($1,818+) San Francisco, CA to Boston, MA Movers
The cost to move from San Francisco, CA to Boston, MA ranges from $1,584 to $14,147, with an average cost of $5,450. Moves can be as low as $1,818 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 3,098 miles and usually takes 7 to 21 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from San Francisco, CA to Boston, MA
Moving options from San Francisco to Boston fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,584 - $14,147 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $5,450, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 3,098 miles and typically takes 7 to 21 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 3,098-mile route from San Francisco to Boston, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,584 for a studio up to $14,147 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $2,229 - $7,657 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,663 - $4,668, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $2,006 - $6,567, 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 September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from San Francisco, CA to Boston, MA
Full-service movers for the 3,098-mile relocation from San Francisco, California, to Boston, Massachusetts, cost between $1,584 and $14,147. 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 $622 - $4,148, 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 San Francisco typically charge a base rate around $284 plus $150 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Francisco to Boston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,584 - $6,720
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,637 - $9,130
- 4+ bedrooms: $8,895 - $14,147
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 San Francisco to Boston.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Massachusetts. 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 San Francisco, CA to Boston, MA
Specialty needs vary by market — 87% of San Francisco movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Boston, 96% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $1,037 - $10,370 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready87% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. | $415 - $2,489/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $622 - $4,978 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage56% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs49% of local movers | $2,074 - $6,222 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $5,185 - $20,740 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,553 - $2,951 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items70% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. | $2,074 - $5,185 |
| Piano | Any piano type79% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,659 - $7,259 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers | $622 - $3,111 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect27% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Luigy's Moving & Storage | $1,348 - $4,148 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $622 - $31,110+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $622 - $7,259+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Francisco to Boston?
Massachusetts Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Massachusetts, 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 San Francisco, CA. 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 San Francisco, CA to Boston, MA
Moving containers from San Francisco, California, to Boston, Massachusetts, cost between $2,229 and $7,657. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Boston. If you go over that window, storage in San Francisco adds around $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Francisco to Boston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,229 - $4,020
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,754 - $5,658
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,920 - $7,657
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $1,452 in San Francisco, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $156 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $311 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Boston, MA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Massachusetts 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 $2,229. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,754 - $5,658, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers San Francisco to Boston?
- 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco:
- Good Green Moving (4.7/5), 13 years in business
- Dependable Movers, LLC (4.9/5), 8 years in business
- Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 47 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Francisco, CA to Boston, MA
Renting a moving truck for the 3,098-mile move from San Francisco, California, to Boston, Massachusetts, costs between $1,663 and $4,668, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $2,044 - $2,336
- Daily insurance: $62/day
- Equipment rentals: $15 - $41
- San Francisco daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.59
| 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 San Francisco to Boston based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,663 - $3,495
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,894 - $3,961
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,490 - $4,668
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,663 - $4,668 does not include fuel ($2,044 - $2,336) , lodging ($311/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from San Francisco to Boston typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in San Francisco, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $1,452.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $2,044 - $2,336 for the 3,098-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $124 and $674, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $311 per night for hotel stops on the 3,098-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $622 - $933.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Francisco to Boston?
- 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 San Francisco, CA to Boston, MA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from San Francisco, California, to Boston, Massachusetts, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $2,181 and $4,434.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Francisco to Boston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,006 - $3,654
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,181 - $4,434
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,014 - $6,567
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 $156 - $311 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in San Francisco, California, for about five hours typically runs $1,452.
What are the best freight companies from San Francisco to Boston?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- PRO Logistics (4.54/5 stars): PRO Logistics is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: San Francisco, CA vs Boston, MA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Boston, side by side with San Francisco on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Francisco, CA | Boston, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 245 | 151 |
| Average rent | $3,250/mo | $3,400/mo |
| Median home value | $1,374,773 | $710,400 |
| Average income | $141,446/yr | $94,755/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 6.2% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 9.0% |
| Walkability score | 99/100 | 98/100 |
| Safety index | 38.59/100 | 60.12/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
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 Boston, MA to San Francisco, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from California to Massachusetts, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 374 movers in California, so you have real options to compare for this 3,098-mile move.
Our take
For a move from San Francisco, CA, to Boston, MA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,584 for a studio to $14,147 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 3,098-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $2,229 - $7,657. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,663 - $4,668, 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 $4,637 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 General Electric and Fidelity Investments.
FAQs: Moving from San Francisco, CA, to Boston, MA
Is Boston a safe place to live?
Boston has a safety index of 60.12 out of 100 and a crime index of 39.88, compared to 38.59 and 61.41 in San Francisco. 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 Boston?
Boston has a walkability score of 98 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 86, compared to 99 and 99 in San Francisco. 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 Boston?
For families, Charlestown, East Boston, and Hyde Park are worth a look in Boston. If you're moving solo or without kids, Allston-Brighton, Back Bay-Beacon Hill, and East Boston tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Massachusetts?
Moving companies in Massachusetts are required to obtain a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division to provide local and intrastate moving services in Massachusetts movers must carry adequate cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs required to list the services they provide and the cost for each.
What do local movers charge in San Francisco?
Local movers based in San Francisco typically start around $284 as a base rate, plus $150/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Boston run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of San Francisco movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 79% of movers in San Francisco handle piano moves, and 70% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
