($1,325) Cost to Move From Boston, MA to San Francisco, CA

1. Boston Best Rate Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
2. Michael’s Moving & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
3. Poseidon Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
4. Esquire Moving & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
5. Flash Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Boston to San Francisco

When planning a move to San Francisco from Boston, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,325 and $5,765. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $4,205 and $8,192 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $7,755 to $13,341.

Cost of moving containers from Boston to San Francisco

When you’re heading from Boston to San Francisco, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,436 and $3,694. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,520 and $5,663. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,518 to $7,073. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Massachusetts easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Boston to San Francisco

A moving rental truck from Boston 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 $1,584 to $3,297. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,786 to $3,812, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Boston to San Francisco costs around $2,326 to $4,542.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Your budget won’t be hit too hard when you move to San Francisco from Boston with rent being about the same in each state.
• Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 68% steeper in San Francisco compared to Boston.
• Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 53% greater in San Francisco than in Boston, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
• Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in San Francisco. The cost of living for a single person there is 22% below that of Boston.
• A move to San Francisco can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 23% lower compared to Boston.
• San Francisco has a lower unemployment rate than Boston by about 13%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
• Sales taxes in San Francisco surpass those in Boston by 38%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
• Income taxes are 48% more in California than in Massachusetts. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.

• San Francisco’s population is about 20% greater than Boston.
• San Francisco’s public transportation score of 10 out of 10 is higher than Boston’s score of 9.
• San Francisco and Boston are similarly walkable.
• With a score of 99 out of 100, San Francisco is more bike-friendly than Boston, which has a score of 86 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 Boston with a score of 61.41 compared to Boston’s 39.88. This means that San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88%.
• San Francisco is considered to be less safe than Boston with a score of 38.59 vs Boston’s 60.12.
• Air quality in San Francisco is Moderate, and in Boston it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Boston 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.

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.