Things to know before moving from North Dakota to San Francisco, CA

Cost of living: North Dakota vs San Francisco, CA

North Dakota San Francisco
Average rent cost $912 $3,250
Average home value $263,410 $1,241,003
Average income (per capita) $73,959 $136,689
Unemployment rate 2% 5%
State income tax 3% 13%
  • Rent is about 256% more expensive in San Francisco than in North Dakota.
  • Home prices are about 371% higher in San Francisco than in North Dakota.
  • The average income is about 85% higher in San Francisco than in North Dakota.
  • San Francisco has a higher unemployment rate than North Dakota by about 125%.
  • Income taxes are 359% higher in San Francisco than in North Dakota.

How life is different in San Francisco from North Dakota

San Francisco North Dakota
Population 808,988 783,926
Political leaning Democratic 85-13 Republican 68-32
Summer high 67ºF 82ºF
Winter low 46ºF 0ºF
Annual rain 25" 19"
Annual snow 0" 39"
Crime index 61.41 22.74
  • The population of San Francisco is approximately 3% greater than the population of North Dakota.
  • In the last presidential election, San Francisco voted Democratic and North Dakota voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in San Francisco is 67ºF and in North Dakota, it’s 82ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, San Francisco reaches the temperature of 46ºF and North Dakota gets down to 0ºF.
  • You can expect about 25 inches of annual rainfall in San Francisco vs 19 inches of rainfall in North Dakota.
  • In San Francisco, it snows about 0 inches annually vs 39 inches of snow in North Dakota.
  • San Francisco has a higher crime rate than North Dakota with a crime index of 61.41 vs 22.74.

Things to do in San Francisco

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in San Francisco.

Museums in San Franciscotoggle

  • Exploratorium
  • California Academy of Sciences
  • Walt Disney Family Museum
  • San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
  • Legion of Honor
  • Cable Car Museum
  • de Young Museum
  • Musee Mecanique
  • Asian Art Museum
  • USS Pampanito
  • SS Jeremiah O'Brien
  • San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
  • The Gregangelo Museum
  • Wells Fargo Museum
  • Madame Tussauds

Parks in San Franciscotoggle

  • Golden Gate Park
  • Presidio of San Francisco
  • Mission Dolores Park
  • Crissy Field
  • Yerba Buena Gardens
  • Aquatic Park
  • Children's Creativity Museum
  • Washington Square
  • Lafayette Park
  • Marina Green
  • Grand View Park
  • Levi's Plaza Park
  • Buena Vista Park
  • Corona Heights
  • Fort Mason, the Great Meadow

Sports Teams in San Franciscotoggle

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

Universities in San Franciscotoggle

  • 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
  • Alliant International University, formerly California School of Professional Psychology
  • Art Institute of California - San Francisco
  • Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
  • California College of the Arts
  • California Institute of Integral Studies
  • The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising
  • Golden Gate University
  • Heald College
  • Hult International Business School
  • Minerva Schools at KGI
  • Presidio Graduate School
  • San Francisco Art Institute
  • San Francisco Conservatory of Music
  • San Francisco Law School
  • San Francisco School of Digital Filmmaking
  • Saybrook University
  • University of San Francisco, Jesuit-run

Other considerations when moving to San Francisco, CA

  • 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to California. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

FAQ

How long does a move from North Dakota to San Francisco take?

The time frame for a move from North Dakota to San Francisco, CA, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.

Obviously, the further upstate you are in North Dakota, the longer the drive time to San Francisco will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.

With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to San Francisco from North Dakota can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from North Dakota to San Francisco?

Because of the 1622-mile move, it’s best to book your move from North Dakota to San Francisco as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

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

With the summer highs of 67ºF and the winter lows of 46ºF, most people move to San Francisco from North Dakota during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to San Francisco during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources