($1,135) Cost to Move From Phoenix, AZ to San Francisco, CA

1. NorthStar Moving Company : 4.58 out of 5 stars
2. Beltmann Relocation Group: 4.58 out of 5 stars
3. Gilbert Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
4. Arizona Discount Movers: 4.56 out of 5 stars
5. Camelback Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Phoenix to San Francisco

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Phoenix to San Francisco, you can expect to spend between $1,135 and $4,072. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,303 to $5,882 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Phoenix to San Francisco typically runs between $3,844 and $7,737.

Cost of moving containers from Phoenix to San Francisco

When moving from Phoenix to San Francisco, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $715 and $1,732. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,327 to $2,527. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,707 up to $3,428. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Arizona.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Phoenix to San Francisco

Renting a moving truck in Phoenix is usually your cheapest option to get to San Francisco. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $505 and $960. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $568 and $1,200. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $748 and $1,397.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• As you consider relocating to San Francisco, note that rent can be roughly 92% more expensive than it is in Phoenix; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
• Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 202% higher in San Francisco than in Phoenix.
• Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 112% higher in San Francisco compared to Phoenix, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
• Plan for higher expenses in San Francisco, since the cost of living for a single person is 60% more than in Phoenix. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
• If your journey leads to San Francisco, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in San Francisco is 67% more than it is in Phoenix.
• San Francisco experiences an unemployment rate that is about 18% lower than that of Phoenix. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
• Sales taxes are similar in San Francisco and Phoenix (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
• Income taxes are 432% higher in California compared to Arizona. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.

• San Francisco’s population is about 50% less than Phoenix.
• San Francisco’s public transportation score of 10 out of 10 is higher than Phoenix’s score of 6.
• San Francisco is more walkable than Phoenix with a score of 99 out of 100 vs Phoenix’s 41 out of 100.
• With a score of 99 out of 100, San Francisco is more bike-friendly than Phoenix, which has a score of 56 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
• San Francisco’s crime rate is higher than Phoenix with a score of 61.41 compared to Phoenix’s 53.06. This means that San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Phoenix neighborhoods are safer than 53.06%.
• San Francisco is considered to be less safe than Phoenix with a score of 38.59 vs Phoenix’s 46.94.
• Air quality in San Francisco is Moderate, and in Phoenix it’s Moderate.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a California moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While California doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches San Francisco smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
• Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Marina District
• Mission Bay
• Mission District
• Noe Valley

Best neighborhoods for families

• Bernal Heights
• Inner Sunset
• Noe Valley
• North Beach
• Presidio Heights

Things to do in San Francisco

After getting comfortable in your new California home, it’s time to see what San Francisco is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, San Francisco offers cultural landmarks like the Exploratorium, California Academy of Sciences, Walt Disney Family Museum, and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Golden Gate Park, Presidio of San Francisco, Mission Dolores Park, and Crissy Field — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an San Francisco 49ers (NFL)San Francisco Giants (MLB)Golden State Warriors (NBA) game.