Kometa Moving
How Much Do Movers Cost in San Diego? A 2026 Price Breakdown
A local move in San Diego with Kometa Moving runs $457–$1,951 depending on crew size and hours, based on our current 2026 rate card: $129/hr for 2 movers, $169/hr for 3 movers, $209/hr for 4 movers, each with a 3-hour minimum plus a flat $70 fuel and service fee. Here's exactly how that breaks down, what changes the total, and how to avoid the hidden fees that show up on other moving company invoices.
San Diego moving costs at a glance
*Estimated total includes the $70 service fee. Actual hours depend on your inventory and access at both homes.
What actually determines your final price
- Home size and item count. More rooms and furniture mean more loading time, which is the single biggest driver of your bill on an hourly model.
- Stairs, long carries, and parking distance. These don't add a separate fee on our pricing, but they do add time — a third-floor walk-up with no elevator will run longer than a ground-floor unit.
- Packing and unpacking. Full packing/unpacking, furniture disassembly and reassembly are included in the hourly rate, along with wardrobe boxes, moving blankets, dollies, tools, straps, shrink wrap, and tape at no extra charge.
- Heavy or specialty items. Pianos, gun safes, and anything over 250 lbs get a flat fee quoted upfront before moving day — never a surprise on the invoice.
- Deposit. A $100 deposit is applied to your total and is fully refundable with 48+ hours' notice if your plans change.
Real cost examples
- Studio or 1-bedroom apartment: 2 movers, 3-hour minimum → $129 × 3 + $70 = $457
- 2-bedroom apartment: 2 movers, ~4 hours → $129 × 4 + $70 = $586
- 3-bedroom house: 3 movers, ~6 hours → $169 × 6 + $70 = $1,084
- 5+ bedroom house: 4 movers, ~8 hours → $209 × 8 + $70 = $1,742
Hidden fees to watch for — and how our Not-to-Exceed pricing avoids them
A lot of San Diego moving complaints trace back to fees that only show up on the final invoice: long-carry surcharges, fuel surcharges billed after the fact, credit card processing fees, or a "binding estimate" that turns out not to be binding. Kometa Moving quotes a Not-to-Exceed price up front, so you know your ceiling before the truck leaves the yard. The $70 service fee is flat and disclosed on the pricing page, and we accept cards, Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App at the same price — no surcharge for paying by card.
How to lower your moving cost
- Take the cash discount. Paying cash knocks $10/hr off the crew rate.
- Book a weekday. Crews and trucks are easier to schedule outside weekends, which can mean more flexibility on timing.
- Declutter before the crew arrives. Fewer items to load directly cuts billable hours — donate or sell what you're not taking.
- Pre-pack what you can. Packing is included in the rate, but boxing up books, decor, and closets yourself ahead of time still shortens the job.
- Book with confidence. The $100 deposit is refundable with 48+ hours' notice, so locking in a date doesn't lock you into a nonrefundable cost.
FAQ
With Kometa Moving: $129/hr for a 2-person crew, $169/hr for 3 movers, and $209/hr for 4 movers, each with a 3-hour minimum.
For local moves, pricing is hourly with a Not-to-Exceed cap agreed in advance. For moves out of San Diego, we quote true flat-rate pricing — see our long-distance moving cost guide.
Packing, unpacking, furniture disassembly/reassembly, and all the materials listed above — wardrobe boxes, blankets, dollies, tools, straps, shrink wrap, and tape.
It's not required, but tipping is a common courtesy in the U.S. moving industry, typically $5–$10 per mover per hour for a job well done, at your discretion.
Stage boxes by room, protect elevators/doorways, pre-reserve parking, and carry an essentials bin + printed labels/floor plan.
Ready for a real number instead of an estimate?
Get a free quote or see the full rundown of local services on our San Diego movers page.
Author: Kometa Moving
San Diego Moving Company