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Top-rated local movers that handle Austin to San Francisco moves
When planning a move from Austin to San Francisco, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 33 local movers in Austin who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Austin to San Francisco.
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.62 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Black Tie Moving: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 009181943C
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 000534796B
Years in Business: 40
DOT #: 1914113
Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 007743472C
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: College Hunks Moving Central Austin
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 006733496C
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2407712
Alternate Names: Black Tie Moving Services, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 009668291C
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Austin to San Francisco?
Movers in Texas charge $131 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 | $1,191 – $4,741 | $1,076 – $2,497 | $1,041 – $1,983 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,081 – $7,254 | $1,804 – $3,960 | $1,050 – $2,361 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,972 – $10,436 | $2,490 – $5,317 | $1,352 – $2,860 |
Cost to hire movers from Austin to San Francisco
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Austin to San Francisco, you can expect to spend between $1,191 and $4,741. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,081 to $7,254 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Austin to San Francisco typically runs between $5,972 and $10,436.
Cost of moving containers from Austin to San Francisco
When moving from Austin to San Francisco, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,076 and $2,497. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,804 to $3,960. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,490 up to $5,317. 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 Texas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Austin to San Francisco
Renting a moving truck in Austin 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 $1,041 and $1,983. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,050 and $2,361. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,352 and $2,860.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Austin to San Francisco
The cost of Austin movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,534, but larger homes can run up to $9,598.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Austin.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,041–$2,534) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Austin to San Francisco
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – San Francisco runs about 13% higher for singles and 12% higher for families than Austin.
Singles spend around $3,781 in Austin versus $3,345 in Austin; families pay $8,717 compared with $7,815.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Austin | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,208 | $3,259 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,827 | $5,475 |
| Average home value | $508,841 | $1,241,003 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,258 | $136,689 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,345 | $3,781 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,815 | $8,717 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 5.4% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 8.63% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- As you consider relocating to San Francisco, note that rent can be roughly 84% more expensive than it is in Austin; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 144% higher in San Francisco than in Austin.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 100% higher in San Francisco compared to Austin, 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 13% more than in Austin. 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 12% more than it is in Austin.
- The unemployment rate in San Francisco is 54% higher compared to Austin, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are similar in San Francisco and Austin (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
- California has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Austin with San Francisco:
| Living Expense | Austin | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $181.48 | $229.35 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.16 | $62.91 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.35 | $5.91 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.50 | $5.06 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $125.00 |
| Gym membership | $62.38 | $99.96 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Austin than in San Francisco, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Austin than in San Francisco.
- Eggs are less expensive in Austin than in San Francisco.
- Bread costs less in Austin than in San Francisco.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Austin than in San Francisco.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Austin than in San Francisco.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Austin than in San Francisco.
How life is different in Austin vs. San Francisco
| Austin | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 974,447 | 808,988 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 10 |
| Walkability score | 42 | 99 |
| Bike friendliness score | 54 | 99 |
| Crime index | 42.91 | 61.41 |
| Safety index | 59.87 | 38.59 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- San Francisco’s population is about 17% less than Austin.
- San Francisco’s public transportation score of 10 out of 10 is higher than Austin’s score of 5.
- San Francisco is more walkable than Austin with a score of 99 out of 100 vs Austin’s 42 out of 100.
- With a score of 99 out of 100, San Francisco is more bike-friendly than Austin, which has a score of 54 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 Austin with a score of 61.41 compared to Austin’s 42.91. This means that San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91%.
- San Francisco is considered to be less safe than Austin with a score of 38.59 vs Austin’s 59.87.
- Air quality in San Francisco is Moderate, and in Austin it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Austin to San Francisco move
- 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.
Where to live in San Francisco
Now that you’ve chosen The Golden Gate City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in San Francisco to check out.
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.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Austin to San Francisco?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Austin to San Francisco are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Austin are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Austin to San Francisco?
Because spring and fall moves from Austin 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 Austin to San Francisco take?
A move of 1,760 miles from Austin, TX to San Francisco, generally takes five to 16 days. Movers in Austin sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in San Francisco is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Austin?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 2 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 2 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Austin offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 19 movers in Austin have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 14 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across TX, there are 180 piano movers and 125 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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