Los Angeles to San Francisco Movers & Costs (2026)
Fact Checked by:
The cost to move from Los Angeles to San Francisco, CA (~381 miles) typically ranges from $361 to $7,112.
Local movers such as Sterling Van Lines, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.76 out of 5 stars across 362 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $100/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
September availability is going fast in Los Angeles
Summer is the busiest time to move. Prices run 20 - 30% above the annual average and movers fill weeks in advance. Book now to secure your preferred date.
What are the best ways to move from Los Angeles to San Francisco?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Los Angeles to San Francisco are regulated by California law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid California intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.
This is a local move, typically billed hourly by California companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.
For full-service moves, we recommend Sterling Van Lines (4.76/5) as the top local pick, followed by SOS Moving, LLC (4.58/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most Los Angeles to San Francisco moves complete in 1 - 4 days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 374+ California movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Los Angeles to San Francisco?
The cost to move from Los Angeles to San Francisco ranges from $361 to $7,112*, according to moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.
Here's what to expect depending on which moving service you pick and how much you're hauling:
- Full-service movers: $1,126 - $7,112
- Moving containers: $909 - $2,925
- Rental trucks: $361 - $971
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves cover packing, loading, transport, and unloading end-to-end. Professional packing on its own adds $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower your costs because you handle the loading and unloading while the company handles the drive.
- Rental trucks come in roughly 30% cheaper than full-service, but you have to drive the truck yourself and find or hire moving labor.
- Running quotes through moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% versus their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,126 - $3,808 | $909 - $1,632 | $361 - $677 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,948 - $5,188 | $1,247 - $2,293 | $381 - $770 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,940 - $7,112 | $1,509 - $2,925 | $508 - $971 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 374+ California moving companies, and are updated as of September 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
Learn more about the cost of Los Angeles, CA movers.
How Los Angeles to San Francisco moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $100 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $1,200.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15 - $0.21 per lb. 28% of Los Angeles movers offer fragile-only packing, vs 24% nationally |
Full-service movers |
| Fuel surcharge | $100 - $400 (or 8% - 15% of transport charges) | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08 - $0.12 per lb. ($200 minimum) | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75 - $500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150 - $400 per item 30% of Los Angeles movers handle hot tubs, vs 22% nationally. Top pick: Sterling Van Lines |
Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Contents coverage plan | 1% - 2% of the total value of your belongings | All move types |
Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Los Angeles to San Francisco
Moving from Los Angeles to San Francisco is a job for local and regional California movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. Sterling Van Lines leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.76 out of 5 stars across 362 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Los Angeles to San Francisco
Local movers operating within California know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.
rating
Our top local picks:
- Sterling Van Lines (4.76/5 stars): 84.5% positive customer ratings.
- SOS Moving, LLC (4.58/5 stars): 93.8% positive customer ratings.
- Rigo's Moving Company Inc (4.56/5 stars): 79.7% positive customer ratings.
- Box-N-Go, LLC (4.56/5 stars): 93.1% positive customer ratings.
- Seka Moving (4.48/5 stars): 88.2% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 106 movers in Los Angeles, drawing on 49,966 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Los Angeles to San Francisco
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
Our top national picks:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
- North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
- International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.
More popular routes from Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More California moving resources
How does San Francisco compare to Los Angeles?
Cost of living: Los Angeles vs. San Francisco
A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.
| Los Angeles | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,960 | $3,250 |
| Average home cost | $878,142 | $1,374,773 |
| Average income (per capita) | $80,366 | $141,446 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,833 | $3,781 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $12,720 | $8,717 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 5.4% |
| Average sales tax | 9.5% | 8.63% |
Cost-of-living data for Los Angeles and San Francisco comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated September 2026 across 374+ California moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in San Francisco are 10% higher than in Los Angeles. A renter relocating without a salary increase will see roughly 10% more of monthly income absorbed by housing.
- Home prices in San Francisco are 57% higher than Los Angeles. Existing homeowners trading up to similar square footage face a meaningful jump in down payment and monthly mortgage.
