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How Much Do Movers Cost in San Francisco, CA?

Quick answer: Local moving costs in San Francisco, California typically range from $423 to $4,014, with an average hourly rate of $122. For out-of-state moves, what you’ll pay long-distance movers in San Francisco depends on how far you’re going, your home size, and service level.

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I’ve helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that fit’s your budget.
I’ve helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that fit’s your budget.
Use our moving cost calculator to get an accurate quote for your move.
Seeing wide cost ranges can be confusing. Actual moving costs in San Francisco are affected by many factors such as, distance and size of your move, along with the time of year, and if you add on any additional services. Use our free moving cost calculator get a more realistic cost for your exact move.
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Average cost of local movers in San Francisco, CA

Opting for a moving company in San Francisco provides unmatched convenience, streamlining your move considerably. Be prepared, however, for this ease of transition to come with a steeper price than if you decide to dive into a DIY move.

Here’s how much professional movers cost in San Francisco based on your move size:

Home size Avg. total cost Cost/hour # of movers # hours
Studio $423 $171 2 movers 3 hours
1 bedroom $594 $171 2 movers 4 hours
2 bedrooms $972 $240 3 movers 5 hours
3 bedrooms $2,267 $336 4 movers 8 hours
4 bedrooms $2,603 $336 4 movers 9 hours
5+ bedrooms $4,014 $470 5 movers 10 hours

Read more cost details

  • Studio: When relocating from a studio apartment, it’s common to have two movers handle the job, which can consume up to three hours. This timeframe can shift depending on your belongings, charged by the hour at $171.
  • One bedroom: When relocating from a one-bedroom residence, it’s reasonable to plan for a cost of $171 per hour. This accounts for a two-person crew over the course of four hours.
  • Two bedrooms: Moving a two-bedroom home in California will cost about $240 an hour. You’ll likely need three movers for five hours.
  • Three bedrooms: The cost to hire movers in California for a three-bedroom home is $336 per hour. Generally, it takes eight hours to finish with a crew of four.
  • Four bedrooms: For a four-bedroom move in California, expect four movers to need about nine hours, billed at $336 per hour.
  • Five or more bedrooms: The hourly rate for hiring California movers to handle a property with five or more bedrooms is $470. Moves of this scale typically involve five movers and around 10 hours.

Good news for San Francisco moves: Hourly moving rates in CA hover around $122, which undercuts the U.S. norm of $139.

Easily compare personalized moving quotes for your San Francisco move using our free and instant moving cost calculator.

Best local moving companies in San Francisco, CA

With a comprehensive review of licenses, insurance policies, customer feedback, and myriad other factors, our skilled team has pinpointed the best local movers in San Francisco.

  1. Pure Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
  2. Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  3. Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  4. NorthStar Moving Company : 4.5 out of 5 stars
  5. Good Green Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
  6. Jay’s Small Moves: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  7. Dependable Movers, LLC: 4.44 out of 5 stars
  8. Luigy’s Moving & Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars
  9. West Coast Moving Systems, Inc: 4.38 out of 5 stars
  10. 680 Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
  • Inexperienced movers
Review Analysis
A standout among moving companies, Pure Moving Company consistently earns praise for efficiency, professionalism, and attention to detail. Input from 1,008 customers shows 97.6% positive feedback, making it one of the highest-rated moving services in the Bay Area. Clients highlight the team’s quick, organized approach and their careful handling of belongings, often noting that nothing was damaged and furniture was wrapped thoroughly. Customers also appreciate clear communication before and during moves, as well as polite staff and easy booking. Some mention affordable, transparent rates compared to local competitors. Feedback reveals a small number of negative experiences, mainly focused on item damage, slow arrival, or inexperienced staff, although management often responds and resolves complaints promptly. Compared to other moving services, Pure Moving stands out for combining efficient work with care and professional service. Most report smooth, stress-free moves, with only rare setbacks. For those seeking a reliable Bay Area mover, Pure Moving Company sets a benchmark for quality.
Get a Quote (415) 919-6497

