Best overall value
Local moving companies in Boston
- Boston Best Rate Movers: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- Esquire Moving & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Oscar's Moving Company, LLC: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- StairHopper Movers: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Oscar's Moving Company: 4.9 out of 5 stars
Boston Best Rate Movers
rating
5.0 / 5
DOT #: 1718049
Years in Business: 19
252R Calvary St, Waltham, MA 02453 USBoston Best Rate Movers earns applause for its swift, careful, and professional moving teams. Out of 248 pieces of customer feedback, 96% praised factors like efficiency, attention to detail, professionalism, timely arrivals, and budget-friendly rates. Customers often highlight careful wrapping, fast-paced teams, courteous staff, and straightforward pricing that rarely incurs surprises. Users also welcome the ease of the booking process and the respectful treatment of propertyโqualities that place BBRM ahead of many local competitors. Only a handful of reviewers express frustration with unexpected costs, item damage, or unsatisfactory complaint resolution, noting higher-than-expected bills, difficult claims processes, or unresolved breakage issues. Even so, Boston Best Rate Movers consistently delivers an experience that exceeds expectations for reliability and service quality compared to other movers in the Boston area.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1718049
- State license #: 31391
- DOD certified
Alternative Business Names
- Flat Rate Moving & Storage, Inc.
Esquire Moving & Storage
rating
4.96 / 5
DOT #: 2820253
Pricing: $115/hr
Years in Business: 10
25 Summer Ave, Waltham, MA 02452 USMoving doesn't have to be stressful, as shown by Esquire Moving & Storageโs customer feedback. Of 16 reviews analyzed, 93.8% praised fast and careful service, courteous movers, efficient scheduling, and clear communication. Clients noted excellent care with breakables, friendly crews, and easy booking every step of the way. Many appreciated timely arrivals and efficient work, reflecting well-planned moves and attentive staff. Some even mentioned repeat positive experiences and highly recommend the company for both local and interstate moves. One customer noted higher costs due to slow progress and perceived inefficiency, expressing dissatisfaction specific to a single event. Compared to other companies, Esquire stands out for consistently professional movers and careful attention to clientsโ property, but those seeking the lowest rates should confirm pricing transparency beforehand.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2820253
Alternative Business Names
- Esquire Moving Inc
Oscar's Moving Company, LLC
rating
4.96 / 5
DOT #: 1637689
Years in Business: 17
86 Rowe St, Auburndale, MA 02466 USCustomer feedback paints Oscar's Moving Company as a reliable moving choice, with 70% of input rating their experience as positive out of 151 reviews analyzed. Professionalism, attention to careful handling, efficiency, quick service, and affordable pricing stand out as strengths. Many praised the staff for being on time, friendly, and taking great care with fragile or valuable belongingsโtraits that distinguish Oscar's in a crowded industry. Negative feedback (29%) focuses on damage to items, surprise charges, or interactions seen as rude or dismissive. Reports of damaged furniture or lost items, as well as unexpected costs, have caused frustration for some. Oscar's scores higher than many local movers on professionalism and reliability, though a smaller portion of customers experienced issues with claims or communication after a problem arose. Most reviews recommend Oscar's for moves that require speed, careful handling, and fair pricing, while those concerned about potential for item damage may want to discuss insurance options or clarify estimates ahead of time.
