Moving from San Francisco to Los Angeles, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from San Francisco to Los Angeles costs $406–$8,243, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 382-mile route within California take 1–4 days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 374+ California moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- NorthStar Moving Company leads local picks at 4.66 out of 5 stars across 1,172 verified customer reviews.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
Moving from San Francisco to Los Angeles doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5) and NorthStar Moving Company (4.66/5) for smaller homes and apartment moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 382-mile move:
Moving from Birmingham to Huntsville costs between $122 and $5,102, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 100-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,258–$5,601 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,417–$2,578 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $455–$930 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Good Green Moving | $150/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
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 San Francisco to Los Angeles?
The cost to move from San Francisco to Los Angeles ranges from $406 to $8,243, according to moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Pricing on this 382-mile route depends on which moving service you pick and how much you're hauling:
- Full-service movers: $1,318–$8,243
- Moving containers: $1,130–$3,390
- Rental trucks: $406–$1,126
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 the price because you handle loading and unloading while the company drives the container.
- Rental trucks come in roughly 30% cheaper than full-service, but you drive 382 miles and provide all the 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 | $1,318–$4,549 | $1,130–$1,891 | $406–$792 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,258–$5,601 | $1,417–$2,578 | $455–$930 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,584–$8,243 | $1,767–$3,390 | $549–$1,126 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 374+ California moving companies, and are updated as of May 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.
What extra fees should you expect on a San Francisco to Los Angeles move?
Plan for a few extra fees on a San Francisco to Los Angeles move: professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. They aren't usually included in initial quotes, but together they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $150/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $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 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
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 San Francisco to Los Angeles
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from San Francisco to Los Angeles, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. NorthStar Moving Company leads local picks for smaller moves at 4.66 out of 5 stars across 1,172 verified customer reviews. At 382 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from San Francisco to Los Angeles. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout California, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 382 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
Best movers for smaller homes & apartment moves
NorthStar Moving Company is the top-rated local mover for smaller homes and apartment moves from San Francisco to Los Angeles, earning 4.66 out of 5 stars on moveBuddha. NorthStar Moving Company has been in business since 1995 (31 years), with 91.6% of 1,172 verified customer reviews positive. For a move under 500 miles, a strong local mover is priced the same as a national operator and often offers more flexibility on scheduling.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Los Angeles to San Francisco guide.
How does Los Angeles compare to San Francisco?
Cost of living: San Francisco vs. Los Angeles
The cost of living in San Francisco vs. Los Angeles is more than just housing costs. Rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends all shape your budget. The comparison below shows how life in Los Angeles measures up against San Francisco.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| San Francisco | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,250 | $2,960 |
| Average home cost | $1,374,773 | $878,142 |
| Average income (per capita) | $141,446 | $80,366 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,781 | $5,833 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,717 | $12,720 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 10.6% |
| Average sales tax | 8.63% | 9.5% |
Cost-of-living data for San Francisco and Los Angeles comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated May 2026 across 374+ California cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent in Los Angeles runs 9% cheaper than San Francisco. Consider upgrading to a larger unit or banking the savings.
- Home prices in Los Angeles are 36% lower than San Francisco. Most buyers translate the gap into bigger square footage or a faster path to ownership.
- Average income in Los Angeles is 43% lower than San Francisco. Watch your real take-home, since lower salaries don't always pair with lower expenses.
- Cost of living for one person is 54% higher in Los Angeles than San Francisco. Budget the gap into your monthly plan rather than absorbing it through reduced savings.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 moving to Los Angeles runs 46% higher than San Francisco. Confirm school, childcare, and healthcare costs in the destination ZIP code before locking the move.
- Unemployment in Los Angeles runs 96% higher than San Francisco. Lock in a role before relocating, especially if you depend on a single income.
- Sales taxes in Los Angeles are 10% higher than San Francisco. Annual spending on taxable goods will land meaningfully higher.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in San Francisco, you'll need about $4,620 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Los Angeles.
How life is different in San Francisco vs. Los Angeles
A look at how life in Los Angeles measures up to San Francisco covers weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population. The comparison below makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| San Francisco | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,988 | 3,820,914 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 85-13 | Democratic 64-31 |
| Summer high | 67ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 46ºF | 46ºF |
| Annual rain | 25" | 16" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 61.41 | 53.81 |
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Los Angeles is roughly 372% larger in size than San Francisco. Bigger metros support more industry diversity and entertainment options, with the tradeoff of higher housing prices and longer commutes.
- During the last presidential election, both San Francisco and Los Angeles supported the Democratic candidate.
- Summer highs in Los Angeles hit 84°F, vs. 67°F in San Francisco. Budget for higher cooling bills and adjust outdoor routines for the heat.
- Winter lows are comparable in San Francisco (46°F) and Los Angeles (46°F). Heating loads stay level.
- Annual rainfall in San Francisco is 25 inches, higher than Los Angeles's 16 inches. Drier weather supports more outdoor activity and lower irrigation costs.
- Annual snowfall in San Francisco and Los Angeles is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime index in Los Angeles (53.81) runs lower than San Francisco (61.41). The safety profile typically translates to insurance and housing flexibility.
Things to do in Los Angeles
Adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and college campuses define Los Angeles's lifestyle profile. The categories below highlight where to start.
Museums in Los Angeles
- The Getty Center
- Griffith Observatory
- Petersen Automotive Museum
- Battleship USS Iowa Museum
- The Broad
Parks in Los Angeles
- Griffith Park
- Runyon Canyon Park
- Lake Hollywood Park
- Echo Park
- Venice Skatepark
Sports teams in Los Angeles
- Los Angeles Clippers (NBA)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
- Los Angeles FC (MLS)
- Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
- Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)
Universities in Los Angeles
- California State University, Los Angeles
- California State University, Northridge
- University of California, Los Angeles
- American Film Institute Conservatory
- Alliant International University
Final verdict: best movers from San Francisco to Los Angeles
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from San Francisco to Los Angeles, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide California service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service. For smaller homes and apartment moves, NorthStar Moving Company (4.66 out of 5 stars) is the top local pick, with 91.6% positive reviews across 1,172 verified customer reviews.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $406–$8,243 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 374+ California movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from San Francisco to Los Angeles
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
A full-service move from San Francisco to Los Angeles typically costs $1,271–$3,864 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, expect to pay $2,258–$5,601. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, prices fall between $3,584 and $8,243 on the same route.
How much are moving container companies from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
Moving containers from San Francisco to Los Angeles have typical costs as follows. For a studio or 1-bedroom, prices fall between $776 and $1,931. For a 2–3 bedroom home, expect to pay $1,417–$2,578. For 4–5 bedroom homes, moves typically range from $1,767 to $3,390.
How much is a moving truck from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
A rental moving truck from San Francisco to Los Angeles costs $444–$777 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move costs $455–$930. A 4-bedroom or larger move costs $549–$1,126.
Rental trucks are the most budget-friendly choice for movers willing to handle the driving and heavy lifting. Estimated fuel costs are factored into the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book San Francisco-to-Los Angeles movers?
Lock in your movers for a San Francisco to Los Angeles move at least 2 months before your big day. For a summer move, aim for 3 months ahead, since spots fill up fast. Early booking boosts your chances of getting the date you want, and many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Los Angeles?
The cheapest time of year to move to Los Angeles is between early October and late April. This period falls outside the moving industry's peak season (May through September), which means demand and pricing both run lower. Most U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months saves money.
