Best Self Storage Units in San Diego, California of 2024

The Cost of Self Storage in San Diego, CA

As an economic center for military and defense, tourism, international trade, research and manufacturing, San Diego has a high overall cost of living compared to the California state and national averages. The biggest cost factor is expensive housing, both in terms of property values and rental costs. This drives the high cost of self-storage in America’s Finest City, which is one of the most expensive cities in the United States.

Another factor for expensive self-service storage in San Diego is the large population, which ranks as the second highest in California and the eighth nationwide. This contributes to the high demand for housing, affecting the demand for self-storage and its cost. The area is also home to at least 15 colleges and universities within city limits, translating to significant demand for self-storage by a sizable student population.

What to Consider when Looking for Storage in San Diego, CA

Known for its mild year-round climate and with a Sperling comfort index of 9.2 (10 being the highest), San Diego experiences warm, dry summers and mild winters. The city’s relatively subtle shifts in temperature offer a stable environment for storage of basic items such as holiday decorations, seasonal clothing and sturdy furniture and appliances. For sensitive and valuable items, such as paintings, electronics, antiques and photographs, there are climate-controlled units available in the city, which is the recommended option for long-term storage.

San Diego is a relatively safe place for self-storage when compared to some cities. Its Sperling’s Best Places property crime rating of 31.4 is slightly lower than the California and U.S. averages. For peace of mind, taking security into consideration is recommended when choosing self-storage facilities in San Diego. Some standard security features to look for include 24-hour surveillance cameras, computer-controlled access and proper fencing.

Helpful Tips for Moving to San Diego, CA

The abundance of sunny days in San Diego makes the city a year-round outdoor playground for residents and tourists. America’s Finest City boasts plenty of leisure destinations, including the iconic Balboa Park, extensive beaches and various arts and culture attractions. Part of the San Diego-Tijuana metropolitan conurbation, San Diego is just a short drive from the U.S.-Mexico border via Interstate 5.

Compared to other major cities, San Diego has a shorter average commute time by private vehicle at 26 minutes. However, the commute time via public transit is doubled at 52 minutes. With more than 80% of San Diego metro residents driving alone during commutes, the city is ranked 40th among the most congested in the United States. Some possible ways to avoid rush-hour traffic include driving alternate routes and taking other commute modes such as a motorcycle, a bicycle, the trolley or commuter trains.