Highly rated local moving companies for Cincinnati to San Francisco moves
Organizing a move from Cincinnati to San Francisco can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 12 local movers in Cincinnati known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Cincinnati to San Francisco.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Clark and Sons Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move Relocation Services: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.34 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 136562
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1237577
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 604361
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2962688
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00604903
Years in Business: 23
DOT #: 1878284
Alternate Names: Smooth Move Relocation Services LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2878240
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhops Moving Help
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Cincinnati to San Francisco?
On average, moving companies in Ohio charge about $153 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,241 – $5,224 | $1,270 – $3,217 | $1,328 – $2,542 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,523 – $7,631 | $2,145 – $4,726 | $1,466 – $3,118 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,551 – $12,160 | $2,980 – $5,971 | $1,870 – $3,675 |
Cost to hire movers from Cincinnati to San Francisco
When planning a move to San Francisco from Cincinnati, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,241 and $5,224. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,523 and $7,631 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $6,551 to $12,160.
Cost of moving containers from Cincinnati to San Francisco
When you’re heading from Cincinnati to San Francisco, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,270 and $3,217. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,145 and $4,726. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,980 to $5,971. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Ohio easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Cincinnati to San Francisco
A moving rental truck from Cincinnati to San Francisco is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,328 to $2,542. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,466 to $3,118, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Cincinnati to San Francisco costs around $1,870 to $3,675.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Cincinnati to San Francisco
The cost of Cincinnati movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Cincinnati to San Francisco may only cost $2,541, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $11,447.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Cincinnati.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,328–$3,521), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Cincinnati to San Francisco
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – San Francisco runs about 53% higher for singles and 36% higher for families than Cincinnati.
Singles spend around $3,781 in Cincinnati versus $2,467 in Cincinnati; families pay $8,717 compared with $6,418.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Cincinnati | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,488 | $3,259 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,893 | $5,475 |
| Average home value | $232,735 | $1,241,003 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,682 | $136,689 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,467 | $3,781 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,418 | $8,717 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 5.4% |
| Sales tax | 6.5% | 8.63% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 124% more expensive in San Francisco than in Cincinnati. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 433% steeper in San Francisco compared to Cincinnati.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 108% greater in San Francisco than in Cincinnati, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in San Francisco, with the cost of living for a single person being 53% more than in Cincinnati. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to San Francisco, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 36% higher than in Cincinnati.
- San Francisco has a higher unemployment rate than Cincinnati by about 10%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes in San Francisco surpass those in Cincinnati by 33%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 280% more in California than in Ohio. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Cincinnati versus San Francisco:
| Living Expense | Cincinnati | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $128.95 | $229.35 |
| Cell phone plan | $56.81 | $62.91 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.26 | $5.91 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.30 | $5.06 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $125.00 |
| Gym membership | $30.82 | $99.96 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Cincinnati than in San Francisco, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Cincinnati than in San Francisco.
- Eggs are less expensive in Cincinnati than in San Francisco.
- Bread costs less in Cincinnati than in San Francisco.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Cincinnati than in San Francisco.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Cincinnati than in San Francisco.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Cincinnati than in San Francisco.
How life is different in Cincinnati vs. San Francisco
| Cincinnati | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 309,317 | 808,988 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 10 |
| Walkability score | 49 | 99 |
| Bike friendliness score | 36 | 99 |
| Crime index | 48.47 | 61.41 |
| Safety index | 49.53 | 38.59 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- San Francisco’s population is about 162% greater than Cincinnati.
- San Francisco’s public transportation score of 10 out of 10 is higher than Cincinnati’s score of 6.
- San Francisco is more walkable than Cincinnati with a score of 99 out of 100 vs Cincinnati’s 49 out of 100.
- With a score of 99 out of 100, San Francisco is more bike-friendly than Cincinnati, which has a score of 36 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 Cincinnati with a score of 61.41 compared to Cincinnati’s 48.47. This means that San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Cincinnati neighborhoods are safer than 48.47%.
- San Francisco is considered to be less safe than Cincinnati with a score of 38.59 vs Cincinnati’s 49.53.
- Air quality in San Francisco is Moderate, and in Cincinnati it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Cincinnati to San Francisco move
- HOA rules: Costs across Cincinnati and San Francisco are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in California, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in California, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to San Francisco. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in San Francisco
With your sights set on The Golden Gate City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in San Francisco.
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
With your move to California complete, you can dive right into experiencing San Francisco. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: San Francisco is home to museums and cultural arts centers 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 spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an San Francisco 49ers (NFL)San Francisco Giants (MLB)Golden State Warriors (NBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Cincinnati to San Francisco?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Cincinnati to San Francisco. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Cincinnati.
When is the cheapest time to move from Cincinnati to San Francisco?
Want to save on your move from Cincinnati to San Francisco? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Cincinnati to San Francisco take?
The 2,364-mile move from Cincinnati, OH, to San Francisco, , takes seven to 18 days. Some Cincinnati movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in San Francisco.
What kinds of discounts do Cincinnati movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 1 movers offer special pricing for military members. 1 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Cincinnati?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 3 movers in Cincinnati provide piano moving services. Statewide, there are 59 piano movers and 37 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Cincinnati moving services
Popular Ohio routes
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