($529+) Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA Movers
Moving from Salt Lake City, UT, to San Francisco, CA, runs anywhere from $545 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,029 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 735 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,796, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,029 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,040 - $3,587, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $545 - $1,429.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Salt Lake City, UT, to San Francisco, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,512 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA
Moving options from Salt Lake City to San Francisco fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,512 - $6,016 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 735-mile route typically takes 1 to 6 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 735-mile route from Salt Lake City to San Francisco, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,796 - $4,611 | $1,040 - $1,890 | $545 - $1,014 | $1,005 - $1,809 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,512 - $6,016 | $1,392 - $2,813 | $565 - $1,228 | $1,125 - $2,162 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,135 - $8,029 | $1,978 - $3,587 | $781 - $1,429 | $1,432 - $2,956 |
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 Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 735-mile move from Salt Lake City, Utah, to San Francisco, California, with prices running from $1,796 - $8,029. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $512 - $3,412 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Salt Lake City and San Francisco are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Salt Lake City movers tend to run around $340 as a base rate plus $137/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Salt Lake City to San Francisco:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,796 - $4,611
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,512 - $6,016
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,135 - $8,029
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 Salt Lake City to San Francisco.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Utah 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 Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 91% of Salt Lake City 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 packing100% of local movers | $853 - $8,530 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready91% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Best Of Utah Moving Company LLC | $341 - $2,047/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $512 - $4,094 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage39% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs78% of local movers | $1,706 - $5,118 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,265 - $17,060 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,278 - $2,428 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items61% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Best Of Utah Moving Company LLC | $1,706 - $4,265 |
| Piano | Any piano type74% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Best Of Utah Moving Company LLC | $1,365 - $5,971 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling30% of local movers | $512 - $2,559 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Moving Connections | $1,109 - $3,412 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $512 - $25,590+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $512 - $5,971+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Salt Lake City to San Francisco?
All three below meet the standards set by the California Moving & Storage Association, the group most California movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Salt Lake City, UT. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA
Moving containers from Salt Lake City, Utah, to San Francisco, California, cost between $1,040 and $3,587. 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 Salt Lake City typically costs about $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Salt Lake City to San Francisco:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,040 - $1,890
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,392 - $2,813
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,978 - $3,587
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $128 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $256 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in San Francisco, CA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $1,194 in Salt Lake City, UT. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Utah 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 $1,040. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,392 - $2,813, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City:
- Best Of Utah Moving Company LLC (5.0/5), 10 years in business
- Moving Connections (4.9/5), 27 years in business
- Kellogg Movers (4.9/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA
Truck rentals from Salt Lake City, Utah, to San Francisco, California, range from $545 - $1,429 for the 735-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $399 - $456
- Daily insurance: $51/day
- Equipment rentals: $12 - $34
- Salt Lake City daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.09 - $1.29
| 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 Salt Lake City to San Francisco based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $545 - $1,014
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $565 - $1,228
- 4+ bedrooms: $781 - $1,429
Pro tip: The base rate of $545 - $1,429 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Salt Lake City to San Francisco. Fuel ($399 - $456) , lodging at around $256/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?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $256 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Salt Lake City, Utah, usually costs about $1,194 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 735-mile drive falls between $399 and $456, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $85 and $512 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Salt Lake City, Utah, to San Francisco, California. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,535 and $2,162.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Salt Lake City to San Francisco:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,005 - $1,809
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,125 - $2,162
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,432 - $2,956
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $128 - $256 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Salt Lake City, Utah, typically costs $1,194.
What are the best freight companies from Salt Lake City to San Francisco?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Savage Services Corporation (4.76/5 stars): Savage Services Corporation is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Salt Lake City to San Francisco. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Salt Lake City, UT 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 Salt Lake City on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Salt Lake City, UT | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 121 | 245 |
| Average rent | $1,495/mo | $3,250/mo |
| Median home value | $495,721 | $1,374,773 |
| Average income | $74,925/yr | $141,446/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.95% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 59/100 | 99/100 |
| Safety index | 65.36/100 | 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 Salt Lake City, UT guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Utah to California, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 32 movers licensed in Utah, useful context for sizing up this 735-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Salt Lake City, UT, to San Francisco, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,796 for a studio to $8,029 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 735-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,040 - $3,587. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $545 - $1,429, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,512 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Lyft and Securitize.
FAQs: Moving from Salt Lake City, UT, to San Francisco, CA
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 Salt Lake City?
Local movers based in Salt Lake City typically start around $340 as a base rate, plus $137/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 size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,796 to $8,029, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,796 and $8,029, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What is the cheapest way to move from Salt Lake City, UT to San Francisco, CA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $565 - $1,228. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Salt Lake City movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 74% of movers in Salt Lake City handle piano moves, and 61% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.