($1,572) Cost to Move From Portland, ME to San Francisco, CA

1. Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine: 4.5 out of 5 stars
2. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
3. Bisson Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
4. Allen & Coles Moving Systems: 4.36 out of 5 stars
5. Tiny Tim’s Moving: 4.14 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Portland to San Francisco

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Portland to San Francisco, you can expect to spend between $1,572 and $6,494. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $4,836 to $9,132 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Portland to San Francisco typically runs between $8,828 and $14,597.

Cost of moving containers from Portland to San Francisco

When moving from Portland to San Francisco, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,510 and $3,768. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,702 to $5,391. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,410 up to $7,371. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Maine.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Portland to San Francisco

Renting a moving truck in Portland is usually your cheapest option to get to San Francisco. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,650 and $3,297. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,857 and $3,736. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $2,259 and $4,588.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• As you consider relocating to San Francisco, note that rent can be roughly 63% more expensive than it is in Portland; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
• Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 129% higher in San Francisco than in Portland.
• Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 113% higher in San Francisco compared to Portland, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
• Plan for higher expenses in San Francisco, since the cost of living for a single person is 52% more than in Portland. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
• If your journey leads to San Francisco, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in San Francisco is 44% more than it is in Portland.
• Both San Francisco and Portland present nearly identical unemployment rates, within a 5% range, signifying stability in employment conditions.
• Sales taxes are 57% higher in San Francisco than in Portland. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
• Income taxes are 129% higher in California compared to Maine. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.

• San Francisco’s population is about 1083% greater than Portland.
• San Francisco’s public transportation score of 10 out of 10 is higher than Portland’s score of 6.
• San Francisco is more walkable than Portland with a score of 99 out of 100 vs Portland’s 62 out of 100.
• With a score of 99 out of 100, San Francisco is more bike-friendly than Portland, which has a score of 68 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
• San Francisco’s crime rate is higher than Portland with a score of 61.41 compared to Portland’s 32.16. This means that San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16%.
• San Francisco is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 38.59 vs Portland’s 67.84.
• Air quality in San Francisco is Moderate, and in Portland it’s Good.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” 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 verify a California moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While California doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches San Francisco smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – 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.

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 getting comfortable in your new California home, it’s time to see what San Francisco is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, San Francisco offers cultural landmarks like the Exploratorium, California Academy of Sciences, Walt Disney Family Museum, and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Golden Gate Park, Presidio of San Francisco, Mission Dolores Park, and Crissy Field — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an San Francisco 49ers (NFL)San Francisco Giants (MLB)Golden State Warriors (NBA) game.