San Diego vs. Los Angeles: Where Should You Move? | Pros & Cons 2022
Should you move to San Diego or Los Angeles? If you’re making the big move out west, the choice can be daunting. Both San Diego and Los Angeles beautiful, with sunny weather, gorgeous coastline and lots of fun things to do. Both are expensive, but have stunning homes for people who can afford them. And both are meccas of industry with incredible work opportunities.
As if it wasn’t hard enough to decide, Los Angelinos and San Diegans are fiercely loyal to their hometowns, so it’s tough to get an unbiased view of each city from the residents. Ask an LA native, and they’ll tell you that San Diego is too slow and too small, make a comment about how it’s a tourist trap, and remind you how amazing the food is in LA. Go to a San Diego neighborhood, and they’ll remind you of LA’s horrible smog in the 50’s and 60’s, and mutter on about the traffic and how overcrowded LA is with wannabe actors/writers/directors.
In this guide to choosing between living in San Diego or Los Angeles, we’ll take you through some pros and cons of each city, so you can see which one better fits your situation. We’ll also cover some important questions to ask yourself before making your choice. No matter which city you end up moving to, we’re confident you’ll find the perfect place for you.
Pros and Cons of Living in San Diego
San Diego Pros
What are the best parts of living in San Diego? Other than the coastline and the incredible weather, this close to the Mexican border, you can bet you’ll find some amazing mexican restaurants. From taco trucks with sidewalk-blocking lines, to brick-and-mortar restaurants like Las Cuatro Milpas and Super Cocina San Diego can always satisfy your need for margaritas and tacos.
San Diego is also the Craft Beer Capital of America. More than 150 breweries call San Diego home, making everything from West-Coast Style IPAs to epic lagers and seasonal flavors like the ever-popular summer shandies. If you love beer, you’ll always have friends in San Diego.
San Diego’s surfer lifestyle is another “pro” for this SoCal city. Unlike the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, San Diegans like to take things a bit slower. It’s not that we aren’t ambitious– actually, the city is a leader in tech and the biosciences. But people moving to San Diego will quickly notice that this city doesn’t get faxed by much.
San Diego Cons
Nowhere is perfect, even if San Diegans think their city comes close. San Diego is home to some of the world’s top beaches, the famous San Diego Zoo, and tons of other tourist attractions, which means that during tourist season, the city can quickly get overrun by East Coasters looking to get a tan before heading back to the snow. Annually, more than 32 million people come to visit San Diego, so if you choose to live here, be prepared.
Another disadvantage is the cost of living in San Diego. The median home value in San Diego is $526,900, although upwards of 12% of homes in San Diego sell for over $1 Million. Property taxes here are also high, with most people spending more than $3,000 per year on taxes alone. Plus, since San Diego doesn’t have a significant public transport system, nearly everyone here owns at least one car and drives at least 20 minutes to get to work.
Pros and Cons of Living in Los Angeles
Los Angeles Pros
One of the best things about LA is LAX. The Los Angeles International Airport simply can’t be beat. It’s one of the top airports in the country, flying over 84.5 Million people in 2017 alone. Yes, San Diego has an airport two, but the single runway San Diego International offers fewer flights at higher rates, prompting even native San Diegans to trek to LA for their travels.
If you’re a serious go-getter, you’ll love the fast pace of LA. Los Angelinos are hustlers, creating a competitive atmosphere that’s perfect for the nation’s most ambitious. And we aren’t just talking about film and entertainment jobs, either. LA is a hub for technology startups, and you’ll see lots of digital nomads building their own brands online while sitting in any cafe in Los Angeles.
Cons of Living in Los Angeles
LA traffic is world-famous, and not in a good way. Unlike the other stars of Hollywood, traffic here sucks, and we wish it would just go away. No matter where you’re going, you have to add on time for general congestion, which is only made worse by streets that are closed for filming, presidential motorcades or construction.
Also, you’ll need to read parking signs carefully when you’re living in Los Angeles. Street parking in LA is heavily regulated and complicated, and it seems like every street only allows parking on alternate Tuesdays from 3-5AM, except for bank holidays. The good news? You can find valet at everywhere from high-class dining venues to Denny’s, but don’t forget to tip.
Another Los Angeles con is the penchant for natural disasters. Because of its location along California fault lines, Los Angeles tends to get several significant earthquakes a year, ranging from mild shakes to richter scale events that bring down homes and offices. Los Angeles also suffers from yearly wildfires, which can be devastating for homeowners and dangerous for folks living in the affected areas.
