($1,557) Movers From Pittsburgh , PA to San Francisco, CA

What to know before moving from Pittsburgh to San Francisco

Moving from Pittsburgh to San Francisco comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since San Francisco is generally more expensive than Pittsburgh , 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:

• Rent prices in San Francisco are 117% higher than in Pittsburgh , which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Pittsburgh .
  Home prices in San Francisco are 457.9% higher than in Pittsburgh .
• Income in San Francisco is 151.7% higher than in Pittsburgh , so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top 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 77.6% higher than in Pittsburgh . 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 74.0% higher than in Pittsburgh .
• The unemployment rate in San Francisco is 23.94% lower than in Pittsburgh .
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in San Francisco, since the city’s sales taxes in San Francisco are 23.29% higher than in Pittsburgh .
• State income taxes in San Francisco are 333.22% higher than in Pittsburgh .

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,327.85 in San Francisco to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Pittsburgh .

How life is different in Pittsburgh vs. San Francisco

• The population of San Francisco is about 167% greater than Pittsburgh , 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 Pittsburgh , based on public transportation ratings. San Francisco has a transit score of 10 out of 10 compared to 8 in Pittsburgh . 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 Pittsburgh . San Francisco is considered more walkable than Pittsburgh , with a score of 99 out of 100 versus 62 out of 100 in Pittsburgh . 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 Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh is rated as 55 out of 100.
• The crime rate in San Francisco is higher than in Pittsburgh , 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 37.74 in Pittsburgh . 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 Pittsburgh , whose index is Pittsburgh 's 62.26. 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 Pittsburgh , 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 Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh 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'spublic 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 toSan 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

Now that you’ve chosen "Golden Gate City" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco to check out.

Helpful moving resources