Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
Local moving companies in San Francisco
Picking one of the 355 local movers in California for your San Francisco to Los Angeles 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.
- Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Good Green Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Luigy’s Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- West Coast Moving Systems, Inc: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0190673
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 3670248
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191035
Pricing: $70/hr
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2604063
Alternate Names: Green Move, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0192210
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 02740355
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0192456
Years in Business: 18
DOT #: 3071646
Alternate Names: West Coast Movers , West Coast Moving Systems
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Cost to move from San Francisco to Los Angeles
The table below shows average moving costs from San Francisco to Los Angeles. 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 | $1,004 – $2,902 | $631 – $1,422 | $358 – $657 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,838 – $4,558 | $1,074 – $2,098 | $363 – $780 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,888 – $6,911 | $1,528 – $2,787 | $461 – $898 |
Cost to hire movers from San Francisco to Los Angeles
Hiring movers for a studio or one-bedroom home from San Francisco to Los Angeles typically runs between $1,004 and $2,902. A two- to three-bedroom move from San Francisco to Los Angeles usually ranges from $1,838 to $4,558, while a larger move from San Francisco to Los Angeles often costs $2,888 to $6,911.
Cost of moving containers from San Francisco to Los Angeles
For moves from San Francisco to Los Angeles using moving containers, a small move usually costs $631–$1,422. Two- to three-bedroom moves often fall between $1,074 and $2,098. Larger (four-bedroom+) moves typically range from $1,528 to $2,787. 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 Francisco to Los Angeles
Opting for a rental truck from San Francisco to Los Angeles 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 $358 to $657. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $363 to $780, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from San Francisco to Los Angeles costs around $461 to $898.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Considerations when moving from San Francisco to Los Angeles
Cost of living: San Francisco vs. Los Angeles
The cost of living in San Francisco vs. Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles compares to what you’re used to in San Francisco.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| San Francisco | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,250 | $2,960 |
| Average home cost | $1,241,003 | $2,368,088 |
| Average income (per capita) | $136,689 | $74,993 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,781 | $5,833 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,717 | $12,720 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 10.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.63% | 9.5% |
- Rent in Los Angeles is about 9% cheaper than in San Francisco. That means you’ll probably free up more of your budget for savings, fun, or other expenses.
- Home prices in Los Angeles are 91% higher than in San Francisco, so you’ll likely need a larger down payment and can expect bigger monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- Income in Los Angeles is 45% lower than in San Francisco, which might mean you’ll need to watch your budget, especially if your income doesn’t keep pace with the cost of living.
- Living costs for one person are 54% higher in Los Angeles compared to San Francisco. Make sure to budget for these higher expenses.
- If you’re relocating your family to Los Angeles, plan for living expenses to be about 46% higher than in San Francisco. Things like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, so Los Angeles is generally a more expensive spot for families.
- The unemployment rate in Los Angeles is 96% higher than in San Francisco. This could make finding work more challenging and potentially affect job security, especially if you’re moving without a job lined up.
- You’ll find sales taxes in Los Angeles are 10% higher than in San Francisco, 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 Francisco, you’ll need about $4,620 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Los Angeles.
How life is different in San Francisco vs. Los Angeles
Before you move, check out how life in Los Angeles measures up to San Francisco. 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 Francisco | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,988 | 3,820,914 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 85-13 | Democratic 64-31 |
| Summer high | 67ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 46ºF | 46ºF |
| Annual rain | 25″ | 16″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 0″ |
| Crime index | 61.41 | 53.81 |
Los Angeles sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Los Angeles has a population roughly 372% higher than San Francisco. Relocating to a bigger city brings more people, possibilities, cultural experiences, and higher costs and a faster paced lifestyle. Whether that energizes or exhausts you all comes down to what you’re looking for.
- During the last presidential election, both San Francisco and Los Angeles supported the Democratic candidate.
- Summer temperatures in Los Angeles can reach 84°F, hotter than San Francisco at 67°F. Expect warmer days, higher cooling bills, and adjustments to your daily routine.
- In the coldest months, you’ll find similar low temperatures in both San Francisco and Los Angeles—with winter lows around 46°F and 46°F.
- Expect wetter weather in San Francisco, where it averages 25 inches of rain annually—more than the 16 inches you’ll see each year in Los Angeles.
- Both San Francisco and Los Angeles receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Los Angeles posts a lower crime rate than San Francisco, with a crime index of 53.81 compared to San Francisco’s 61.41.
Things to do in Los Angeles
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, San Francisco has plenty to offer:
Museums in Los Angeles
- The Getty Center
- Griffith Observatory
- Petersen Automotive Museum
- Battleship USS Iowa Museum
- The Broad
Parks in Los Angeles
- Griffith Park
- Runyon Canyon Park
- Lake Hollywood Park
- Echo Park
- Venice Skatepark
Sports teams in Los Angeles
- Los Angeles Clippers (NBA)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
- Los Angeles FC (MLS)
- Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
- Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)
Universities in Los Angeles
- California State University, Los Angeles
- California State University, Northridge
- University of California, Los Angeles
- American Film Institute Conservatory
- Alliant International University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
Shipping furniture from San Francisco to Los Angeles with a moving company typically costs between $1,004 and $2,902. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $1,838 to $4,558. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $2,888 and $6,911 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
If you’re planning a move from San Francisco to Los Angeles and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $631 and $1,422. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $1,074 to $2,098. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,528 to $2,787.
How much is a moving truck from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
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 $358 and $657. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $363 and $780. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from San Francisco to Los Angeles, truck rentals usually range from $461 up to $898.
How far in advance should I book San Francisco-to-Los Angeles movers?
To make your move from San Francisco to Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles?
The cheapest time of year to move to Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
