($248+) San Francisco, CA to Reno, NV Movers
The cost to move from San Francisco, CA to Reno, NV ranges from $736 to $5,427, with an average cost of $1,500. Moves can be as low as $248 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 $736 - $5,427 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $1,500, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 28% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 81% 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 | $736 - $3,252 | $812 - $1,319 | $236 - $443 | $702 - $1,175 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,362 - $4,166 | $985 - $1,958 | $262 - $504 | $836 - $1,491 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,830 - $5,427 | $1,332 - $2,428 | $316 - $583 | $1,044 - $1,791 |
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 San Francisco, CA to Reno, NV
Full-service movers for the 218-mile relocation from San Francisco, California, to Reno, Nevada, cost between $736 and $5,427. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $584 - $3,892, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in San Francisco typically charge a base rate around $284 plus $150 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Francisco to Reno:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $736 - $3,252
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,362 - $4,166
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,830 - $5,427
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.
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: 54% of San Francisco movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Reno, 59% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing76% of local movers | $973 - $9,730 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready54% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Pure Moving Company | $389 - $2,335/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $584 - $4,670 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs51% 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 items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Pure Moving Company | $1,946 - $4,865 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Got2Move | $1,557 - $6,811 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $584 - $2,919 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $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 offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
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 $1,362 - $4,166. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in San Francisco, CA often offer competitive pricing on nearby routes. Smaller crews and regional focus translate to lower overhead and more scheduling flexibility.
Just make sure they're properly licensed for interstate moves and equipped to handle the full distance.
Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.58/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in San Francisco, based on our analysis of feedback from 675 customers, 87.0% of which is positive.
Address: 1149 Montgomery Ave, San Bruno, CA, 94066 | Founded: 2010
Moving container costs from San Francisco, CA to Reno, NV
Moving containers from San Francisco, California, to Reno, Nevada, cost between $812 and $2,428. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in San Francisco costs roughly $120/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Francisco to Reno:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $812 - $1,319
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $985 - $1,958
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,332 - $2,428
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 $812. 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 $985 - $1,958.
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:
- Got2Move (4.8/5), 19 years in business
- Sweet Lemon Moving Services (5.0/5), 9 years in business
- 680 Movers (4.8/5), 9 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 $236 - $583 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: $236 - $443
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $262 - $504
- 4+ bedrooms: $316 - $583
Pro tip: The base rate of $236 - $583 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from San Francisco to Reno. Fuel ($135 - $154), lodging at around $292/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that.
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
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from San Francisco, California, to Reno, Nevada. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $836 and $1,491.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Francisco to Reno:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $702 - $1,175
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $836 - $1,491
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,044 - $1,791
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $146 - $292 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in San Francisco, California, for about five hours typically runs $1,362.
What are the best freight companies from San Francisco to Reno?
- 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 San Francisco to Reno, 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: 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 1,154 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 218-mile move like this one.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from San Francisco, CA, to Reno, NV, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $736 - $5,427 on the 218-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $812 - $2,428 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $236 - $583 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,362 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live 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
How long does a move from San Francisco, CA to Reno, NV take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 2 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 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 $262 - $504. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from San Francisco, CA to Reno, NV?
Costs on this route range from around $248 to $5,427, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $736 and $5,427, 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 size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of San Francisco movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in San Francisco handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.