($537+) Scottsdale, AZ to San Francisco, CA Movers
Moving from Scottsdale, AZ, to San Francisco, CA, runs anywhere from $537 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,659 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 763 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 $1,691, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,659 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,023 - $3,257, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $537 - $1,368.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Scottsdale, AZ, to San Francisco, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,145 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Scottsdale, AZ to San Francisco, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Scottsdale to San Francisco: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,145 - $5,714. Containers cost roughly 36% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 74% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 763 miles, expect 2 to 7 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 763-mile route from Scottsdale to San Francisco, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,691 for a studio up to $7,659 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,023 - $3,257 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $537 - $1,368, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $987 - $2,742, 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 November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Scottsdale, AZ to San Francisco, CA
For the 763-mile move from Scottsdale, Arizona, to San Francisco, California, full-service movers cost between $1,691 and $7,659. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $497 - $3,316 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Scottsdale generally start around $155 plus $85 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Scottsdale to San Francisco:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,691 - $4,061
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,145 - $5,714
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,805 - $7,659
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 Scottsdale to San Francisco.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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 Scottsdale, AZ to San Francisco, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 66% of Scottsdale movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In San Francisco, 54% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $829 - $8,290 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready66% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $332 - $1,990/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $497 - $3,979 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,658 - $4,974 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,145 - $16,580 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,242 - $2,359 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving Team Six LLC | $1,658 - $4,145 |
| Piano | Any piano type35% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: You Move Me | $1,326 - $5,803 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $497 - $2,487 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc. (AZ) | $1,078 - $3,316 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $497 - $24,870+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $497 - $5,803+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Scottsdale to San Francisco?
California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, 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 Scottsdale, AZ. 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 Scottsdale, AZ to San Francisco, CA
Moving containers from Scottsdale, Arizona, to San Francisco, California, cost between $1,023 and $3,257. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Scottsdale typically costs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Scottsdale to San Francisco:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,023 - $1,898
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,367 - $2,501
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,725 - $3,257
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $124 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $249 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in San Francisco, CA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $1,161 in Scottsdale, AZ. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Arizona 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 $1,023. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,367 - $2,501.
What are the best moving containers Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale:
- B Line Movers (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.2/5), 15 years in business
- Aardvark Movers Inc (4.5/5), 23 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Scottsdale, AZ to San Francisco, CA
Plan on $537 - $1,368 for a rental moving truck on the 763-mile route from Scottsdale, Arizona, to San Francisco, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $403 - $460
- Daily insurance: $50/day
- Equipment rentals: $12 - $33
- Scottsdale daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 Scottsdale to San Francisco based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $537 - $980
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $568 - $1,223
- 4+ bedrooms: $712 - $1,368
Pro tip: A rental truck from Scottsdale to San Francisco looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $537 - $1,368. But once you factor in fuel ($403 - $460), overnight lodging ($249/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $124 and $580.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $249.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $403 and $460 for the 763-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $1,161 for 2 movers in Scottsdale, Arizona, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale, AZ to San Francisco, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Scottsdale, Arizona, 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 $1,492 and $2,127.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Scottsdale to San Francisco:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $987 - $1,658
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,126 - $2,127
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,366 - $2,742
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Scottsdale, Arizona, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $1,161.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $124 - $249 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Scottsdale to San Francisco?
- 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 tip: If speed matters on your move from Scottsdale to San Francisco, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Scottsdale, AZ 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 Scottsdale on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Scottsdale, AZ | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 245 |
| Average rent | $3,300/mo | $3,250/mo |
| Median home value | $709,486 | $1,374,773 |
| Average income | $107,372/yr | $141,446/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 2.5% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 32/100 | 99/100 |
| Safety index | 74.2/100 | 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 Scottsdale, AZ guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Arizona to California, 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 242 movers in Arizona, so you have real options to compare for this 763-mile move.
Our take
A move from Scottsdale, AZ, to San Francisco, CA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,691 - $7,659 on the 763-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,023 - $3,257, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $537 - $1,368. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,145 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Lyft and Securitize.
FAQs: Moving from Scottsdale, AZ, to San Francisco, CA
How much does it cost to move from Scottsdale, AZ to San Francisco, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $537 to $7,659, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,691 and $7,659, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What is the cheapest way to move from Scottsdale, AZ 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 $568 - $1,223. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($403 - $460), daily insurance ($50/day), and equipment rentals ($12 - $33) on top. Overnight stops can add another $249/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Scottsdale, AZ to San Francisco, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 is the best time of year to move from Scottsdale, AZ to San Francisco, CA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What percentage of Scottsdale movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 35% of movers in Scottsdale handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.