San Francisco, CA to Wilmington, DE Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from San Francisco to Wilmington typically costs $4,500–$9,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,866 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from San Francisco to Wilmington
Moving from San Francisco, CA to Wilmington, DE typically costs $4,500–$9,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,866-mile move from San Francisco to Wilmington, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $6,042 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $2,480 for a studio apartment using a moving container.
- AB Moving recently quoted $3,268 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
Key factors that impact the cost of your San Francisco to Wilmington move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $3,000 for a one-bedroom, or up to $13,900 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in San Francisco.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $1,700 to $5,000, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Wilmington, DE to San Francisco, CA guide.
Best San Francisco to Wilmington movers by type
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Best professional movers from San Francisco to Wilmington
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from San Francisco to Wilmington much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
How we chose the best CA→DE movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 372 California movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from San Francisco to Wilmington
Many movers find Wilmington easier on the wallet than San Francisco - roughly 7% less for singles and 50% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,533 for one person in Wilmington versus $3,781 in San Francisco. For a family of four, it's $4,350 compared with $8,717.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| San Francisco | Wilmington | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,259 | $1,933 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,475 | $3,200 |
| Average home value | $1,241,003 | $307,799 |
| Average income (per capita) | $136,689 | $49,354 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,781 | $3,533 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $8,717 | $4,350 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 10.3% |
| Sales tax | 8.63% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 6.6% |
- When relocating from San Francisco to Wilmington, expect to find rent about 44% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 75% more affordable in Wilmington compared to San Francisco.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 64% lower in Wilmington compared to San Francisco.
- You'll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Wilmington, as the cost of living for a single person is 7% lower compared to San Francisco.
- A move to Wilmington can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 50% less than what it costs in San Francisco.
- Wilmington shows an unemployment rate that exceeds San Francisco by around 91%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Wilmington has no sales tax, so you’ll save money on every taxable purchase compared to San Francisco. This can be especially helpful if you make frequent or larger purchases.
- Income taxes in Delaware are 50% below those in California. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between San Francisco and Wilmington:
| Living Expense | San Francisco | Wilmington |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $126.92 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $44.10 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.91 | $3.05 |
| Loaf of bread | $5.06 | $3.56 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $125.00 | $72.50 |
| Gym membership | $99.96 | $33.50 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in San Francisco than in Wilmington.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in San Francisco than in Wilmington.
- Eggs cost more in San Francisco than in Wilmington.
- Bread is more expensive in San Francisco than in Wilmington.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in San Francisco than in Wilmington.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in San Francisco than in Wilmington.
- Gym memberships cost more in San Francisco than in Wilmington.
How life is different in San Francisco vs. Wilmington
| San Francisco | Wilmington | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,988 | 70,898 |
| Transportation score | 10 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 99 | 74 |
| Bike friendliness score | 99 | 52 |
| Crime index | 61.41 | 67.32 |
| Safety index | 38.59 | 32.68 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Wilmington's population is about 91% less than San Francisco.
- Wilmington's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than San Francisco's score of 10.
- Wilmington is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 74 out of 100 vs San Francisco's 99 out of 100.
- Wilmington has a bike-friendliness score of 52 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as San Francisco, which has a score of 99.
- Wilmington's crime rate is higher than San Francisco with a score of 67.32 compared to San Francisco's 61.41. This means that Wilmington neighborhoods are safer than 67.32% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41%.
- Wilmington is considered to be less safe than San Francisco with a score of 32.68 vs San Francisco's 38.59.
- Air quality in Wilmington is Good, and in San Francisco it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Francisco to Wilmington move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: Movers headquartered in Delaware that offer local and intrastate moving services don’t need to be licensed. Still, they must comply with Delaware Department of Transportation (DDOT) regulations on insurance and commercial vehicle safety. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Delaware’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Delaware does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Wilmington. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Selecting Released Value Protection is a cost-effective choice, provided at no extra charge by movers, even though it offers limited coverage. Within this option, the mover's responsibility is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. If you're concerned about the value of your possessions and require more extensive coverage, consider discussing alternative options with the moving company you've chosen or explore third-party insurance providers. Ensure comprehensive protection for your belongings during the move by exploring these additional coverage choices.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Wilmington
Planning your move to Chemical Capital of the World? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Wilmington.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Trolley Square
- Happy Valley
- Midtown Brandywine
- Delaware Avenue
- Trinity Vicinity
Best neighborhoods for families
- Forty Acres
- Happy Valley
- Trolley Square
- Lower Highlands
- Wawaset Park/Wawaset Heghts
Things to do in Wilmington
After settling into your new Delaware home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Wilmington has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Wilmington features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Nemours Estate, Hagley Museum And Library, Delaware Children's Museum, and Delaware Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Bellevue State Park, Brandywine Park, Rockford Park & Tower, and Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Delaware Blue Coats (NBA G League)Wilmington Blue Rocks (MiLB)Delaware Black Foxes (USARL)Bearfight FC of Wilmington (USASA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Francisco to Wilmington?
Planning your move from San Francisco to Wilmington? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in San Francisco.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Francisco to Wilmington?
Because most people are moving from San Francisco to Wilmington in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from San Francisco to Wilmington take?
The 2,866-mile journey from San Francisco, CA to Wilmington, DE, typically takes seven to 21 days. Some movers in San Francisco offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Wilmington.
Are there special savings available from movers in San Francisco?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 2 provide savings for AAA members.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in San Francisco?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In San Francisco, 70 movers can manage piano relocations. 63 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, California has 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.