($595+) Seattle, WA to San Francisco, CA Movers
Moving from Seattle, WA, to San Francisco, CA, runs anywhere from $566 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,254 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 807 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $2,027, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $9,254 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,106 - $3,655, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $566 - $1,570.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Seattle, WA, to San Francisco, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,672 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 Seattle, WA to San Francisco, CA
Moving options from Seattle to San Francisco fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,672 - $6,720 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 807 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 7 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 807-mile route from Seattle to San Francisco, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,027 - $5,022 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,106 - $2,018), rental truck ($566 - $1,134), or freight trailer ($1,026 - $1,853). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,672 - $6,720 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $9,254.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Seattle, WA to San Francisco, CA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 807-mile move from Seattle, Washington, to San Francisco, California, with prices running from $2,027 - $9,254. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $578 - $3,856 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Seattle and San Francisco are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Seattle movers tend to run around $260 as a base rate plus $141/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Seattle to San Francisco:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,027 - $5,022
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,672 - $6,720
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,877 - $9,254
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 Seattle to San Francisco.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Washington to California. 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 Seattle, WA to San Francisco, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 92% of Seattle movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In San Francisco, 87% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing97% of local movers | $964 - $9,640 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready92% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $386 - $2,314/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $578 - $4,627 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage37% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs37% of local movers | $1,928 - $5,784 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,820 - $19,280 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,444 - $2,744 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items56% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Seattle Movers | $1,928 - $4,820 |
| Piano | Any piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $1,542 - $6,748 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling40% of local movers | $578 - $2,892 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect29% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Hansen Bros Moving and Storage | $1,253 - $3,856 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $578 - $28,920+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $578 - $6,748+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Seattle to San Francisco?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in California Moving & Storage Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Seattle, WA. 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 Seattle, WA to San Francisco, CA
Moving containers from Seattle, Washington, to San Francisco, California, cost between $1,106 and $3,655. 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 Seattle runs about $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Seattle to San Francisco:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,106 - $2,018
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,393 - $2,829
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,908 - $3,655
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Seattle, WA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $1,350, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $145 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $289 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Seattle, WA, and San Francisco, CA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Washington 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 $1,106. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,393 - $2,829, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Seattle 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 Seattle 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 Seattle:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 8 years in business
- On The Go Moving and Storage (4.8/5), 15 years in business
- All Service Moving (4.9/5), 14 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Seattle, WA to San Francisco, CA
Plan on $566 - $1,570 for a rental moving truck on the 807-mile route from Seattle, Washington, to San Francisco, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $495 - $566
- Daily insurance: $58/day
- Equipment rentals: $13 - $39
- Seattle daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.19 - $1.39
| 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 Seattle to San Francisco based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $566 - $1,134
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $662 - $1,294
- 4+ bedrooms: $781 - $1,570
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $566 - $1,570 when pricing out a rental truck from Seattle to San Francisco. Fuel alone runs ($495 - $566) , and overnight lodging ($289/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $289 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 Seattle, Washington, usually costs about $1,350 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 807-mile drive falls between $495 and $566, 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 $96 and $578 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Seattle 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 Seattle, WA to San Francisco, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Seattle, Washington, 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 $1,735 and $2,354.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Seattle to San Francisco:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,026 - $1,853
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,114 - $2,354
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,481 - $2,983
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $145 and $289.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Seattle, Washington, for roughly five hours typically average $1,350.
What are the best freight companies from Seattle to San Francisco?
- 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.
- Allstate Transport (4.76/5 stars): Allstate Transport is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in San Francisco 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: Seattle, WA 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 Seattle on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Seattle, WA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 158 | 245 |
| Average rent | $1,975/mo | $3,250/mo |
| Median home value | $911,938 | $1,374,773 |
| Average income | $121,984/yr | $141,446/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 74/100 | 99/100 |
| Safety index | 49.23/100 | 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 Seattle, WA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Washington to California, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 95 movers licensed in Washington, useful context for sizing up this 807-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 807-mile route from Seattle, WA, to San Francisco, CA, run $2,027 - $9,254 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,106 - $3,655, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $566 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,672, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Lyft and Securitize.
FAQs: Moving from Seattle, WA, to San Francisco, CA
How long does a move from Seattle, WA to San Francisco, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 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 is the cheapest way to move from Seattle, WA 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 $662 - $1,294. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
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 49.23 and 58.88 in Seattle. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Seattle movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 76% of movers in Seattle handle piano moves, and 56% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
