($1,749+) Newark, NJ to San Francisco, CA Movers
Moving from Newark, NJ, to San Francisco, CA, runs anywhere from $1,633 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,951 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,893 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,551, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $12,951 or more.
- Moving containers run $2,046 - $7,733, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,633 - $4,773.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Newark, NJ, to San Francisco, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,883 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Newark, NJ to San Francisco, CA
Moving options from Newark to San Francisco fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,883 - $8,439 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 2,893 miles, this route usually takes 7 to 21 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,893-mile route from Newark to San Francisco, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,551 - $5,852, container $2,046 - $3,826, rental truck $1,633 - $3,104, freight trailer $1,952 - $3,766.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $3,883 - $8,439, container $2,734 - $5,833, rental truck $1,859 - $3,849, freight trailer $2,209 - $4,531.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $7,532 - $12,951, container $3,552 - $7,733, rental truck $2,351 - $4,773, freight trailer $3,079 - $6,064.
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 Newark, NJ to San Francisco, CA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 2,893-mile move from Newark, New Jersey, to San Francisco, California, with prices running from $2,551 - $12,951. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $537 - $3,580 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Newark and San Francisco are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Newark movers tend to run around $260 as a base rate plus $120/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Newark to San Francisco:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,551 - $5,852
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,883 - $8,439
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,532 - $12,951
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 Newark to San Francisco.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from New Jersey to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Newark, NJ to San Francisco, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 94% of Newark movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In San Francisco, 87% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing98% of local movers | $895 - $8,950 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready94% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Roadway Moving | $358 - $2,148/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $537 - $4,296 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage53% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs38% of local movers | $1,790 - $5,370 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,475 - $17,900 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,341 - $2,547 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items70% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Oz Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,790 - $4,475 |
| Piano | Any piano type87% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Roadway Moving | $1,432 - $6,265 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling42% of local movers | $537 - $2,685 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect31% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Oz Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,164 - $3,580 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $537 - $26,850+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $537 - $6,265+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Newark to San Francisco?
Look for California Moving & Storage Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in California 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Newark, NJ. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Newark, NJ to San Francisco, CA
Moving containers from Newark, New Jersey, to San Francisco, California, cost between $2,046 and $7,733. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Newark typically costs about $130/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Newark to San Francisco:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,046 - $3,826
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,734 - $5,833
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,552 - $7,733
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $134 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $269 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 $1,253 in Newark, NJ, 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 San Francisco, CA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New Jersey to California 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 $2,046. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,734 - $5,833, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Newark to San Francisco?
- 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 Newark 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 Newark:
- Roadway Moving (4.9/5), 18 years in business
- Oz Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.8/5), 33 years in business
- Ample Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Newark, NJ to San Francisco, CA
Plan on $1,633 - $4,773 for a rental moving truck on the 2,893-mile route from Newark, New Jersey, to San Francisco, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,648 - $1,883
- Daily insurance: $54/day
- Equipment rentals: $13 - $36
- Newark daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $0.99
| 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 Newark to San Francisco based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,633 - $3,104
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,859 - $3,849
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,351 - $4,773
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,633 - $4,773 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Newark to San Francisco. Fuel ($1,648 - $1,883) , lodging at around $269/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $1,648 - $1,883 for the 2,893-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Newark, New Jersey, for about 5 hours typically costs around $1,253.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 2,893-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $269 per night, adding $537 - $806 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $90 and $537.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Newark to San Francisco?
- 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 Newark, NJ to San Francisco, CA
If you're moving a larger household from Newark, New Jersey, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to San Francisco, California.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $2,209 and $4,531.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Newark to San Francisco:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,952 - $3,766
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,209 - $4,531
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,079 - $6,064
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?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $134 and $269.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Newark, New Jersey, for roughly five hours typically average $1,253.
What are the best freight companies from Newark to San Francisco?
- 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.
- Freehold Cartage, Inc. (4.84/5 stars): Freehold Cartage, Inc. 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: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to San Francisco quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Newark, NJ vs San Francisco, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in San Francisco, side by side with Newark on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Newark, NJ | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 135 | 245 |
| Average rent | $2,300/mo | $3,250/mo |
| Median home value | $335,418 | $1,374,773 |
| Average income | $48,416/yr | $141,446/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 13.0% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 10.7% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 76/100 | 99/100 |
| Safety index | 24.76/100 | 38.59/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
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 San Francisco, CA to Newark, NJ guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from New Jersey to California 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 89 movers based in New Jersey, handy for sizing up options on this 2,893-mile route.
Our take
A move from Newark, NJ, to San Francisco, CA, 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 $2,551 - $12,951 on the 2,893-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $2,046 - $7,733, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,633 - $4,773. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,883 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Lyft and Securitize.
FAQs: Moving from Newark, NJ, to San Francisco, CA
Is San Francisco a safe place to live?
San Francisco has a safety index of 38.59 out of 100 and a crime index of 61.41, compared to 24.76 and 75.24 in Newark. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is San Francisco?
San Francisco has a walkability score of 99 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 99, compared to 76 and 51 in Newark. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in San Francisco?
For families, Bernal Heights, Inner Sunset, and Noe Valley are worth a look in San Francisco. If you're moving solo or without kids, Marina District, Mission Bay, and Mission District tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
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.
What do local movers charge in Newark?
Local movers based in Newark typically start around $260 as a base rate, plus $120/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in San Francisco run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Newark movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 87% of movers in Newark handle piano moves, and 70% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
