($1,011+) San Francisco, CA to San Antonio, TX Movers
The cost to move from San Francisco, CA to San Antonio, TX ranges from $1,216 to $10,075, with an average cost of $3,850. Moves can be as low as $1,011 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,733 miles and usually takes 4 to 15 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from San Francisco, CA to San Antonio, TX
Moving options from San Francisco to San Antonio fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,216 - $10,075 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,850, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 41% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 65% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,733 miles and typically takes 4 to 15 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,733-mile route from San Francisco to San Antonio, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,216 for a studio up to $10,075 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,462 - $5,231 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,001 - $2,773, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,276 - $4,185, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from San Francisco, CA to San Antonio, TX
Hiring full-service movers from San Francisco, California, to San Antonio, Texas, costs between $1,216 and $10,075. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,733-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $550 - $3,668, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between San Francisco and San Antonio. For a rough baseline, movers based in San Francisco tend to start around $284 plus $150/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Francisco to San Antonio:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,216 - $5,442
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,221 - $7,026
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,871 - $10,075
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from San Francisco to San Antonio.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Texas. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from San Francisco, CA to San Antonio, TX
Specialty needs vary by market: 54% of San Francisco movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In San Antonio, 72% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing76% of local movers | $917 - $9,170 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready54% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $367 - $2,201/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $550 - $4,402 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs51% of local movers | $1,834 - $5,502 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,585 - $18,340 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,374 - $2,610 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,834 - $4,585 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,467 - $6,419 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $550 - $2,751 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationally | $1,192 - $3,668 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $550 - $27,510+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $550 - $6,419+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Francisco to San Antonio?
Look for Southwest Movers Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Texas beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in San Francisco, CA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from San Francisco, CA to San Antonio, TX
Moving containers from San Francisco, California, to San Antonio, Texas, cost between $1,462 and $5,231. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in San Francisco typically runs around $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Francisco to San Antonio:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,462 - $2,730
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,889 - $4,092
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,735 - $5,231
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both San Francisco, CA and San Antonio, TX. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $1,284 in San Francisco, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $138 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $275 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Texas move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,462. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,889 - $4,092.
What are the best moving containers San Francisco to San Antonio?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in San Francisco to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in San Francisco:
- Got2Move (4.8/5), 19 years in business
- Sweet Lemon Moving Services (5.0/5), 9 years in business
- 680 Movers (4.8/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Francisco, CA to San Antonio, TX
A rental truck for this 1,733-mile move from San Francisco, California, to San Antonio, Texas, costs between $1,001 and $2,773. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,011 - $1,156
- Daily insurance: $55/day
- Equipment rentals: $13 - $37
- San Francisco daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.59
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from San Francisco to San Antonio based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,001 - $1,944
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,127 - $2,267
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,393 - $2,773
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,001 - $2,773 does not include fuel ($1,011 - $1,156), lodging ($275/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from San Francisco to San Antonio typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $275 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in San Francisco, California, usually costs about $1,284 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,733-mile drive falls between $1,011 and $1,156, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $92 and $550 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Francisco to San Antonio?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from San Francisco, CA to San Antonio, TX
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from San Francisco, California, to San Antonio, Texas. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,542 and $3,087.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Francisco to San Antonio:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,276 - $2,607
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,542 - $3,087
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,979 - $4,185
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $138 - $275 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in San Francisco, California, for about five hours typically runs $1,284.
What are the best freight companies from San Francisco to San Antonio?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in San Antonio fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: San Francisco, CA vs San Antonio, TX
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in San Antonio, side by side with San Francisco on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Francisco, CA | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 245 | 91 |
| Average rent | $3,250/mo | $1,496/mo |
| Median home value | $1,374,773 | $216,453 |
| Average income | $141,446/yr | $62,917/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 3.8% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
| Walkability score | 99/100 | 37/100 |
| Safety index | 38.59/100 | 51.94/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our San Antonio, TX to San Francisco, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Texas, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. California alone has 1,126 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,733-mile move like this one.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from San Francisco, CA, to San Antonio, TX, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,216 - $10,075 on the 1,733-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,462 - $5,231 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,001 - $2,773 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,221 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to San Antonio tend to point to diversity and sight-seeing, though abundant stray pets and brutal summers come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Joint Base San Antonio (Three Military Bases) and H-E-B.
FAQs: Moving from San Francisco, CA, to San Antonio, TX
What are some tips for saving money on a move from San Francisco, CA to San Antonio, TX?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
How much does it cost to move from San Francisco, CA to San Antonio, TX?
Costs on this route range from around $1,011 to $10,075, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,216 and $10,075, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
How walkable is San Antonio?
San Antonio has a walkability score of 37 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 45, compared to 99 and 99 in San Francisco. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($1,011 - $1,156), daily insurance ($55/day), and equipment rentals ($13 - $37) on top. Overnight stops can add another $275/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Texas?
In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers.
What percentage of San Francisco movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in San Francisco handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.