($572+) San Francisco, CA to Seattle, WA Movers
The cost to move from San Francisco, CA to Seattle, WA ranges from $1,219 to $8,540, with an average cost of $3,050. Moves can be as low as $572 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 807 miles and usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from San Francisco, CA to Seattle, WA
Moving options from San Francisco to Seattle fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,219 - $8,540 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,050, 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 807 miles and typically takes 2 to 7 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 807-mile route from San Francisco to Seattle, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,219 - $4,872 with full-service movers, $1,118 - $2,018 with a container, $595 - $1,156 with a rental truck, or $965 - $1,890 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,565 - $5,719 full-service, $1,393 - $2,800 by container, $662 - $1,281 by rental truck, or $1,126 - $2,400 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $4,243 - $8,540 full-service, $1,986 - $3,729 by container, $765 - $1,602 by rental truck, or $1,574 - $3,043 by freight.
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 Seattle, WA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 807-mile move from San Francisco, California, to Seattle, Washington, with prices running from $1,219 - $8,540. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $631 - $4,204 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between San Francisco and Seattle 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 Seattle:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,219 - $4,872
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,565 - $5,719
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,243 - $8,540
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 Seattle.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Washington. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from San Francisco, CA to Seattle, WA
Specialty needs vary by market — 87% of San Francisco movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Seattle, 92% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $1,051 - $10,510 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready87% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. | $420 - $2,522/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $631 - $5,045 |
| 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 | $2,102 - $6,306 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $5,255 - $21,020 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,574 - $2,991 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items70% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. | $2,102 - $5,255 |
| Piano | Any piano type79% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,682 - $7,357 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers | $631 - $3,153 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect27% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Luigy's Moving & Storage | $1,366 - $4,204 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $631 - $31,530+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $631 - $7,357+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Francisco to Seattle?
Look for Washington Movers Conference membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Washington beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in San Francisco, CA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from San Francisco, CA to Seattle, WA
Moving containers from San Francisco, California, to Seattle, Washington, cost between $1,118 and $3,729. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in San Francisco runs about $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Francisco to Seattle:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,118 - $2,018
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,393 - $2,800
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,986 - $3,729
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $158 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $315 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $1,471 in San Francisco, CA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Seattle, WA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Washington 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 $1,118. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,393 - $2,800, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers San Francisco to Seattle?
- 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 Seattle, WA
Plan on $595 - $1,602 for a rental moving truck on the 807-mile route from San Francisco, California, to Seattle, Washington. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $540 - $617
- Daily insurance: $63/day
- Equipment rentals: $15 - $42
- 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 Seattle based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $595 - $1,156
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $662 - $1,281
- 4+ bedrooms: $765 - $1,602
Pro tip: A rental truck from San Francisco to Seattle looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $595 - $1,602. But once you factor in fuel ($540 - $617) , overnight lodging ($315/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $315 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in San Francisco, California, usually costs about $1,471 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 807-mile drive falls between $540 and $617, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $105 and $631 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Francisco to Seattle?
- 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 Seattle, WA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from San Francisco, California, to Seattle, Washington. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,892 and $2,400.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Francisco to Seattle:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $965 - $1,890
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,126 - $2,400
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,574 - $3,043
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In San Francisco, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $1,471.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $158 - $315 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from San Francisco to Seattle?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- PRO Logistics (4.54/5 stars): PRO Logistics is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from San Francisco to Seattle, 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 Seattle, WA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Seattle, side by side with San Francisco on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Francisco, CA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 245 | 158 |
| Average rent | $3,250/mo | $1,975/mo |
| Median home value | $1,374,773 | $911,938 |
| Average income | $141,446/yr | $121,984/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.8% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
| Walkability score | 99/100 | 74/100 |
| Safety index | 38.59/100 | 49.23/100 |
| 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 Seattle, WA to San Francisco, CA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Washington in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 374 movers based in California, handy for sizing up options on this 807-mile route.
Our take
A move from San Francisco, CA, to Seattle, WA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,219 - $8,540 on the 807-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,118 - $3,729, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $595 - $1,602. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,565 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Seattle tend to point to beautiful nature and ample economic opportunity, though high cost of living and rainy weather come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Amazon.com and Starbucks.
FAQs: Moving from San Francisco, CA, to Seattle, WA
How much does it cost to move from San Francisco, CA to Seattle, WA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,219 to $8,540, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,219 and $8,540, 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 is the cheapest way to move from San Francisco, CA to Seattle, WA?
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 $662 - $1,281. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($540 - $617), daily insurance ($63/day), and equipment rentals ($15 - $42) on top. Overnight stops can add another $315/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from San Francisco, CA to Seattle, WA 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 is the best time of year to move from San Francisco, CA to Seattle, WA?
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.
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.
