen | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 142,210 | 1,386,932 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 53 |
| Bike friendliness score | 46 | 43 |
| Crime Index | 36.26 | 39.83 |
| Safety Index | 63.74 | 60.17 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- McAllen's population is about 90% less than San Diego.
- McAllen's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus San Diego's higher score of 6.
- McAllen is less walkable than San Diego with a score of 41 out of 100 vs San Diego's 53 out of 100.
- Both McAllen and San Diego have the same bike-friendliness score of 43 out of 100, meaning McAllen is about as safe for cyclists as San Diego. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
- McAllen and San Diego have a similar crime rate.
- McAllen and San Diego are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in McAllen is moderate, and in San Diego it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Diego vs. McAllen move
- Weather: Consider moving to McAllen city on November, March and February. The city has two distinct seasons; a wet season from May to October and a dry season from November to April.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Texas does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to McAllen. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in McAllen
Now that you've decided to make the move to "City of Palms", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in McAllen.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown McAllen
- South McAllen
- La Vista
- Dove Landing
- The Village of Westlakes
Best neighborhoods for families
- North McAllen
- Sharyland Plantation
- Tres Lagos
- Royal Oak Estates
- Tuscan Estates
Things to do in McAllen
Now that you've made the move to Texas, it’s the perfect time to explore McAllen. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout McAllen, such as the International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS), The McAllen Heritage Center, and Nuevo Santadar Gallery.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s McAllen Nature Center, Town Lake at Firemen's Park, and McAllen's New Park & Spray Ground — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Diego to McAllen?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from San Diego to McAllen. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in San Diego.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Diego to McAllen?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from San Diego to McAllen, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from San Diego to McAllen take?
The 1,516-mile journey from San Diego, CA to McAllen, TX typically takes four to 15 days. Some movers in San Diego offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in McAllen.
