($250+) San Francisco, CA to Reno, NV Movers
The cost to move from San Francisco, CA to Reno, NV ranges from $780 to $5,698, with an average cost of $1,650. Moves can be as low as $250 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 218 miles and usually takes 1 to 2 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from San Francisco, CA to Reno, NV
Moving options from San Francisco to Reno fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $780 - $5,698 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $1,650, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 218 miles and typically takes 1 to 2 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 218-mile route from San Francisco to Reno, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $780 - $3,554 | $803 - $1,500 | $255 - $434 | $774 - $1,337 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,489 - $4,117 | $1,055 - $2,096 | $281 - $550 | $861 - $1,532 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,021 - $5,698 | $1,356 - $2,624 | $328 - $624 | $1,063 - $1,899 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from San Francisco, CA to Reno, NV
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 218-mile move from San Francisco, California, to Reno, Nevada, with prices running from $780 - $5,698. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $584 - $3,892 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between San Francisco and Reno are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, San Francisco movers tend to run around $284 as a base rate plus $150/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Francisco to Reno:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $780 - $3,554
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,489 - $4,117
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,021 - $5,698
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 San Francisco to Reno.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Nevada. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from San Francisco, CA to Reno, NV
Specialty needs vary by market — 87% of San Francisco movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Reno, 80% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $973 - $9,730 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready87% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. | $389 - $2,335/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $584 - $4,670 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage56% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs49% of local movers | $1,946 - $5,838 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,865 - $19,460 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,458 - $2,769 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items70% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,946 - $4,865 |
| Piano | Any piano type79% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,557 - $6,811 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers | $584 - $2,919 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect27% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Luigy's Moving & Storage | $1,265 - $3,892 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $584 - $29,190+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $584 - $6,811+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Francisco to Reno?
- 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.
How much do local movers cost in San Francisco, CA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from San Francisco to Reno with a local mover averages $1,489 - $4,117. Working with a local mover based in San Francisco, CA often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.66/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in San Francisco, ranked #6 in California, based on our analysis of feedback from 634 customers, 86.9% of which is positive.
Address: 274 Wattis Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080 | Founded: 2010
Moving container costs from San Francisco, CA to Reno, NV
Moving containers from San Francisco, California, to Reno, Nevada, cost between $803 and $2,624. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in San Francisco typically runs around $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Francisco to Reno:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $803 - $1,500
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,055 - $2,096
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,356 - $2,624
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both San Francisco, CA and Reno, NV. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $1,362 in San Francisco, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $146 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $292 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Nevada 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 $803. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,055 - $2,096, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers San Francisco to Reno?
- 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco:
- Good Green Moving (4.7/5), 13 years in business
- Dependable Movers, LLC (4.9/5), 8 years in business
- Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 47 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Francisco, CA to Reno, NV
Truck rentals from San Francisco, California, to Reno, Nevada, range from $255 - $624 for the 218-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $135 - $154
- Daily insurance: $58/day
- Equipment rentals: $14 - $39
- San Francisco daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.59
| 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 San Francisco to Reno based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $255 - $434
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $281 - $550
- 4+ bedrooms: $328 - $624
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $255 - $624 does not include fuel ($135 - $154) , lodging ($292/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from San Francisco to Reno typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
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 $146 and $681.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $292.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $135 and $154 for the 218-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 $1,362 for 2 movers in San Francisco, California, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Francisco to Reno?
- 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 San Francisco, CA to Reno, NV
If you're moving a larger household from San Francisco, California, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Reno, Nevada.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $861 and $1,532.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Francisco to Reno:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $774 - $1,337
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $861 - $1,532
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,063 - $1,899
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in San Francisco, California, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $1,362.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $146 and $292 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from San Francisco to Reno?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- PRO Logistics (4.54/5 stars): PRO Logistics is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: San Francisco, CA vs Reno, NV
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Reno, side by side with San Francisco on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Francisco, CA | Reno, NV |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 245 | 119 |
| Average rent | $3,250/mo | $1,700/mo |
| Median home value | $1,374,773 | $499,932 |
| Average income | $141,446/yr | $78,448/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
| Walkability score | 99/100 | 40/100 |
| Safety index | 38.59/100 | 53.74/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
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 Reno, NV to San Francisco, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Nevada, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. California alone has 374 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 218-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 218-mile move from San Francisco, CA, to Reno, NV, costs between $780 and $5,698 with full-service movers, $803 - $2,624 with a moving container, and $255 - $624 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $1,489 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Amerco and Trane.
FAQs: Moving from San Francisco, CA, to Reno, NV
What are some tips for saving money on a move from San Francisco, CA to Reno, NV?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What is the best time of year to move from San Francisco, CA to Reno, NV?
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.
How long does a move from San Francisco, CA to Reno, NV take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($135 - $154), daily insurance ($58/day), and equipment rentals ($14 - $39) on top. Overnight stops can add another $292/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from San Francisco, CA to Reno, NV?
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 $281 - $550. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of San Francisco movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 79% of movers in San Francisco handle piano moves, and 70% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
