Best overall value
Local moving companies in San Francisco
- Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Luigy's Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Good Green Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.
rating
4.72 / 5
DOT #: 3670248
Years in Business: 14
274 Wattis Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080 USMoving made easy is how customers describe Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc., with 86.9% of the 634 feedback entries rating their services positively. Reviewers consistently mention efficient service, careful handling, and professional, polite teams. The booking process is straightforward and communication is strong, making moves feel stress-free compared to larger companies. Many highlight how quickly items are moved and the competitive pricing, with exceptional care towards fragile and valuable belongings. In contrast, 11.7% report issues, mainly with damaged items, late arrivals, or communication lapses during scheduling and claims. While the company receives high praise for their courteous movers and fast work, cases of lost or broken property and delayed deliveries set them apart from top-tier providers who resolve complaints faster and provide more consistent updates. Neutral input often cites both efficient execution and minor damages. Eagle stands out for its efficiency and customer-focused approach but should address recurring concerns with item handling and reliability during high-stress moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3670248
- State license #: 0190673
Luigy's Moving & Storage
rating
4.76 / 5
DOT #: 02740355
Years in Business: 25
5550 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94112 USCustomer stories about Luigy's Moving & Storage highlight a company that stands out for speed, professionalism, careful handling, and friendly, supportive movers. Out of 125 customer reports, 93.6% praise efficient work, courteous teams, precise scheduling, and protected furniture. People frequently mention that staff went out of their way to assist, arriving on time and wrapping or moving items safely. While most input speaks highly of dependable service and fair pricing, a few negative reports cite unexpected extra charges, missing belongings, and unresolved insurance concerns. These serious criticisms were rare compared to industry averages but are important for transparency. Compared to other movers, Luigy's receives above-average marks for reliability, staff demeanor, and minimizing stress on moving day.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 02740355
- State license #: 0192210
NorthStar Moving Company
rating
4.72 / 5
DOT #: 1836576
Years in Business: 30
One Bush Plaza Bush St Suite B-182, San Francisco, CA 94104 USMoving dreams made easier: NorthStar Moving Company impresses with consistent high marks from more than 1,100 customer reviews, and more than 91% of that input is positive. Feedback repeatedly praises NorthStarโs efficient and friendly movers, careful handling of belongings, and prompt, open communication. Customers highlight quick moving processes, responsible care for fragile items, and smooth, stress-free experiences from booking to delivery. The price is regularly described as reasonable, and transparent quotes are common. When compared to other companies, NorthStar stands out for its professionalism and reliability. Some customers report issues such as damage to furniture, delayed arrival or delivery, or difficulties reaching customer service for status updates or claims. The most common negative feedback involves item damage, poor communication during or after moves, and occasional scheduling errors. While these issues are in the minority, prospective clients may want to clarify all details and ask specific questions about protection policies. NorthStar Moving consistently maintains better customer satisfaction rates than most competitors, making it a leading choice for efficient, careful, and responsive moving services.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1836576
- State license #: 0182466
Gentle Giant Moving Company
rating
4.72 / 5
DOT #: 373544
Years in Business: 44
361 Swift Ave, South San Francisco, CA 94080 USMoving has never been this stress-free, according to feedback from 130 customers, and nearly 95% reflect positive experiences with Gentle Giant Moving Company. Clients highlight fast-moving teams, consistently polite and friendly staff, careful treatment of belongings, and swift, organized processes. Many describe their crews as efficient, hardworking, and genuinely committed to making moves smooth. Attention to detail and respectful communication set Gentle Giant apart from most competitors. Some mention higher costs than expected and a handful report frustration with unclear estimates or communication lapses. A few note setbacks like rude customer service or lack of follow-up. Still, the overwhelming majority find Gentle Giant's efficiency, professionalism, and care exceptional compared to other moving firms.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 373544
- State license #: 0167668
Alternative Business Names
- Great Giant Moving Company
Good Green Moving
rating
4.58 / 5
DOT #: 2604063
Pricing: $70/hr
Years in Business: 12
1355 Market Street Suite 488, San Francisco, CA 94103 USGood Green Moving earns high marks for professionalism and efficiency, with nearly 89% of 341 customer feedback entries praising their staff's courtesy, clear communication, and careful handling of belongings. Customers frequently mention efficient service, stress-free moves, and quick, reliable crewsโtraits that set the company apart from many others in the industry. The reusable eco-friendly bins and transparent pricing also are widely appreciated. Negative feedback, making up about 11%, primarily centers on damaged items, poor follow-up from management, and late arrivals or missed time commitments. Some customers report unresolved complaints or lost belongings, especially with storage services. Compared to typical movers, Good Green Moving stands out for its positive staff interactions and above-average customer satisfaction, though a few reports of communication lapses and damaged property remind potential clients to clarify expectations for timing and claims handling.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2604063
- State license #: 0191035
Alternative Business Names
- Green Move, Inc.