Company Info

State license #: 0191103

Years in Business: 11

DOT #: 3207734


Services Offered

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Friendly and approachable staff
Customer Complaints
  • Higher-than-expected costs
  • Lack of communication
  • Unfriendly or rude staff
Review Analysis
Moving has never been this stress-free, according to feedback from 130 customers, and nearly 95% reflect positive experiences with Gentle Giant Moving Company. Clients highlight fast-moving teams, consistently polite and friendly staff, careful treatment of belongings, and swift, organized processes. Many describe their crews as efficient, hardworking, and genuinely committed to making moves smooth. Attention to detail and respectful communication set Gentle Giant apart from most competitors. Some mention higher costs than expected and a handful report frustration with unclear estimates or communication lapses. A few note setbacks like rude customer service or lack of follow-up. Still, the overwhelming majority find Gentle Giant’s efficiency, professionalism, and care exceptional compared to other moving firms.
Get a Quote (415) 544-7000

Company Info

State license #: 0167668

Years in Business: 44

DOT #: 373544


Services Offered

  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crane vans
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Moving made easy is how customers describe Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc., with 86.9% of the 634 feedback entries rating their services positively. Reviewers consistently mention efficient service, careful handling, and professional, polite teams. The booking process is straightforward and communication is strong, making moves feel stress-free compared to larger companies. Many highlight how quickly items are moved and the competitive pricing, with exceptional care towards fragile and valuable belongings. In contrast, 11.7% report issues, mainly with damaged items, late arrivals, or communication lapses during scheduling and claims. While the company receives high praise for their courteous movers and fast work, cases of lost or broken property and delayed deliveries set them apart from top-tier providers who resolve complaints faster and provide more consistent updates. Neutral input often cites both efficient execution and minor damages. Eagle stands out for its efficiency and customer-focused approach but should address recurring concerns with item handling and reliability during high-stress moves.
Get a Quote (415) 404-7400

Company Info

State license #: 0190673

Years in Business: 15

DOT #: 3670248


Services Offered

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Lack of communication
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
Review Analysis
Moving dreams made easier: NorthStar Moving Company impresses with consistent high marks from more than 1,100 customer reviews, and more than 91% of that input is positive. Feedback repeatedly praises NorthStar’s efficient and friendly movers, careful handling of belongings, and prompt, open communication. Customers highlight quick moving processes, responsible care for fragile items, and smooth, stress-free experiences from booking to delivery. The price is regularly described as reasonable, and transparent quotes are common. When compared to other companies, NorthStar stands out for its professionalism and reliability. Some customers report issues such as damage to furniture, delayed arrival or delivery, or difficulties reaching customer service for status updates or claims. The most common negative feedback involves item damage, poor communication during or after moves, and occasional scheduling errors. While these issues are in the minority, prospective clients may want to clarify all details and ask specific questions about protection policies. NorthStar Moving consistently maintains better customer satisfaction rates than most competitors, making it a leading choice for efficient, careful, and responsive moving services.
Get a Quote (415) 635-3844

Company Info

State license #: 0182466

Years in Business: 30

DOT #: 1836576


Services Offered

  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Good communication
  • Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Lack of communication
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
Review Analysis
Good Green Moving earns high marks for professionalism and efficiency, with nearly 89% of 341 customer feedback entries praising their staff’s courtesy, clear communication, and careful handling of belongings. Customers frequently mention efficient service, stress-free moves, and quick, reliable crews—traits that set the company apart from many others in the industry. The reusable eco-friendly bins and transparent pricing also are widely appreciated. Negative feedback, making up about 11%, primarily centers on damaged items, poor follow-up from management, and late arrivals or missed time commitments. Some customers report unresolved complaints or lost belongings, especially with storage services. Compared to typical movers, Good Green Moving stands out for its positive staff interactions and above-average customer satisfaction, though a few reports of communication lapses and damaged property remind potential clients to clarify expectations for timing and claims handling.
Get a Quote (855) 613-4663

