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($1,134) Movers From San Diego to San Francisco, CA

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Estimated cost & time: The average cost to move 501 miles from San Diego to San Francisco ranges from $2,072 to $4,992 for professional movers, though can be less expensive going more DIY. Expect the trip to take about one–six days. Final costs vary by distance, date, home size, and whether you go DIY or hire movers.
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Best movers from San Diego to San Francisco

Best overall value
Safeway Moving Logo Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
4.9
  • checkmarkBest overall value
  • checkmarkVeteran owned
  • checkmarkPortion to charity
American Van Lines Logo American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
4.5
  • checkmarkCertified crews
  • checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
  • checkmarkFamily-owned
North American Van Lines Logo North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans
4.5
  • checkmark1,800 trucks
  • checkmarkStorage available
  • checkmarkCustomized moving plans
Allied Van Lines Logo Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years’ experience
4.8
  • checkmarkSpecialty packing services
  • checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
  • checkmark80+ years’ experience
Mayzlin Relocation Logo Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
4.9
  • checkmarkFamily owned
  • checkmarkEast coast focus
  • checkmarkAffordable pricing
Professional Icon
Professional
Container Icon
Container
Rental Truck Icon
Rental truck
Freight Icon
Labor-only
Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans
Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years’ experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing

Estimated cost to move from San Diego to San Francisco

These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 501-mile move from San Diego to San Francisco, CA, using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of verified pricing data points from movers across the country and refreshes them each month to capture seasonal shifts and market changes. Your actual cost can differ based on move size, add-on services, parking or access issues, fuel prices, and timing. We recommend getting quotes from several companies to understand your true price.
Studio Icon

Studio / 1 bedroom

  • Moving Company $1,206 – $3,486
  • Moving Container $869 – $1,689
  • Rental Truck $399 – $719
Two Three Bed Icon

2-3 bedrooms

  • Moving Company $2,072 – $4,992
  • Moving Container $1,196 – $2,309
  • Rental Truck $426 – $844
Four Bed Icon

4+ bedrooms

  • Moving Company $3,411 – $7,828
  • Moving Container $1,575 – $2,910
  • Rental Truck $558 – $1,080
Recent Moving Price Estimates
The following are real, anonymized quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 48 hours. Prices change with dates and availability; use these as a ballpark, not a guarantee.
Mayflower Transit
Poway, CA Larkspur, CA
2 Bedrooms
Nov 17, 2025
American Van Lines
Bonita, CA Belmont, CA
4 Bedrooms
Oct 30, 2025
PODS
Imperial Beach, CA Brisbane, CA
1 Bedroom (small)
Oct 25, 2025
Colonial Van Lines
El Cajon, CA Orinda, CA
1 Bedroom (small)
Oct 20, 2025
Safeway Moving
Chula Vista, CA San Pablo, CA
1 Bedroom (small)
Oct 14, 2025
Budget Truck Rental
Santee, CA Ross, CA
4 Bedrooms
Sep 30, 2025
United Van Lines
Bostonia, CA El Cerrito, CA
Studio apartment
Sep 29, 2025
Roadway Moving
Winter Gardens, CA San Bruno, CA
4 Bedrooms
Sep 24, 2025
Allied Van Lines
Hillcrest, CA San Mateo, CA
4 Bedrooms
Sep 16, 2025
Mayzlin Relocation
Spring Valley, CA Albany, CA
1 Bedroom (large)
Sep 02, 2025

Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from San Francisco to San Diego guide.

Local moving companies in San Diego

Picking one of the 370 local movers in California for your San Diego to San Francisco relocation can take the stress out of moving. Local movers know the region well, provide tailored services, and handle everything from packing and loading to transporting your belongings so your move is quicker and smoother from start to finish.

  1. One Stop Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  2. Republic Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  3. Dominant Moving Company: 4.56 out of 5 stars
  4. McCarthy Transfer & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
  5. We Like To Move It Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
75.8% of all reviews were positive
22.8% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
One Stop Moving & Storage stands out for its efficient, professional service, with a remarkable 76% of customer feedback describing a positive experience. Out of 628 reviews, most customers report quick moves, careful handling of belongings, polite staff, and clear communication—qualities that set this company above many competitors. Many mention moving day being stress-free thanks to a hardworking team skilled at protecting furniture and executing moves seamlessly. Pricing is usually transparent and estimates tend to be accurate compared to other movers. On the downside, about 23% of feedback details more serious problems: some moves resulted in furniture damage, missing items, or unexpected charges, and customers who experienced these issues struggled to get satisfactory help after the fact. A few reviews also describe poor claims handling and communication gaps. While most people recommend One Stop Moving & Storage for careful, professional relocations, anyone booking a move should confirm all terms and insurance coverage in writing to help avoid surprises.
Get a Quote (858) 633-8600

Company Info

State license #: 0190616

Years in Business: 16

DOT #: 1956864

Alternate Names: One Stop Moving & Storage Inc , San Diego Expert Movers , Quick San Diego Movers , Coastal Movers , Manpower Movers

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
75.4% of all reviews were positive
21.6% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers say Republic Moving & Storage stands out for speed, professionalism, and careful handling of belongings. Crews consistently arrive punctually, work efficiently, and communicate clearly, making moving days less stressful for families and individuals. Many highlight how staff go above and beyond to protect delicate items and accommodate client needs. Affordable rates and accurate pricing set the company apart from other movers, as does their polite and knowledgeable team. Issues arise mainly with damage to items during transit, late arrivals, and breakdowns in communication, especially during long-distance or complex moves. While most feedback is positive, a sizable portion of input points to frustration with handling claims, delays, and some property loss. Republic’s track record for efficient, courteous service positions them above many competitors, but persistent complaints about item damage and occasional administrative issues indicate room for improvement and more reliable service for every customer. A total of 501 reviews were analyzed, with about 75% giving positive input.
Get a Quote (619) 639-8352

Company Info

State license #: 0190491

Years in Business: 31

DOT #: 3369820

Alternate Names: Lovejoy’s Family Moving , Republic Relocation Services

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOD certified
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
82.2% of all reviews were positive
16.1% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Dominant Moving Company stands out in San Diego’s moving industry for fast, careful, and professional crews. Of the 360 feedback entries reviewed, more than 82% came from highly satisfied customers praising efficient service, polite staff, and impressive price-to-quality value. Clients emphasize how movers protect belongings, communicate well, and finish jobs on schedule. Affordable rates and careful handling of items set Dominant apart from many competitors. Some negative input highlights recurring issues: damage to furniture or property, slow or late arrivals, and unsatisfactory responses to complaints. A few clients report unresolved claims for damage or difficulty contacting management after a problem. While delays and breakage occasionally impact experiences, most people say their moves were smooth and cost-effective—attributes that help Dominant edge out local rivals in reliability and value. The company’s reputation is built on speed, care, and affordability, but future customers should clarify damage procedures and timing expectations before booking.
Get a Quote (855) 699-2299

Company Info

State license #: 191165

Years in Business: 11

DOT #: 2718191

Alternate Names: Velorom LLC

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
91.4% of all reviews were positive
8.1% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers rave about McCarthy Transfer & Storage’s professionalism and efficiency. Out of 221 feedback entries, over 91% praise the team’s politeness, careful handling, prompt communication, and quick moving process, reporting moves completed with speed and concern for personal property. Input frequently emphasizes courteous, skilled crews and services handled with respect for homes and belongings. Some note that the company regularly exceeds experiences with other movers—especially for military relocations—earning more trust for reliability and staff friendliness. A small portion of feedback points out issues such as damaged or lost items, unprofessional conduct, or unexpected extra charges, particularly during military moves. Despite these isolated problems, most customer feedback compares McCarthy Transfer favorably to other moving companies for dependability and quality service.
Get a Quote (619) 596-2594

Company Info

State license #: 0154190

Years in Business: 105

DOT #: 2059504

Alternate Names: McCarthy Transfer & Storage Incorporated

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOD certified
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
93.7% of all reviews were positive
5.5% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving made nearly effortless—We Like To Move It Moving receives consistently impressive customer feedback. Out of 379 reviews analyzed, 94% describe positive experiences citing efficient service, attention to detail with belongings, and truly professional movers. Many customers mention a quick, organized moving process and commend the team’s friendly, communicative attitude. Movers arrive promptly, handle items with care, and communicate clearly throughout, making stressful moves much easier. Transparent pricing and easy booking also earn high praise. While negative feedback is rare, some customers saw final costs higher than expected, and a few reported damage to belongings or delays. Compared to typical moving companies, We Like To Move It Moving reliably delivers fast, careful, and personable service. High satisfaction rates and strong recommendations set them apart as a leader in the San Diego area.
Get a Quote (619) 483-1505

Company Info

State license #: 0191446

Years in Business: 9

DOT #: 2843171

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card

Cost to move from San Diego to San Francisco

The table below shows average moving costs from San Diego to San Francisco. We’ve categorized pricing by home size and type of service for easy side-by-side comparison.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental
truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,134 – $3,106 $648 – $1,639 $419 – $704
2 – 3 bedrooms $2,072 – $4,992 $1,196 – $2,309 $426 – $844
4+ bedrooms $3,411 – $7,828 $1,575 – $2,910 $558 – $1,080
*The prices shown are rough estimates for a 501-mile move from San Diego to San Francisco, informed by moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 11, 2025. moveBuddha collects thousands of verified price points nationwide and updates the dataset monthly to mirror seasonal changes and market trends. Your final cost can change due to move size, add-ons, parking/access limitations, fuel rates, and schedule. We suggest comparing several mover quotes for the most accurate pricing.

Cost to hire movers from San Diego to San Francisco

Hiring movers for a studio or one-bedroom home from San Diego to San Francisco typically runs between $1,134 and $3,106. A two- to three-bedroom move from San Diego to San Francisco usually ranges from $2,072 to $4,992, while a larger move from San Diego to San Francisco often costs $3,411 to $7,828.

Cost of moving containers from San Diego to San Francisco

For moves from San Diego to San Francisco using moving containers, a small move usually costs $648–$1,639. Two- to three-bedroom moves often fall between $1,196 and $2,309. Larger (four-bedroom+) moves typically range from $1,575 to $2,910. Learn more about PODS cost.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move in California.

Cost of renting a moving truck from San Diego to San Francisco

Opting for a rental truck from San Diego to San Francisco typically saves the most money, but you’ll need to handle both the driving and the loading/unloading.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $419 to $704. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $426 to $844, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from San Diego to San Francisco costs around $558 to $1,080.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

Considerations when moving from San Diego to San Francisco

Cost of living: San Diego vs. San Francisco

The cost of living in San Diego vs. San Francisco isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in San Francisco compares to what you’re used to in San Diego.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

San Diego San Francisco
Average rent cost $2,881 $3,250
Average home cost $1,003,444 $1,241,003
Average income (per capita) $72,963 $136,689
Cost of living (single person) $3,346 $3,781
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,719 $8,717
Unemployment rate 6.6% 5.4%
Average Sales Tax 7.75% 8.63%
  • Rent prices in San Francisco are 13% higher than in San Diego, meaning a larger portion of your income may go toward housing, leaving less for savings or other expenses.
  • Home prices in San Francisco are 24% higher than in San Diego, so you’ll likely need a larger down payment and can expect bigger monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
  • You could enjoy greater earning potential and improved financial stability in San Francisco, where average income is 87% higher than in San Diego — especially if your salary is on par with the local average.
  • Living costs for one person are 13% higher in San Francisco compared to San Diego. Make sure to budget for these higher expenses.
  • If you’re relocating your family to San Francisco, plan for living expenses to be about 13% higher than in San Diego. Things like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, so San Francisco is generally a more expensive spot for families.
  • The unemployment rate in San Francisco is 18% lower than in San Diego. This points to a healthier job market, more openings, and better economic stability in your new city.
  • You’ll find sales taxes in San Francisco are 11% higher than in San Diego, which means day-to-day expenses on items like clothes, electronics, or dining out may add up faster.

If you typically live on $3,000 a month in San Diego, you’ll need about $3,390 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in San Francisco.

How life is different in San Diego vs. San Francisco

Before you move, check out how life in San Francisco measures up to San Diego. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.

San Diego San Francisco
Population 1,386,932 808,988
Political leaning Democratic 60-37 Democratic 85-13
Summer high 79ºF 67ºF
Winter low 46ºF 46ºF
Annual rain 12″ 25″
Annual snow 0″ 0″
Crime index 39.83 61.41
  • You’ll notice that San Francisco has roughly 42% fewer people than San Diego. Smaller cities usually mean more peace of mind, more space, and lower living costs, though you may find yourself missing a few big-city conveniences.
  • During the last presidential election, both San Diego and San Francisco supported the Democratic candidate.
  • In San Francisco, summer highs top out around 67°F, lower than San Diego’s 79°F. Relocating here means milder summers and a more relaxed pace outdoors.
  • In the coldest months, you’ll find similar low temperatures in both San Diego and San Francisco—with winter lows around 46°F and 46°F.
  • San Francisco typically gets more rainfall than San Diego, with an annual average of 25 inches compared to just San Diego’s 12 inches.
  • Both San Diego and San Francisco receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
  • San Francisco shows a higher crime rate than San Diego, with index scores of 61.41 compared to 39.83.

Things to do in San Francisco

Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, San Diego has plenty to offer:

Museums in San Francisco

  • Exploratorium
  • California Academy of Sciences
  • Walt Disney Family Museum
  • San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
  • Legion of Honor

Parks in San Francisco

  • Golden Gate Park
  • Presidio of San Francisco
  • Mission Dolores Park
  • Crissy Field
  • Yerba Buena Gardens

Sports teams in San Francisco

  • San Francisco 49ers (NFL)
  • San Francisco Giants (MLB)
  • Golden State Warriors (NBA)

Universities in San Francisco

  • City College of San Francisco
  • San Francisco State University
  • University of California, Hastings College of the Law
  • University of California, San Francisco
  • Academy of Art University

FAQ

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from San Diego to San Francisco?

Shipping furniture from San Diego to San Francisco with a moving company typically costs between $1,134 and $3,106. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $2,072 to $4,992. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $3,411 and $7,828 for that same route.

How much are moving container companies from San Diego to San Francisco?

If you’re planning a move from San Diego to San Francisco and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $648 and $1,639. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $1,196 to $2,309. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,575 to $2,910.

How much is a moving truck from San Diego to San Francisco?

If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.

If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $419 and $704. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $426 and $844. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from San Diego to San Francisco, truck rentals usually range from $558 up to $1,080.

How far in advance should I book San Diego-to-San Francisco movers?

To make your move from San Diego to San Francisco as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to San Francisco?

The cheapest time of year to move to San Francisco is between early October and late April. This period is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.

Learn more about your move to San Francisco

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