($1,395) Cost to Move From San Francisco, CA to Boston, MA

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

Cost to hire movers from San Francisco to Boston

When planning a move to Boston from San Francisco, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,395 and $6,180. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $4,247 and $8,611 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $7,591 to $13,740.

Cost of moving containers from San Francisco to Boston

When you’re heading from San Francisco to Boston, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,451 and $3,475. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,624 and $5,337. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,554 to $7,445. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

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

Cost of moving truck rentals from San Francisco to Boston

A moving rental truck from San Francisco to Boston 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 $1,682 to $3,106. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,786 to $3,623, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from San Francisco to Boston costs around $2,170 to $4,542.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Your budget won’t be hit too hard when you move to Boston from San Francisco with rent being about the same in each state.
• Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 40% cheaper in Boston than in San Francisco.
• You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 35% less in Boston than in San Francisco.
• Prepare for elevated costs in Boston, with the cost of living for a single person being 27% more than in San Francisco. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
• When considering a family move to Boston, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 30% higher than in San Francisco.
• Boston has a higher unemployment rate than San Francisco by about 15%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
• Sales taxes are 28% cheaper in Boston compared to San Francisco. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
• Income taxes are 32% less in Massachusetts compared to California, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.

• Boston’s population is about 16% less than San Francisco.
• Boston’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is lower than San Francisco’s score of 10.
• Boston and San Francisco are similarly walkable.
• Boston has a bike-friendliness score of 86 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as San Francisco, which has a score of 99.
• Boston’s crime rate is lower than San Francisco with a score of 39.88 compared to San Francisco’s 61.41. This means that Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41%.
• Boston is considered to be safer than San Francisco with a safety index of 60.12 vs San Francisco’s 38.59.
• Air quality in Boston is Good, and in San Francisco it’s Moderate.

• HOA rules: Costs across San Francisco and Boston 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: 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Massachusetts, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Massachusetts, 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 Boston. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. In Alabama and Massachusetts, Released Value Protection is a no-cost option provided by movers but offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. If you seek full value coverage for your items, consider consulting with your moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
• Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Allston-Brighton
• Back Bay-Beacon Hill
• East Boston
• Jamaica Plain
• South Boston

Best neighborhoods for families

• Charlestown
• East Boston
• Hyde Park
• Roslindale
• West Roxbury

Things to do in Boston

With your move to Massachusetts complete, you can dive right into experiencing Boston. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:

• Arts and culture: Boston is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library, and Museum of Science.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Boston Public Garden, Boston Common, Arnold Arboretum, and Charles River Esplanade — 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 Boston Red Sox (MLB)Boston Bruins (NHL)Boston Celtics (NBA)New England Patriots (NFL)New England Revolution (MLS) game.