($1,524+) Newark, NJ to San Francisco, CA Movers
Moving from Newark, NJ, to San Francisco, CA, runs anywhere from $1,524 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,215 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,893 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 $2,527, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $12,215 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,968 - $6,933, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,524 - $4,457.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Newark, NJ, to San Francisco, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,662 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Newark, NJ to San Francisco, CA
Moving options from Newark to San Francisco fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $3,662 - $7,581 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 32% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 55% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 2,893 miles and typically takes 7 to 21 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,893-mile route from Newark to San Francisco, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,527 for a studio up to $12,215 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,968 - $6,933 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,524 - $4,457, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,806 - $5,720, 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 November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Newark, NJ to San Francisco, CA
Full-service movers for the 2,893-mile relocation from Newark, New Jersey, to San Francisco, California, cost between $2,527 and $12,215. 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 $537 - $3,580, 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 Newark typically charge a base rate around $260 plus $120 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Newark to San Francisco:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,527 - $6,037
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,662 - $7,581
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,459 - $12,215
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 Newark to San Francisco.
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 Newark, NJ to San Francisco, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 62% of Newark 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 packing72% of local movers | $895 - $8,950 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready62% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $358 - $2,148/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $537 - $4,296 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs47% of local movers | $1,790 - $5,370 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,475 - $17,900 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,341 - $2,547 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $1,790 - $4,475 |
| Piano | Any piano type39% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $1,432 - $6,265 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $537 - $2,685 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect3% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (NJ) | $1,164 - $3,580 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $537 - $26,850+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $537 - $6,265+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Newark to San Francisco?
California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Newark, NJ. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Newark, NJ to San Francisco, CA
Moving containers from Newark, New Jersey, to San Francisco, California, cost between $1,968 and $6,933. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Newark runs about $130/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Newark to San Francisco:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,968 - $3,684
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,478 - $5,554
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,385 - $6,933
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Newark, 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 $1,253 in Newark, NJ, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $134 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $269 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 $1,968. 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 - $5,554.
What are the best moving containers Newark 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 Newark 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 Newark:
- Piece of Cake Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- Moishe's Moving Systems (4.5/5), 33 years in business
- Big G Movers Inc (4.9/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Newark, NJ to San Francisco, CA
Truck rentals from Newark, New Jersey, to San Francisco, California, range from $1,524 - $4,457 for the 2,893-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,648 - $1,883
- Daily insurance: $54/day
- Equipment rentals: $13 - $36
- Newark 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 Newark to San Francisco based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,524 - $3,202
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,634 - $3,630
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,110 - $4,457
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,524 - $4,457 does not include fuel ($1,648 - $1,883), lodging ($269/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Newark to San Francisco 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?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $134 and $627.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $269.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $1,648 and $1,883 for the 2,893-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $1,253 for 2 movers in Newark, New Jersey, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Newark 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 Newark, NJ to San Francisco, CA
For larger DIY moves from Newark, New Jersey, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to San Francisco, California.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,982 and $4,401.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Newark to San Francisco:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,806 - $3,349
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,982 - $4,401
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,932 - $5,720
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Newark, New Jersey, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $1,253.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $134 and $269 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Newark 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 move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Newark to San Francisco. 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: Newark, 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 Newark on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Newark, NJ | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 135 | 245 |
| Average rent | $2,300/mo | $3,250/mo |
| Median home value | $335,418 | $1,374,773 |
| Average income | $48,416/yr | $141,446/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 13.0% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 10.7% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 76/100 | 99/100 |
| Safety index | 24.76/100 | 38.59/100 |
| Air quality | Good | 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 Newark, 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 2,893-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Newark, NJ, to San Francisco, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,527 for a studio to $12,215 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 2,893-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,968 - $6,933. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,524 - $4,457, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,662 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Lyft and Securitize.
FAQs: Moving from Newark, NJ, to San Francisco, CA
What is the best time of year to move from Newark, 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 size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
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 24.76 and 75.24 in Newark. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Newark, NJ to San Francisco, CA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,634 - $3,630. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
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 Newark movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 39% of movers in Newark handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.