San Francisco, CA to Baltimore, MD Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from San Francisco to Baltimore typically costs $4,600–$9,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,819 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from San Francisco to Baltimore
Moving from San Francisco, CA to Baltimore, MD typically costs $4,600–$9,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,819-mile move from San Francisco to Baltimore, 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
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $5,047 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- Roadway Moving recently quoted $4,869 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $9,510 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
3 Bedrooms
Feb 10, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 04, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 05, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 03, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Dec 31, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 18, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 12, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 04, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 01, 2025
Studio apartment
Nov 30, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from San Francisco to Baltimore
Your total cost will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from San Francisco to Baltimore might be as low as $2,800, while a four-bedroom could reach $14,700.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in San Francisco.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $1,800 to $4,700 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Baltimore, MD to San Francisco, CA guide.
Best San Francisco to Baltimore movers by type
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Best professional movers from San Francisco to Baltimore
When it comes to handling your interstate move from San Francisco to Baltimore, entrusting professionals with the details is often the best decision. Full-service movers are equipped to manage everything, allowing you to concentrate on settling into your new place.
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
Best overall value
How we chose the best CA→MD movers
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 372 California movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
- Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
- Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
- Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from San Francisco to Baltimore
Many movers find Baltimore easier on the wallet than San Francisco - roughly 41% less for singles and 42% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,223 for one person in Baltimore versus $3,781 in San Francisco. For a family of four, it's $5,088 compared with $8,717.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| San Francisco | Baltimore | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,259 | $1,892 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,475 | $3,333 |
| Average home value | $1,241,003 | $180,790 |
| Average income (per capita) | $136,689 | $58,349 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,781 | $2,223 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $8,717 | $5,088 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 7.9% |
| Sales tax | 8.63% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 5.75% |
- Good news! When moving to Baltimore from San Francisco, you'll benefit from rent being an estimated 51% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 85% cheaper in Baltimore, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 57% lower in Baltimore than in San Francisco.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Baltimore. The cost of living for a single person is 41% less compared to San Francisco.
- Relocating to Baltimore could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 42% lower than in San Francisco.
- The unemployment rate in Baltimore exceeds that of San Francisco by about 46%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes are 30% lower in Baltimore than San Francisco, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Income taxes are 57% lower in Maryland than in California. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between San Francisco and Baltimore, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | San Francisco | Baltimore |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $181.61 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $56.81 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.91 | $4.34 |
| Loaf of bread | $5.06 | $3.91 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $125.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $99.96 | $57.63 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in San Francisco than in Baltimore.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in San Francisco than in Baltimore.
- Eggs cost more in San Francisco than in Baltimore.
- Bread is more expensive in San Francisco than in Baltimore.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in San Francisco than in Baltimore.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in San Francisco than in Baltimore.
- Gym memberships cost more in San Francisco than in Baltimore.
How life is different in San Francisco vs. Baltimore
| San Francisco | Baltimore | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,988 | 585,708 |
| Transportation score | 10 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 99 | 64 |
| Bike friendliness score | 99 | 53 |
| Crime index | 61.41 | 72.72 |
| Safety index | 38.59 | 27.28 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Baltimore's population is about 28% less than San Francisco.
- Baltimore's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is lower than San Francisco's score of 10.
- Baltimore is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 64 out of 100 vs San Francisco's 99 out of 100.
- Baltimore has a bike-friendliness score of 53 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as San Francisco, which has a score of 99.
- Baltimore's crime rate is higher than San Francisco with a score of 72.72 compared to San Francisco's 61.41. This means that Baltimore neighborhoods are safer than 72.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41%.
- Baltimore is considered to be less safe than San Francisco with a score of 27.28 vs San Francisco's 38.59.
- Air quality in Baltimore is Good, and in San Francisco it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Francisco to Baltimore move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Maryland, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Maryland moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Maryland, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Baltimore without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. In Alabama, Released Value Protection stands out as the most economical option, incurring no additional costs. Provided by movers at no extra charge, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For those seeking comprehensive coverage, it is advisable to consult with your chosen moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Baltimore
Ready to relocate to America's Comeback Cit? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Baltimore.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Federal Hill
- Fells Point
- Mid-Town Belvedere
- Mount Vernon
- South Baltimore
Best neighborhoods for families
- Catonsville
- Mount Washington
- Pikesville
- Roland Park
- Towson
Things to do in Baltimore
Now that you've made the move to Maryland, it's the perfect time to explore Baltimore. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Baltimore include museums and art centers like the The Walters Art Museum, American Visionary Art Museum, Baltimore Museum of Art, and B&O Railroad Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Federal Hill Park, Patterson Park, Canton Waterfront Park, and Leakin Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Baltimore Orioles (MLB)Baltimore Ravens (NFL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Francisco to Baltimore?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from San Francisco to Baltimore. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in San Francisco.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Francisco to Baltimore?
With many people choosing to move from San Francisco to Baltimore in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from San Francisco to Baltimore take?
Covering 2,819 miles, the move from San Francisco, CA to Baltimore, MD typically takes seven to 21 days. Some San Francisco movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Baltimore can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in San Francisco offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 2 movers in San Francisco offer AAA member savings.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in San Francisco can handle specialty items for my move to Baltimore?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In San Francisco, 70 movers can handle pianos. 63 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of CA, there are 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
