Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The cost to move from Reno to San Francisco ranges from $326 to $5,067 and the journey will take approximately one to two days. Key factors influencing these estimates include your moving volume, chosen moving date, and whether you opt for professional movers or handle the 218-mile move on your own.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from San Francisco to Reno guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from Reno to San Francisco
Picking a long-distance moving company for your move from Reno to San Francisco isn't easy — there are tons of options out there, and figuring out who's reliable (and who's not) can feel like a real challenge.
No need to stress about sifting through endless options — we've already done the homework for you. Our picks are based on real reviews, pricing, and the range of services offered.
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Safeway Moving
 Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned |
American Van Lines
Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned |
Allied Van Lines
Specialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experience |
Mayzlin Relocation
Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing |
North American Van Lines
1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans |
How we chose the best moving companies for your NV to CA move
Local moving companies in Reno
- Move 4 Less, LLC: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Colonial Van & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Ernie's Van & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Carneys Full Service Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 3344.7
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1251663
Alternate Names: Move4Less Moving Specialist
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 3151.2
Years in Business: 54
DOT #: 2973
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 0189906
Years in Business: 90
DOT #: 125550
Alternate Names: Sowell Bros., Inc., Ernie's Van and Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 3258.6
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 3338161
Alternate Names: Phoenix Movers, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 3343.1
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3303833
Alternate Names: RA Moving, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Reno to San Francisco?
Reno movers charge $120 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $931 - $3,394 | $693 - $1,676 | $290 - $507 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,794 - $5,067 | $1,196 - $2,241 | $326 - $600 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,292 - $6,600 | $1,636 - $3,013 | $392 - $737 |
Cost to hire movers from Nevada to California
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Nevada to California, you can expect to spend between $931 and $3,394. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,794 to $5,067 on the same route (NV to CA). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Nevada to California typically runs between $2,292 and $6,600.
Cost of moving containers from Nevada to California
Moving from Nevada to California? For a small load, you’ll likely pay between $693 and $1,676. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,196 to $2,241. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,636 up to $3,013. 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 Nevada.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Nevada to California
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $290 to $507. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $326 to $600, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Nevada to California costs around $392 to $737.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Reno to San Francisco move
What to know before moving from Reno to San Francisco
Moving from Reno to San Francisco comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since San Francisco is generally more expensive than Reno, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Reno | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,700 | $3,250 |
| Average home value | $523,662 | $1,241,003 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,486 | $136,689 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,122 | $3,781 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,887 | $8,717 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.6% | 5.4% |
| Sales tax | 8.27% | 8.63% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in San Francisco, since prices are typically 91% higher than in Reno.
- The home prices in San Francisco are 137.0% higher than in Reno, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- You’re likely to make a higher income living in San Francisco, where incomes are, on average, 105.6% higher than in Reno. Major employers in San Francisco include Lyft, Securitize, and Wells Fargo.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in San Francisco, since the cost of living for a single person in San Francisco is 78.2% higher than in Reno. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to San Francisco, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in San Francisco is 78.4% higher than in Reno.
- The unemployment rate in San Francisco is 17.39% higher than in Reno.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in San Francisco, since its sales taxes are 4.35% higher than what you are paying in Reno.
- State income taxes in San Francisco are 13.30% higher than in Reno.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,345.43 in San Francisco to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Reno.
How life is different in Reno vs. San Francisco
| San Francisco | Reno | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,988 | 264,165 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 10 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 99 | 40 |
| Bike friendliness score | 99 | 52 |
| Crime Index | 61.41 | 46.26 |
| Safety Index | 38.59 | 53.74 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- The population of San Francisco is about 206% greater than Reno, 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 Reno, based on public transportation ratings. San Francisco has a transit score of 10 out of 10 compared to 4 in Reno. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in San Francisco means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Reno. San Francisco is considered more walkable than Reno, with a score of 99 out of 100 versus 40 out of 100 in Reno. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- If cycling is your thing, San Francisco is considered more bike-friendly than Reno 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 Reno is rated as 52 out of 100.
- The crime rate in San Francisco is higher than in Reno, 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 46.26 in Reno. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in San Francisco. With a crime index of 38.59, San Francisco ranks lower in overall safety than Reno, whose index is 53.74. 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 isn't as good as it is in Reno, 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 Reno 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 Reno 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in California, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to San Francisco Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in San Francisco
With your sights set on Golden Gate City, these are some of the most popular 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
Once you're settled into your new home in California, it's time to get out and discover what San Francisco has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- 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 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: 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 Reno to San Francisco?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Reno to San Francisco You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Reno.
When is the cheapest time to move from Reno to San Francisco?
Because spring and fall moves from Reno to San Francisco are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Reno to San Francisco take?
The 218-mile journey from Reno, NV to San Francisco, CA, typically takes one to two days. Some movers in Reno offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in San Francisco.