- Average income in San Francisco is 76% higher than Los Angeles. Negotiating a cost-of-living raise is realistic if you're transferring within the same employer.
- Cost of living for one person in San Francisco is 35% lower than Los Angeles. The savings typically free up 35% of monthly take-home for savings or discretionary spending.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in San Francisco is 31% lower than Los Angeles. Most households convert the savings into housing upgrades, college savings, or retirement contributions.
- Unemployment in San Francisco runs 49% lower than Los Angeles. Hiring is more competitive, which typically supports faster offers and wage growth.
- Sales taxes in San Francisco are 9% lower than Los Angeles. Households with larger spending profiles see the biggest savings.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,950 in San Francisco to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Los Angeles.
How life is different in Los Angeles vs. San Francisco
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in San Francisco might look different from Los Angeles in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| Los Angeles | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,820,914 | 808,988 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 64-31 | Democratic 85-13 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 67ºF |
| Winter low | 46ºF | 46ºF |
| Annual rain | 16" | 25" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 53.81 | 61.41 |
Did you know: Summer moves in California can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 22% of movers in California, vs 33% nationally).
- San Francisco is 79% smaller in size than Los Angeles. Smaller cities typically offer lower housing costs and shorter commutes, with fewer industry options for niche careers.
- In the last presidential election, both Los Angeles and San Francisco voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in San Francisco top out at 67°F, vs. 84°F in Los Angeles. Lower cooling costs and longer comfortable outdoor windows are the practical upside.
- Winter lows in Los Angeles (46°F) and San Francisco (46°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in San Francisco is 25 inches, vs. 16 inches in Los Angeles. Expect more wet days and budget for rain-resistant gear and home maintenance.
- Annual snowfall in Los Angeles and San Francisco is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime index in San Francisco (61.41) is higher than Los Angeles (53.81). Vet specific neighborhoods carefully and check property crime rates at the ZIP-code level.
Things to do in San Francisco
Adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and college campuses define San Francisco's lifestyle profile. The categories below highlight where to start.
Museums in San Francisco
- Exploratorium
- California Academy of Sciences
- Walt Disney Family Museum
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
- Legion of Honor
Parks in San Francisco
- Golden Gate Park
- Presidio of San Francisco
- Mission Dolores Park
- Crissy Field
- Yerba Buena Gardens
Sports teams in San Francisco
- San Francisco 49ers (NFL)
- San Francisco Giants (MLB)
- Golden State Warriors (NBA)
Universities in San Francisco
- City College of San Francisco
- San Francisco State University
- University of California, Hastings College of the Law
- University of California, San Francisco
- Academy of Art University
Final verdict: Los Angeles to San Francisco movers
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide California service. For smaller moves, Sterling Van Lines (4.76/5) is the top local choice, with 84.5% positive reviews across 362 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $361 - $7,112, based on our analysis of 374+ California movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Los Angeles to San Francisco
How long does a move from Los Angeles to San Francisco take?
Most moves from Los Angeles to San Francisco take 1 - 4 days from pickup to delivery. Same-day or next-day delivery is common on intrastate routes like this one, and getting your delivery date in writing gives you a binding guarantee. Add 4 - 8 hours for professional packing of a 2 - 3 bedroom home before the truck departs.
How far in advance should I book Los Angeles-to-San Francisco movers?
Book your Los Angeles to San Francisco movers at least 2 months ahead, or 3 months for a summer move since that's peak season. Booking early improves your odds of getting your preferred date and better rates, and some companies offer early-bird discounts. Since this is an intrastate move, same-day or next-day delivery is often available once your booking is confirmed.
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Los Angeles to San Francisco?
A full-service move from Los Angeles to San Francisco costs $1,054 - $3,109 for a few items or a small bedroom. A 2 - 3 bedroom home runs $1,948 - $5,188, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $2,940 - $7,112.
What percentage of Los Angeles movers handle piano or antique moves?
About 79% of movers in Los Angeles handle piano moves, and 68% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to San Francisco?
The cheapest time to move to San Francisco is between early October and late April, outside the industry's peak season of May through September. Demand and prices both drop once summer ends, so timing your move in the off-season saves money.