How to Choose Between San Diego and Los Angeles
If you’re still stuck between a sunny place and another sunny place, we get it! Choosing a new city to live in is hard to matter where you go, and these two monoliths of culture, diversity and economic growth are both amazing choices. So when you’re choosing between moving to San Diego and Los Angeles, consider these few questions:
What’s Your Style?
Are you a hustler or a surfer? If you love hitting the pavement and competing with the best of the best, LA is the place for you. But if you enjoy a laid-back lifestyle where flip-flops and shorts are the norm, you may be more suited for San Diego.
Do You Want a Big or Small City?
Okay, San Diego isn’t really “small”, but when compared with LA, it is! The actually city/county of Los Angeles covers 500 square miles of sprawling neighborhoods. In comparison, San Diego only spans 372 square miles. If you love cities like Boston and New York, LA is probably right up your alley. If you like a small-town vibe and a close-knit community, San Diego is the better choice.
What Industry Do You Work In?
If you’re in entertainment, the choice is easy. Competition may be stiff in Los Angeles, but it’s called the “City of Dreams” for a reason, and you won’t find the same concentration of film and TV jobs anywhere else in the U.S. Fashion retailers and aerospace engineering are also thriving LA industries. In contrast, the top industries in San Diego are technology startups and hospitality. Biosciences are big in both cities, though San Diego boasts a larger diversity of companies. And if you’re interested in entering the armed forces, San Diego’s naval and military bases are the obvious choice.
Moving to San Diego or Los Angeles
No matter which city you choose to move to, we’d like to be the first to welcome you to the “Best” Coast. If you want to learn more about California living, check out our blog posts on the Cost of Living in San Diego and the Best San Diego Neighborhoods. We can also help making your move easy with local moving services in Los Angeles and San Diego, so give us a call if you’re interested in a free moving quote!
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What are the must-have items on a San Diego moving checklist?
The must-have items on a San Diego moving checklist include packing materials like boxes and tape, essential documents, a first-night kit with toiletries and clothes, utilities setup information, and contact details for your moving company.
What is the best way to organize a moving checklist in San Diego?
The best way to organize a moving checklist in San Diego is to categorize tasks by time frame—such as three weeks out, one week out, and moving day—while including essential tasks like hiring movers, packing supplies, and notifying change of address.
Can I customize a moving checklist for my needs?
You can customize a moving checklist to fit your specific needs. We offer tailored checklists that allow you to focus on what’s most important for your move, ensuring nothing is overlooked during the process.
How do I organize my moving checklist by room?
Organizing your moving checklist by room involves listing tasks specific to each area of your home. Start with high-traffic rooms like the kitchen and living room, then move to bedrooms and bathrooms, ensuring all items are accounted for in each section.
How do I create a moving checklist for Orange County?
Creating a moving checklist for Orange County involves listing all tasks such as setting a moving date, organizing packing supplies, scheduling utilities disconnection, and updating your address. Tailor this list to address local considerations like climate and traffic.
How do I create a moving checklist for San Diego relocation?
Creating a moving checklist for a San Diego relocation involves outlining tasks such as notifying utilities, packing essentials, scheduling movers, and organizing important documents. Prioritize your list by deadlines to ensure a smooth transition to your new home.
What tasks should I prioritize on my San Diego moving checklist?
The tasks to prioritize on your San Diego moving checklist include organizing and packing your belongings, updating your address, scheduling your moving company, and preparing utilities for your new home. Prioritizing these steps will streamline your moving process.
What are the benefits of using a San Diego moving checklist?
The benefits of using a San Diego moving checklist are numerous; it helps organize tasks, ensures nothing is forgotten, and reduces stress by providing a clear plan, making the entire moving process more efficient and manageable.
What should I include in my Orange County moving checklist?
An Orange County moving checklist should include items such as packing supplies, a timeline for packing and moving, a list of utilities to set up or transfer, important documents, and a detailed inventory of your belongings.
What are the essential items on a San Diego moving checklist?
The essential items on a San Diego moving checklist include packing supplies like boxes and tape, important documents, utilities transfer information, personal belongings, and a list of items to be moved to ensure a smooth transition.
What unique items should I pack for San Diego?
