($1,523+) San Francisco, CA to Arlington, VA Movers
The cost to move from San Francisco, CA to Arlington, VA ranges from $1,362 to $12,522, with an average cost of $4,650. Moves can be as low as $1,523 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,816 miles and usually takes 7 to 21 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 Arlington, VA
Moving options from San Francisco to Arlington fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,362 - $12,522 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,650, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 35% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 56% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 2,816 miles and typically takes 7 to 21 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,816-mile route from San Francisco to Arlington, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,362 - $5,887 | $1,960 - $3,588 | $1,601 - $3,164 | $1,694 - $3,262 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,866 - $8,242 | $2,516 - $5,101 | $1,700 - $3,659 | $1,993 - $4,081 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,424 - $12,522 | $3,645 - $6,958 | $2,021 - $4,623 | $2,694 - $5,739 |
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 Arlington, VA
Full-service movers for the 2,816-mile relocation from San Francisco, California, to Arlington, Virginia, cost between $1,362 and $12,522. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $638 - $4,252, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in San Francisco typically charge a base rate around $284 plus $150 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Francisco to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,362 - $5,887
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,866 - $8,242
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,424 - $12,522
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 Arlington.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from San Francisco, CA to Arlington, VA
Specialty needs vary by market: 54% of San Francisco movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Arlington, 70% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing76% of local movers | $1,063 - $10,630 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready54% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $425 - $2,551/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $638 - $5,102 |
| 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 | $2,126 - $6,378 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $5,315 - $21,260 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,592 - $3,025 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $2,126 - $5,315 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,701 - $7,441 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $638 - $3,189 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationally | $1,382 - $4,252 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $638 - $31,890+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $638 - $7,441+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Francisco to Arlington?
Look for Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Virginia 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 Arlington, VA
Moving containers from San Francisco, California, to Arlington, Virginia, cost between $1,960 and $6,958. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in San Francisco costs roughly $120/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Francisco to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,960 - $3,588
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,516 - $5,101
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,645 - $6,958
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $159 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $319 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Arlington, VA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $1,488 in San Francisco, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Virginia 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 $1,960. 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 $2,516 - $5,101.
What are the best moving containers San Francisco to Arlington?
- 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 Arlington, VA
Truck rentals from San Francisco, California, to Arlington, Virginia, range from $1,601 - $4,623 for the 2,816-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,905 - $2,177
- Daily insurance: $64/day
- Equipment rentals: $15 - $43
- 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 Arlington based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,601 - $3,164
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,700 - $3,659
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,021 - $4,623
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from San Francisco to Arlington starts at $1,601 - $4,623, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($1,905 - $2,177), overnight lodging ($319/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $319 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $138 and $691 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $1,905 - $2,177 in fuel for the 2,816-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $1,488 in San Francisco, California, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Francisco to Arlington?
- 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 Arlington, VA
If you're moving a larger household from San Francisco, California, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Arlington, Virginia.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,993 and $4,081.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Francisco to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,694 - $3,262
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,993 - $4,081
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,694 - $5,739
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
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 $159 - $319 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in San Francisco, California, for about five hours typically runs $1,488.
What are the best freight companies from San Francisco to Arlington?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from San Francisco to Arlington. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: San Francisco, CA vs Arlington, VA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Arlington, side by side with San Francisco on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Francisco, CA | Arlington, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 245 | 164 |
| Average rent | $3,250/mo | $2,718/mo |
| Median home value | $1,374,773 | $866,334 |
| Average income | $141,446/yr | $140,160/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 5.75% |
| Walkability score | 99/100 | 71/100 |
| Safety index | 38.59/100 | 79.15/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
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 Arlington, VA to San Francisco, CA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from California to Virginia over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 1,126 movers in our California network to compare for this 2,816-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from San Francisco, CA, to Arlington, VA, 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 $1,362 - $12,522 on the 2,816-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,960 - $6,958 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,601 - $4,623 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,866 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include U.S. Department of Defense and Safran.
FAQs: Moving from San Francisco, CA, to Arlington, VA
How long does a move from San Francisco, CA to Arlington, VA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 7 to 21 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What do local movers charge in San Francisco?
Local movers based in San Francisco typically start around $284 as a base rate, plus $150/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Arlington run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from San Francisco, CA to Arlington, VA?
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 Arlington, VA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,523 to $12,522, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,362 and $12,522, 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 Arlington?
Arlington has a walkability score of 71 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, 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 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.