Company Info

State license #: 0191035

Pricing: 70/hr

Years in Business: 12

DOT #: 2604063


Services Offered

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Careful handling
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Lack of communication
  • Unexpected charges
Review Analysis
Moving stress disappears with Jay’s Small Moves, according to most of the 1,059 customer responses examined. An impressive 93% reflected a positive experience, a striking ratio compared to the average moving company. Feedback shows crews arrive on time, work efficiently, and handle belongings with care. Professional and polite movers make communication and organization easy, while careful packing and fair pricing come up repeatedly in praise. Negative reviews account for just 5%, usually highlighting damage to items, lack of communication, or unexpected extra charges. Neutral feedback mostly relates to delays or unforeseen costs, but even these cases often note efficiency and politeness. Compared to other movers, Jay’s stands out for reliability, fast work, and keeping customers informed—though a few suggest confirming all details to avoid surprises. With overwhelmingly positive input, most who hire Jay’s Small Moves enjoy a move that’s faster, safer, and less stressful than doing it themselves.
Get a Quote (415) 999-6795

Company Info

State license #: 190688

Pricing: 140/hr

Years in Business: 17

DOT #: 


Services Offered

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Higher-than-expected costs
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
Review Analysis
Dependable Movers, LLC delivers outstanding performance on the majority of moves, as shown by analyzing 717 pieces of customer feedback—an impressive 93% are positive. Customers routinely compliment the company for being efficient, handling belongings with care, maintaining professional and polite staff, moving quickly, and communicating well. Many reviewers note a painless moving process, with careful packing and prompt, friendly crews. Some clients highlight transparent pricing and easy booking, making the experience less stressful than with other companies. On the other hand, a small percentage of feedback points to costly surprises, with several reports of damage to furniture or personal belongings. Other issues include charges higher than estimated and delays in arrival or delivery. A few customers also mention frustration with claims handling after items were damaged or lost. Compared to industry norms, Dependable Movers receives more consistent praise for professionalism and speed, but should address cost transparency and claims resolution to keep leading the pack.
Get a Quote (415) 569-3523

Company Info

State license #: 0191786

Years in Business: 6

DOT #: 3098516


Services Offered

  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Helpful movers
Customer Complaints
  • Unexpected charges
  • Misplaced or lost items
  • Insurance issues
Review Analysis
Customer stories about Luigy’s Moving & Storage highlight a company that stands out for speed, professionalism, careful handling, and friendly, supportive movers. Out of 125 customer reports, 93.6% praise efficient work, courteous teams, precise scheduling, and protected furniture. People frequently mention that staff went out of their way to assist, arriving on time and wrapping or moving items safely. While most input speaks highly of dependable service and fair pricing, a few negative reports cite unexpected extra charges, missing belongings, and unresolved insurance concerns. These serious criticisms were rare compared to industry averages but are important for transparency. Compared to other movers, Luigy’s receives above-average marks for reliability, staff demeanor, and minimizing stress on moving day.
Get a Quote (415) 413-4646

Company Info

State license #: 0192210

Years in Business: 25

DOT #: 02740355


Services Offered

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Unprofessional behavior
  • Limited availability
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Customer feedback for West Coast Moving Systems, Inc stands out for its consistency—95.5% of 66 reviews are positive. Customers highlight the movers’ efficiency, careful attention to belongings, professionalism, fast service, and clear communication. Team members work quickly and maintain a polite, professional attitude, ensuring items are protected and moves are well-managed. Some customers mention affordable rates and easy booking. A few critiques point to unprofessional office behavior and difficulty securing service in some remote locations. Compared to other moving companies, West Coast’s high satisfaction rate and reliable service place it among the top choices for people seeking trustworthy and efficient movers.
Get a Quote (844) 321-6683

Company Info

State license #: 0192456

Years in Business: 18

DOT #: 3071646


Services Offered

  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
  • Poor complaint handling
Review Analysis
Moving made simple and stress-free—feedback shows 680 Movers stands out for handling belongings with care, working efficiently, and maintaining a professional, courteous crew. Out of 861 reviews, nearly 88% are positive, repeatedly praising the team’s fast service, mindful handling of items, reliability, communication, and organizational skills. Many say quotes are accurate, prices are fair, and they’re kept well-informed from booking to delivery. Repeat customers highlight consistent quality and recommend them over other Bay Area movers. On the downside, about 10% of experiences involve significant issues, including damage to furniture or homes, slow claims handling, and rare events of delayed arrivals or poor follow-up. Customers note that resolution of claims can be frustrating and coverage for damages feels inadequate compared to losses. Neutral input, though rare, usually points to scheduling inconveniences or minor concerns about the cost or pace. 680 Movers eclipses similarly sized moving companies in the area, thanks to an overwhelmingly positive reputation for careful and efficient moves. Still, costly damage and slow complaint responses mean those with high-value items should be vigilant.
Get a Quote (925) 639-9336