Factors influencing moving costs from San Francisco to Buffalo
What to know before moving from San Francisco to Buffalo
Moving from San Francisco to Buffalo means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in San Francisco than in Buffalo, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how San Francisco compares to Buffalo so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| San Francisco | Buffalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,250 | $1,200 |
| Average home value | $1,241,003 | $213,418 |
| Average income (per capita) | $136,689 | $63,443 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,781 | $2,589 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,717 | $5,720 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 9.5% |
| Sales tax | 8.63% | 8.75% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 10.9% |
- Rent prices in Buffalo are 63% lower than in San Francisco, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Buffalo.
Home prices in Buffalo are 82.8% lower than in San Francisco. - Income in Buffalo is 53.6% lower than in San Francisco, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Buffalo include UBS, Delaware North, and Human.
- The cost of living for a single person in Buffalo is 31.5% lower than in San Francisco. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Buffalo is 34.4% lower than in San Francisco.
- The unemployment rate in Buffalo is 75.93% higher than in San Francisco.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Buffalo, since the cityโs sales taxes in Buffalo are 1.39% higher than in San Francisco.
- One perk of moving to Buffalo is paying less in state income taxes, which are 18.05% lower than in San Francisco.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,054.22 in Buffalo to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Francisco.
How life is different in San Francisco vs. Buffalo
| Buffalo | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 278,349 | 808,988 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 7 | 10 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 99 |
| Bike friendliness score | 63 | 99 |
| Crime Index | 8.0 | 61.41 |
| Safety Index | 53.55 | 38.59 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- Buffalo's population is about 66% less than San Francisco.
- Buffalo's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus San Francisco's higher score of 10.
- Buffalo is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 67 out of 100 vs San Francisco's 99 out of 100.
- Buffalo has a bike-friendliness score 63 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as San Francisco, which has a score of 99 out of 100.
- Buffalo's crime rate is lower than San Francisco with a score of 8.0 compared to San Francisco's 61.41. This means that Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41%.
- Buffalo is considered to be safer than San Francisco with a safety index of 53.55 vs San Francisco's 38.59.
- Air quality in Buffalo is moderate, and in San Francisco it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Francisco vs. Buffalo move
- Weather: Best months to move to Buffalo are August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Buffalo, while January and December are the least comfortable months due to extreme winter weather.
- 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 you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state's safety, insurance, and operational regulations. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a New York moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: New York does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Buffalo. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers. They're responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Buffalo
Now that you've decided to make the move to "Queen City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Buffalo.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Allentown
- Elmwood Strip
- Parkside
- West Side
- North Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Williamsville
- Clarence Center
- Eggertsville
- Kenmore
- Rapids
Things to do in Buffalo
Now that you've made the move to New York, itโs the perfect time to explore Buffalo. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Buffalo, such as the Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park, Pierce-Arrow Museum, Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo Museum of Science, and Burchfield Penney Art Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, The Buffalo Zoo, Delaware Park, and Erie Basin Marina โ along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Buffalo Bandits, Buffalo Beautsโ, Buffalo Bills (AAFC)โ, or Buffalo Bisons (AHL)โ game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Francisco to Buffalo?
The best time to move from San Francisco to Buffalo is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in San Francisco.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Francisco to Buffalo?
Because most people are moving from San Francisco to Buffalo 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 Buffalo take?
The 2,644-mile move from San Francisco, CA, to Buffalo, NY, takes seven to 21 days. Some San Francisco movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Buffalo.
