($1,555+) Jersey City, NJ to San Francisco, CA Movers
Moving from Jersey City, NJ, to San Francisco, CA, runs anywhere from $1,555 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,393 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,899 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,382, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,393 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,988 - $7,583, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,555 - $4,413.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Jersey City, NJ, to San Francisco, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,813 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Jersey City, NJ to San Francisco, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Jersey City to San Francisco: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $3,813 - $7,581. Moving containers run about 35% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 57% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 7 to 21 days for this 2,899-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,899-mile route from Jersey City to San Francisco, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,382 - $5,520 | $1,988 - $3,721 | $1,555 - $2,927 | $1,736 - $3,383 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,813 - $7,581 | $2,478 - $5,131 | $1,651 - $3,776 | $2,124 - $4,020 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,104 - $11,393 | $3,595 - $7,583 | $2,261 - $4,413 | $2,680 - $6,009 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Jersey City, NJ to San Francisco, CA
Full-service movers for the 2,899-mile relocation from Jersey City, New Jersey, to San Francisco, California, cost between $2,382 and $11,393. 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 $546 - $3,640, 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 Jersey City typically charge a base rate around $256 plus $139 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Jersey City to San Francisco:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,382 - $5,520
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,813 - $7,581
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,104 - $11,393
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 Jersey City to San Francisco.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from New Jersey to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Jersey City, NJ to San Francisco, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 61% of Jersey City movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In San Francisco, 54% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing71% of local movers | $910 - $9,100 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready61% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $364 - $2,184/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $546 - $4,368 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs46% of local movers | $1,820 - $5,460 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,550 - $18,200 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,363 - $2,590 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $1,820 - $4,550 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $1,456 - $6,370 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $546 - $2,730 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect3% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (NJ) | $1,183 - $3,640 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $546 - $27,300+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $546 - $6,370+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Jersey City to San Francisco?
All three below meet the standards set by the California Moving & Storage Association, the group most California movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Jersey City, NJ. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Jersey City, NJ to San Francisco, CA
Moving containers from Jersey City, New Jersey, to San Francisco, California, cost between $1,988 and $7,583. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Jersey City typically costs about $130/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Jersey City to San Francisco:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,988 - $3,721
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,478 - $5,131
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,595 - $7,583
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Jersey City, NJ and San Francisco, CA. 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 $1,274 in Jersey City, NJ, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $137 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $273 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 New Jersey to California 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 $1,988. 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 $2,478 - $5,131.
What are the best moving containers Jersey City to San Francisco?
- 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 Jersey City 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 Jersey City:
- Piece of Cake Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- Moishe's Moving Systems (4.5/5), 33 years in business
- Metropolis Moving, Inc. (4.9/5), 11 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Jersey City, NJ to San Francisco, CA
Plan on $1,555 - $4,413 for a rental moving truck on the 2,899-mile route from Jersey City, New Jersey, to San Francisco, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,679 - $1,919
- Daily insurance: $55/day
- Equipment rentals: $13 - $36
- Jersey City daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $0.99
| 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 Jersey City to San Francisco based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,555 - $2,927
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,651 - $3,776
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,261 - $4,413
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Jersey City to San Francisco starts at $1,555 - $4,413, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($1,679 - $1,919), overnight lodging ($273/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?
- Gas: Fuel adds $1,679 - $1,919 for the 2,899-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Jersey City, New Jersey, for about 5 hours typically costs around $1,274.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 2,899-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $273 per night, adding $546 - $819 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $91 and $546.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Jersey City to San Francisco?
- 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 Jersey City, NJ to San Francisco, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Jersey City, New Jersey, to San Francisco, California. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,638 and $4,020.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Jersey City to San Francisco:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,736 - $3,383
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,124 - $4,020
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,680 - $6,009
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 $137 - $273 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Jersey City, New Jersey, for about five hours typically runs $1,274.
What are the best freight companies from Jersey City to San Francisco?
- 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 one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to San Francisco quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Jersey City, NJ vs San Francisco, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in San Francisco, side by side with Jersey City on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Jersey City, NJ | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 140 | 245 |
| Average rent | $2,975/mo | $3,250/mo |
| Median home value | $538,163 | $1,374,773 |
| Average income | $94,813/yr | $141,446/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 8.3% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 10.7% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 87/100 | 99/100 |
| Safety index | 56.79/100 | 38.59/100 |
| 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 Francisco, CA to Jersey City, NJ guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from New Jersey to California 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 315 movers in our New Jersey network to compare for this 2,899-mile move.
Our take
The 2,899-mile move from Jersey City, NJ, to San Francisco, CA, costs between $2,382 and $11,393 with full-service movers, $1,988 - $7,583 with a moving container, and $1,555 - $4,413 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,813 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Lyft and Securitize.
FAQs: Moving from Jersey City, NJ, to San Francisco, CA
What is the best time of year to move from Jersey City, NJ to San Francisco, CA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Jersey City, NJ to San Francisco, CA?
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.
Is San Francisco a safe place to live?
San Francisco has a safety index of 38.59 out of 100 and a crime index of 61.41, compared to 56.79 and 43.21 in Jersey City. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is San Francisco?
San Francisco has a walkability score of 99 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 99, compared to 87 and 64 in Jersey City. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in San Francisco?
For families, Bernal Heights, Inner Sunset, and Noe Valley are worth a look in San Francisco. If you're moving solo or without kids, Marina District, Mission Bay, and Mission District tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Jersey City movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Jersey City handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.