Company Info

State license #: 0191566

Pricing: 125/hr

Years in Business: 15

DOT #: 2950711


Services Offered

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required

Moving costs in other nearby California cities

Average cost to hire interstate movers in San Francisco, CA

The cost of moving out of California mostly depends on where you’re headed, so we’ve listed some sample prices below. For more precise costs, explore your moving route to California or use our moving cost calculator.

Cost to move a one-bedroom home out of state from San Francisco

Several factors influence the price of a one-bedroom move from San Francisco — mainly how far you’re going, how much you’re bringing, and how you plan to get it there.

Below are some common price ranges to help estimate the cost of long-distance moves from California:

Cost to move a two- or three-bedroom home out of state from San Francisco

When moving either a two- or three-bedroom home from San Francisco, the primary factor impacting cost is the overall weight of your belongings. Interestingly, a larger two-bedroom home with numerous possessions might end up costing more than a more modestly furnished three-bedroom move.

Below, you’ll find a typical cost range for moves spanning similar distances for homes with two to three bedrooms:

Cost to move a four-bedroom (or larger) home out of state from San Francisco

Below is a look at some example four-bedroom move costs out of state from San Francisco. Remember, your exact price will ultimately be based on the amount of belongings you have, what time of year you are moving, and how far you’re moving.

Sample ranges for interstate moves from San Francisco of four or more bedrooms:

Best interstate moving companies in San Francisco, CA

Understanding the potential cost of your move from California is a great starting point. From here, you’ll want to connect with the top-rated long-distance movers in San Francisco to get things rolling.

Best overall value
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • Best overall value
  • Veteran owned
  • Portion to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Most experienced mover
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
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moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
read our full review
(866) 835-2392
Best for contents coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.8 / 5
(866) 825-0554
At A Glance
  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years’ experience
read our full review
(866) 825-0554
Best customer service
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Best customized plans
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
  • Customized moving plans
read our full review
(844) 950-2963

Average cost of moving containers in San Francisco, CA

Moving containers in San Francisco generally cost about $540 for a local move, while long-distance jobs can push the total up to $2,970. If you’re heading across the country, it’s not uncommon to see prices close to $6,920 or even higher. The two biggest cost factors? Distance and the size of the container you choose.

Best moving containers in San Francisco, CA

Check out this list of top moving container companies for reliable providers you can trust.

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 5.0 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount

Average cost to rent a moving truck in San Francisco, CA

Renting a moving truck in San Francisco usually costs about $60 per day, but prices can range from $19 to $38 daily. You’ll also pay a per-mile fee of $2- $1, depending on your move’s distance and the truck size. While this is the most affordable moving method, just know it also means doing all the heavy lifting — and driving — yourself.

Here are the typical costs of San Francisco rental trucks:

  • Base cost: $19 – $39 per day
  • Mileage fee: $1 – $2 per mile
  • Fuel cost: Depends on driving distance
  • Truck coverage: $20-$55 based on coverage level
  • Equipment costs (optional): Dolly, straps, blankets

The total cost to rent a truck from companies like Budget or U-Haul will depend on:

  • Total drive distance
  • Timeframe of your rental
  • Insurance add-ons
  • Where and how you park
  • Highway tolls
  • Fuel needed for the trip
  • Dining stops and hotel stays
  • Extra equipment rentals like ramps or blankets

Best moving truck rentals in San Francisco, CA

The cheapest way to move is to just pack and drive it yourself with a moving truck. There’s no shortage of options for moving truck rental companies in San Francisco. If you are ready to put the work in, here are some of the top moving truck rental companies:

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.0 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.2 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

Average cost of labor-only moving companies in San Francisco, CA

In San Francisco, hiring a labor-only moving company typically costs around $75 per hour for each crew member. For most moving tasks, including one-bedroom apartments, you’ll likely need two movers. Therefore, expect to spend approximately $150 per hour for moving help in San Francisco.

