San Francisco to Sacramento Movers & Costs (2026)
A San Francisco to Sacramento, CA move (~87 miles) starts around $82 for a studio move with a rental truck, and goes up to $3,561 for full-service movers handling a 5-bedroom home.
Local movers such as Pure Moving Company, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.56 out of 5 stars across 2,911 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $150/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.
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November is a low-cost month to move in San Francisco
Mover demand is low and schedules are flexible. This is one of the best times of year to lock in a competitive rate.
What are the best ways to move from San Francisco to Sacramento?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like San Francisco to Sacramento 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 Pure Moving Company (4.56/5) as the top local pick, followed by Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.62/5). 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 San Francisco to Sacramento moves complete in 1 - 2 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 1,154+ California movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from San Francisco to Sacramento?
A move from San Francisco to Sacramento runs $82 to $3,561*, per moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Costs shift based on service type and home size.
Here's what each option costs:
- Full-service movers: $527 - $3,561
- Moving containers: $566 - $1,620
- Rental trucks: $82 - $166
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves combine packing, loading, transport, and unloading in one quote. Professional packing alone runs $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower your costs by putting the loading and unloading on you while the company handles transport.
- Rental trucks land roughly 30% under full-service pricing, but you're responsible for driving the truck and arranging your own moving help.
- Movers using moveBuddha's cost calculator typically save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $527 - $2,475 | $566 - $932 | $82 - $125 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $999 - $2,823 | $700 - $1,410 | $91 - $146 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,435 - $3,561 | $989 - $1,620 | $105 - $166 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 1,154+ California moving companies, and are updated as of November 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 San Francisco, CA movers.
How San Francisco to Sacramento moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $150 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 $1,800.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
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 San Francisco to Sacramento
Moving from San Francisco to Sacramento 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. Pure Moving Company leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.56 out of 5 stars across 2,911 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from San Francisco to Sacramento
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
4.56 / 5
- Years in Business: 12
- 99% positive reviews
- BBB: A+
rating
4.62 / 5
- Years in Business: 16
- 87% positive reviews
- BBB: A+
rating
4.52 / 5
- Years in Business: 19
- 94% positive reviews
- BBB: A+
Our top local picks:
- Pure Moving Company (4.56/5 stars): 98.63% positive customer ratings.
- Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.62/5 stars): 87.0% positive customer ratings.
- Got2Move (4.52/5 stars): 93.9% positive customer ratings.
- Dependable Movers, LLC (4.48/5 stars): 96.2% positive customer ratings.
- Good Green Moving (4.44/5 stars): 88.1% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 263 movers in San Francisco, drawing on 72,252 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from San Francisco to Sacramento
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.
rating
4.9 / 5
- Best overall value
- Veteran owned
- Portion to charity
rating
4.9 / 5
- Certified crews
- Flat-rate pricing
- Family-owned
rating
4.8 / 5
- 1,800 trucks
- Storage available
- Customized moving plans
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 San Francisco, CA
San Francisco residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More California moving resources
How does Sacramento compare to San Francisco?
Cost of living: San Francisco vs. Sacramento
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.
| San Francisco | Sacramento | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,250 | $1,899 |
| Average home cost | $1,374,773 | $483,739 |
| Average income (per capita) | $141,446 | $83,753 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,781 | $2,656 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,717 | $6,191 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 7.7% |
| Average sales tax | 8.63% | 8.75% |
Cost-of-living data for San Francisco and Sacramento comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated November 2026 across 1,154+ California moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Sacramento are 42% lower than in San Francisco. The gap typically frees up several hundred dollars a month for savings or a larger unit.
- Home prices in Sacramento are 65% lower than San Francisco. Buyers can stretch existing budget into a larger home, better neighborhood, or earlier purchase timeline.
- Average income in Sacramento is 41% lower than San Francisco. A same-role transfer typically requires offsetting the salary gap with cost-of-living savings.
- Cost of living for one person in Sacramento is 30% lower than San Francisco. The savings typically free up 30% of monthly take-home for savings or discretionary spending.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Sacramento is 29% lower than San Francisco. Most households convert the savings into housing upgrades, college savings, or retirement contributions.
- Unemployment in Sacramento runs 43% higher than San Francisco. Lock in a role before relocating, especially if you depend on a single income.
- Sales taxes in Sacramento and San Francisco match. Day-to-day taxable purchases cost the same in both cities.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,100 in Sacramento to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in San Francisco.
How life is different in San Francisco vs. Sacramento
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Sacramento might look different from San Francisco in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| San Francisco | Sacramento | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,988 | 524,943 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 85-13 | Democratic 51-46 |
| Summer high | 67ºF | 93ºF |
| Winter low | 46ºF | 39ºF |
| Annual rain | 25" | 20" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 61.41 | 49.21 |
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 20% of movers in California, vs 23% nationally).
- Sacramento is 35% smaller in size than San Francisco. Smaller cities typically offer lower housing costs and shorter commutes, with fewer industry options for niche careers.
- In the last presidential election, both San Francisco and Sacramento voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in Sacramento reach 93°F, hotter than San Francisco at 67°F. Expect higher AC costs and more indoor activity from June to August.
- Winter lows in Sacramento reach 39°F, colder than San Francisco's 46°F. Plan for higher heating costs and winterization needs.
- Annual rainfall in San Francisco (25 inches) and Sacramento (20 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in San Francisco and Sacramento is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime index in Sacramento (49.21) is lower than San Francisco (61.41). Lower property crime typically translates to lower home insurance premiums and broader housing options.
Things to do in Sacramento
Sacramento balances outdoor access, cultural depth, sports culture, and academic presence. The categories below cover the best of each.
Museums in Sacramento
- California State Railroad Museum
- Crocker Art Museum
- California State Capitol Museum
- Old Sacramento
- California Automobile Museum
Parks in Sacramento
- Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park
- Capitol Park
- William Land Park
- McKinley Park
- American River Parkway
Sports teams in Sacramento
- Sacramento Kings (NBA)
- Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship)
- Sacramento River Cats (Triple-A West)
Universities in Sacramento
- California State University-Sacramento
- Epic Bible College
- MTI College
- Asher College
- Carrington College-Sacramento
Final verdict: San Francisco to Sacramento 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, Pure Moving Company (4.56/5) is the top local choice, with 98.63% positive reviews across 2,911 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $82 - $3,561, based on our analysis of 1,154+ California movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from San Francisco to Sacramento
How much is a moving truck from San Francisco to Sacramento?
A rental truck from San Francisco to Sacramento costs $77 - $128 for a studio or 1-bedroom move, $91 - $146 for 2 - 3 bedrooms, and $105 - $166 for 4 or more. It's usually the cheapest option since you handle the driving and loading yourself, and the estimate includes fuel.
Do movers in California offer storage?
59% of movers in California offer storage, including storage-in-transit for when your new place isn't ready when the truck arrives, compared to 60% nationally.
How long does a move from San Francisco to Sacramento take?
Most moves from San Francisco to Sacramento take 1 - 2 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 San Francisco-to-Sacramento movers?
Book your San Francisco to Sacramento 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 San Francisco to Sacramento?
A full-service move from San Francisco to Sacramento costs $497 - $2,166 for a few items or a small bedroom. A 2 - 3 bedroom home runs $999 - $2,823, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $1,435 - $3,561.