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 credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 1637689
- State license #: 1637689
Alternative Business Names
- Oscar's Moving Company
StairHopper Movers
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 1696867
Years in Business: 21
20 Harvard Street, Boston, MA 02129 USCustomers call StairHopper Movers a top choice for hassle-free, fast, and professional moving. Out of 831 customer feedback pieces reviewed, 97.5% gave positive marks. Most highlight efficient service, careful handling, professionalism, speed, and strong communication as major reasons for high satisfaction. Movers stand out for punctuality, wrapping and protecting furniture, and working quicklyโoften finishing ahead of schedule. Input often references respectful, friendly crews and transparent scheduling updatesโa rarity among movers. Some feedback shares that costs ran higher than quoted, often due to extra material charges or underestimated packing needs. Customers occasionally noted surprise fees. A small number mention minor damage or billing complaints. Compared to many moving companies, StairHopper receives consistently stronger praise for reliability and organization, though pricing clarity could be improved. Many say it's the best move they've ever had and would recommend StairHopper to friends or use them again.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 1696867
- State license #: 31321
Oscar's Moving Company
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 1637689
Years in Business: 17
86 Rowe St, Newton, MA 02466 USSmooth moves and attentive staff consistently define Oscar's Moving Company, based on analysis of 339 customer inputs. Nearly 84% of feedback expresses satisfaction, pointing to fast service, careful treatment of belongings, professionalism, speedy moving, and open communication as standout qualities. Teams frequently arrive on time, work efficiently, and ensure property is protected. Many highlight helpful communication and a courteous attitude not always found with other movers in the industry. Yet, about 16% of feedback cites issues like damaged goods, missed time windows, and billing surprises. Reports of lost or broken items and charges exceeding quotes occur more than with top competitors. Despite some lapses, the high rate of repeat business suggests Oscar's consistently outperforms most local options for professionalism and efficiency while keeping prices transparent for the majority of customers.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 1637689
- State license #: 31320
Alternative Business Names
- Oscar's Moving Company
Key factors that impact the cost of your Boston to San Francisco move
What to know before moving from Boston to San Francisco
Moving from Boston to San Francisco means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Boston than in San Francisco, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Boston compares to San Francisco so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Boston | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,400 | $3,250 |
| Average home value | $739,121 | $1,241,003 |
| Average income (per capita) | $89,212 | $136,689 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $4,820 | $3,781 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,304 | $8,717 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 5.4% |
| Sales tax | 6.25% | 8.63% |
| State income tax | 9.0% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in San Francisco are 4% lower than in Boston, 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 Boston.
Home prices in San Francisco are 67.9% higher than in Boston. - Income in San Francisco is 53.2% higher than in Boston, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in San Francisco include Lyft, Securitize, and Wells Fargo.
- The cost of living for a single person in San Francisco is 21.6% lower than in Boston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in San Francisco is 22.9% lower than in Boston.
- The unemployment rate in San Francisco is 12.90% lower than in Boston.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in San Francisco, since the cityโs sales taxes in San Francisco are 38.08% higher than in Boston.
- State income taxes in San Francisco are 47.78% higher than in Boston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,353.32 in San Francisco to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Boston.
How life is different in Boston vs. San Francisco
| San Francisco | Boston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,988 | 675,647 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 10 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 99 | 98 |
| Bike friendliness score | 99 | 86 |
| Crime Index | 61.41 | 39.88 |
| Safety Index | 38.59 | 60.12 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- The population of San Francisco is about 20% greater than Boston, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- San Francisco offers better access to buses and trains than Boston, based on public transportation ratings. San Francisco has a transit score of 10 out of 10 compared to 9 in Boston. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Youโll find San Francisco to be about as walkable as Boston. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 99 and 98 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- If cycling is your thing, San Francisco is considered more bike-friendly than Boston in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. San Francisco has a bike-friendliness score of 99 out of 100, while Boston is rated as 86 out of 100.
- The crime rate in San Francisco is higher than in Boston, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 61.41 in San Francisco, it is 39.88 in Boston. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโs crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as youโre getting used to your new surroundings in San Francisco. With a crime index of 38.59, San Francisco ranks lower in overall safety than Boston, whose index is Boston's 60.12. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- The air quality in San Francisco isnโt as good as it is in Boston, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. San Francisco has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Boston is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.
Other things to consider for your Boston vs. San Francisco move
- Weather: San Francisco's weather is strongly influenced by the cool currents of the Pacific Ocean on the west side of the city, and the water of San Francisco Bay to the north and east. This moderates temperature swings and produces a remarkably mild year-round climate with little seasonal temperature variation.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โT Numberโ issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: California doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to San Francisco. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Opt for Released Value Protection โ a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in San Francisco
Ready to relocate to "Golden Gate City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in San Francisco.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Marina District
- Mission Bay
- Mission District
- Noe Valley
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bernal Heights
- Inner Sunset
- Noe Valley
- North Beach
- Presidio Heights
Things to do in San Francisco
After settling into your new California home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, San Francisco has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: San Francisco is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Exploratorium, California Academy of Sciences, Walt Disney Family Museum, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and Legion of Honor.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Golden Gate Park, Presidio of San Francisco, Mission Dolores Park, and Crissy Field โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an San Francisco 49ers (NFL), San Francisco Giants (MLB), or Golden State Warriors (NBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Boston to San Francisco?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Boston to San Francisco are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Boston are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Boston to San Francisco?
With many people choosing to move from Boston to San Francisco in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Boston to San Francisco take?
Moving from Boston, MA to San Francisco, CA covers 3,094 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days. Need to move faster? Some Boston movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in San Francisco.