Best labor-only moving companies in San Francisco

When hiring labor-only movers in San Francisco, go with a company that offers clear pricing and is known for reliable service. Companies that also help with packing or provide moving supplies can be a big plus.

Here are some of our favorite picks for labor-only movers.

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Hire moving labor
  • Online quotes
  • Nationwide
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Online booking
  • Move Concierge
  • Affordable

Factors that affect the cost of movers in San Francisco, CA

Since every move is a little different, your total cost will depend on your individual needs. Still, here are some of the key factors that commonly affect San Francisco moving costs:

  • Distance: How far you’re moving has a big impact on your total moving costs. Moving within a city or even to a nearby town will usually cost far less than relocating out of state or across the country. That’s because longer distances involve mileage and fuel expenses, as well as more labor hours.
  • The size of your move: Naturally, the more stuff you have, the more it will cost to move it. Larger moves are more expensive because they typically require a bigger truck and moving crew.
  • Your moving date: Moving prices fluctuate based on demand. You’ll pay more during the summer, on weekends, or at the start or end of the month. Mid-week and mid-month moves usually come with lower rates.
  • The type of mover: Going with full-service movers generally costs more than doing it yourself with a moving container company, where you take on the packing and loading yourself.
  • Add-on services: Want help packing or extra coverage for your stuff? These kinds of add-ons cost more — and even DIY moves cost extra if you hire help for the heavy lifting.

Quick tips for a stress-free move

  • Evaluate the need for additional insurance. While full-service movers include basic coverage known as released value protection at no extra cost, it provides minimal security: a mere $0.60 per pound per item, regardless of its actual value. Therefore, if your 25-pound TV worth $1,000 gets damaged, reimbursement would only be $15 ($0.60 x 25 pounds). To bridge this gap, many movers and some home insurers offer full-value insurance that covers the true value of your belongings for an extra fee.
  • Get your move approved. Many neighborhoods — particularly those with HOAs — have restrictions around moving. Typically, these restrictions outline which days and times moving is allowable. It’s best to double-check the rules ahead of time and to proactively inform a property management group of your moving date.
  • Keep key documents ready. If you’re moving in or out of an apartment complex, you may need to present proof of mover’s insurance and possibly an elevator reservation. These details are often found in your moving agreement, so pull them together early to avoid last-minute scrambling.

What discounts do San Francisco movers offer?

Some movers in San Francisco advertise discounts for specific groups. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available locally compared to state and national averages:

Type of discount San Francisco California National average
AAA members 2.22% 1.89% 1.13%
Seniors 0.0% 1.89% 4.32%
Students 0.0% 0.54% 1.17%
Teachers 0.0% 0.54% 0.35%
Law enforcement 1.11% 1.08% 0.72%
Military 0.0% 1.89% 3.97%

Discounts aren’t universal — be sure to ask your San Francisco movers if they offer any when requesting quotes.

What is the cheapest way to move to San Francisco?

For a budget-friendly move, you might look into a container company where you do the packing and loading. They’ll handle the transport of your goods in San Francisco. Another option is to rent a moving truck and manage the entire process yourself.

Here are the average moving costs from San Francisco to another state with different types of movers:

Destination Professional Movers Containers Rental Trucks
Chicago $3,562 – $7,511 $2,130 – $4,134 $1,240 – $2,713
Billings $2,650 – $5,935 $1,564 – $3,038 $810 – $1,730
Nashville $3,670 – $7,828 $2,229 – $4,342 $1,468 – $2,881

How to pay for your San Francisco move

Wondering how to pay your movers? While most accept credit cards, some also take checks, cash, or money orders. Here’s how payment methods in San Francisco compare to those across CA and the U.S.

Payment method San Francisco California U.S.
Credit card 87 346 2859
Cash 26 121 822
Money order 12 38 272

Some San Francisco movers offer more flexibility than others — ask how you can pay before booking.

Helpful San Francisco resources

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