When it comes to living in paradise, not many cities in the U.S. can compare to San Diego. If you’ve decided to leave the windiest city in Illinois for the sunny skies of California, you’re in for a treat. Nicknamed “America’s Finest City,” San Diego offers so much to its residents — from gorgeous weather and pristine beaches to incredible views and a laid back lifestyle. Sure, you might miss Chicago’s massive skyline and those delicious hot dogs (totally understandable) but San Diego makes up for it with stunning ocean views and a fantastic culinary scene. As you get ready for your move, here are a few things to keep in mind about San Diego, along with some tips to make your relocation easier.

Benefits of Moving from Chicago to San Diego

San Diego is full of beautiful scenery, amazing weather and tons of things to do, so it’s easy to see why people from around the world come to visit — and even decide to live — in this amazing city. While it’s definitely an attractive place to live, it’s important to know that it’s not cheap. The cost of living in San Diego is much higher than the national average and still rising. Even so, the higher prices haven’t stopped people from moving to this coastal gem. Keep reading to learn about some of the many great things that come with living in San Diego.

Near Perfect Weather

San Diego has some of the best weather you’ll find anywhere in the country. Even nearby L.A. doesn’t match the cool coastal breeze San Diego offers. The temperature usually stays around 70 degrees all year, so it hardly ever gets too hot or too cold. If you’re moving from Chicago, say goodbye to snow shovels — and hello to flip-flops instead of snowboots!

Gorgeous Beaches

San Diego has some of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S. and there’s something for everyone. Whether you want to catch some waves, build sandcastles with the kids or just enjoy a peaceful walk or bike ride, you’ll find the perfect beach for it. Living in San Diego feels like being on vacation every single day!

Outdoor Lifestyle

Thanks to its amazing weather, San Diego gives people lots of chances to enjoy the outdoors. Locals love hanging out at the beach, relaxing with a drink on a patio, spending time at parks or going for a bike ride. The city also has plenty of scenic hiking trails. That’s part of why many people don’t mind living in smaller apartments — when you can be outside so often, space doesn’t matter as much!

Excellent Schools

San Diego isn’t just about great weather — it also has excellent schools. In fact, 47 high schools in the area have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as some of the best in the country. The city is also home to top colleges and universities, including the University of California San Diego, San Diego State University and the University of San Diego.

Easy Access to Weekend Getaways

San Diego has plenty to see and do but if you ever want to explore outside the city, there are lots of great day trip options nearby. You can hit the slopes at Big Bear Mountain, explore the city life in L.A., head up to the Santa Ynez Valley for wine tasting or enjoy some fresh apple pie and cider in Julian.

So Much to Do

Besides all the outdoor fun, San Diego is packed with amazing parks, museums and attractions. You can spend the day at the world-famous San Diego Zoo or explore the history in Old Town San Diego. Walk through the beautiful Spanish-style buildings in Balboa Park or catch a sunset at Coronado Beach. The city also has one of the best craft beer scenes in the world — from high-end beer gardens to laid-back breweries. After a drink, enjoy dinner at one of San Diego’s many great restaurants.

Cost of Moving from Chicago to San Diego

Long-distance moves can get pricey, so it’s important to plan your budget. At STI, we aim to give you top-notch service at a cost you can afford. We’ll help you choose a moving package that fits your budget just right. On average, the line haul cost to move from Chicago to San Diego with STI is around $3,300. Of course, the total cost can vary based on things like how far you’re moving, how much stuff you have, any special shipping or handling needs, and whether you want extra services like packing and unpacking. For an exact estimate, try using our Instaquote tool above.

How to Move from Chicago to San Diego

A smooth long-distance move takes experience — and that’s where STI comes in. Moving far isn’t always easy, so it’s important to trust professionals who know what they’re doing. STI has been helping people move for over 21+ years and we understand what it takes to handle a long-distance move the right way. We’re here to guide you through each step, offering expert advice and reliable service to make sure your belongings get to your new home in San Diego safely and on time. With STI, we help take the stress off your shoulders so you can focus on starting this exciting new chapter.

Give STI a call today to learn more about our moving services or get started now by using the Instaquote tool above!