Unique items to pack for San Diego include beach essentials like sunscreen, swimsuits, and sunglasses, as well as outdoor gear for hiking and exploring. Additionally, consider packing light, casual clothing suitable for the sunny, mild climate year-round.
How to design an efficient moving checklist?
Designing an efficient moving checklist involves breaking down tasks into manageable steps, creating a timeline for each activity, and prioritizing essential items. This organization ensures a smooth moving process and helps reduce stress.
What factors influence my moving checklist organization?
The factors that influence your moving checklist organization include the size and complexity of your move, deadlines, specific item requirements, and whether you’re moving locally or long distance, which all dictate how you prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.
Which local services assist with moving checklists?
Local services that assist with moving checklists include professional moving companies, packing services, and residential moving planners, all of which can help streamline your moving process by providing expert guidance and resources tailored to your needs.
What are typical mistakes in moving checklists?
Typical mistakes in moving checklists include neglecting to account for all items, failing to set timelines, and not labeling boxes clearly. Additionally, overlooking essential tasks like notifying utility companies and updating addresses can lead to unnecessary stress during the move.
How can I simplify my moving checklist process?
Simplifying your moving checklist process involves creating a prioritized list of tasks, breaking down each step, and using tools like apps or templates to stay organized. Focus on one task at a time to reduce overwhelm and ensure a smoother move.
What timeline should I follow for my checklist?
The timeline to follow for your checklist should ideally be initiated 4-6 weeks before your move. This allows adequate time for organizing tasks, packing, and addressing any unexpected issues that may arise.
Are there templates available for San Diego checklists?
Templates for San Diego checklists are indeed available, providing a convenient way to stay organized during your move. You can find various templates online tailored to different moving needs that specifically cater to San Diego.
How to adapt a checklist for short-notice moves?
Adapting a checklist for short-notice moves involves prioritizing essential tasks, such as packing vital items first, organizing moving supplies, and coordinating logistics quickly. Focus on what needs immediate attention to streamline the process efficiently.
What resources help customize a moving checklist?
Resources that help customize a moving checklist include online templates, mobile apps, and professional moving company services. These tools allow you to tailor your checklist based on specific needs, timelines, and preferences for a smoother moving experience.
How does a moving checklist improve efficiency?
A moving checklist improves efficiency by providing a structured plan that outlines tasks to be completed, timelines, and priorities, ensuring nothing is overlooked, reducing stress, and streamlining the entire moving process.
What tools aid in checklist organization?
Tools that aid in checklist organization include digital apps like Todoist, Evernote, and Trello, which allow for easy tracking and prioritization of tasks, as well as traditional methods like printed lists or planners for a more tangible approach.
How can I make my moving checklist comprehensive?
A comprehensive moving checklist includes all tasks related to your move, such as packing, changing addresses, hiring movers, and setting utility appointments. Break it down by rooms, prioritize tasks, and include timelines to ensure nothing is overlooked.
What questions should I ask movers regarding checklists?
When asking movers about checklists, inquire about their process for creating moving checklists, how they handle inventory tracking, whether they provide a detailed timeline, and if they offer any specialized checklists for specific needs or circumstances.
How to review and adjust my moving checklist?
Reviewing and adjusting your moving checklist involves evaluating your current tasks, adding any new items based on your needs, and prioritizing each task. Regular updates ensure a smooth moving process and help you stay organized.
What local regulations affect my moving checklist?
Local regulations can significantly influence your moving checklist. You may need to consider permit requirements for parking, restrictions on moving large items during certain hours, and guidelines for waste disposal in your new area. Always check with local authorities for specific rules.
How to prioritize packing items on the checklist?
Prioritizing packing items on the checklist involves sorting belongings by necessity and frequency of use. Start with essentials needed immediately, then pack items used less frequently, and finally tackle seasonal or rarely used items last.
What storage options should I consider in San Diego?
Storage options to consider in San Diego include climate-controlled units for sensitive items, traditional self-storage for general use, and mobile storage solutions for convenience. Compare prices and features to find the best fit for your needs.
How do I update my checklist after packing?
Updating your checklist after packing involves reviewing your packed items against the original list. Mark off completed tasks and add any notes about missing or additional items, ensuring your checklist reflects the current status of your move accurately.
What is the first task on my checklist?
The first task on your checklist should be to assess what items you need to move and create an inventory list. This will help you stay organized and ensure nothing important is overlooked during your move.
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