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Top local movers for Richmond to San Francisco moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Richmond that also provides long-distance services to San Francisco can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 18 local movers in Richmond who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Richmond to San Francisco.
- On The Fly Moving Guys: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- D1 Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Mr. Moving, LLC: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Heroes Moving and Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 3865625
Years in Business: 0
DOT #: 3865625
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 3013397
Alternate Names: Division I Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 822633
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: All My Sons Moving and Storage of Richmond
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 3511853
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3511853
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 5
Alternate Names: Heroes Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Richmond to San Francisco?
Movers in Virginia generally charge an average of $161 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,279 – $5,232 | $1,489 – $3,676 | $1,497 – $2,965 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,590 – $7,284 | $2,438 – $5,311 | $1,741 – $3,602 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,323 – $11,168 | $3,609 – $6,890 | $2,050 – $4,598 |
Cost to hire movers from Richmond to San Francisco
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Richmond to San Francisco typically costs between $1,279 and $5,232. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,590 and $7,284 when moving from Richmond to San Francisco. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Richmond to San Francisco, you’re looking at costs ranging from $7,323 up to $11,168.
Cost of moving containers from Richmond to San Francisco
If you’re relocating from Richmond to San Francisco, you’ll typically spend between $1,489 and $3,676 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,438 up to $5,311. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $3,609 and $6,890. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Richmond to San Francisco
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Richmond to San Francisco move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,497 and $2,965. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,741 to $3,602. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $2,050 and $4,598.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Richmond to San Francisco
The cost of Richmond movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Richmond to San Francisco might be as low as $2,712, while a four-bedroom could reach $10,980.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Richmond.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $1,497 to $4,113 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Richmond to San Francisco
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – San Francisco runs about 67% higher for singles and 63% higher for families than Richmond.
Singles spend around $3,781 in Richmond versus $2,270 in Richmond; families pay $8,717 compared with $5,336.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Richmond | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,537 | $3,259 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,539 | $5,475 |
| Average home value | $350,897 | $1,241,003 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,606 | $136,689 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,270 | $3,781 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,336 | $8,717 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 5.4% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 8.63% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 13.3% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 104% higher in San Francisco than in Richmond, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 254% higher in San Francisco than in Richmond.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 129% higher in San Francisco than in Richmond, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in San Francisco, as the cost of living for a single person in San Francisco is 67% greater than in Richmond. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- As you plan your move to San Francisco, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 63% more than it is in Richmond.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 24% lower than Richmond, San Francisco boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes in San Francisco exceed those in Richmond by 44%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Income taxes are 131% higher in California than in Virginia. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Richmond and San Francisco, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Richmond | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.21 | $229.35 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.67 | $62.91 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.95 | $5.91 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.66 | $5.06 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $125.00 |
| Gym membership | $59.72 | $99.96 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Richmond than in San Francisco, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Richmond than in San Francisco.
- Eggs are less expensive in Richmond than in San Francisco.
- Bread costs less in Richmond than in San Francisco.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Richmond than in San Francisco.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Richmond than in San Francisco.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Richmond than in San Francisco.
How life is different in Richmond vs. San Francisco
| Richmond | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 226,610 | 808,988 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 10 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 99 |
| Bike friendliness score | 51 | 99 |
| Crime index | 48.45 | 61.41 |
| Safety index | 51.55 | 38.59 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- San Francisco’s population is about 257% greater than Richmond.
- San Francisco’s public transportation score of 10 out of 10 is higher than Richmond’s score of 7.
- San Francisco is more walkable than Richmond with a score of 99 out of 100 vs Richmond’s 51 out of 100.
- With a score of 99 out of 100, San Francisco is more bike-friendly than Richmond, which has a score of 51 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 Richmond with a score of 61.41 compared to Richmond’s 48.45. This means that San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Richmond neighborhoods are safer than 48.45%.
- San Francisco is considered to be less safe than Richmond with a score of 38.59 vs Richmond’s 51.55.
- Air quality in San Francisco is Moderate, and in Richmond it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Richmond to San Francisco move
- 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: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through 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: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to San Francisco without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in San Francisco
Ready to relocate to The Golden Gate City? Here are some of the top 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
Now that you’ve made the move to California, it’s the perfect time to explore San Francisco. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in San Francisco include museums and art centers like the Exploratorium, California Academy of Sciences, Walt Disney Family Museum, and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Golden Gate Park, Presidio of San Francisco, Mission Dolores Park, and Crissy Field, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an San Francisco 49ers (NFL)San Francisco Giants (MLB)Golden State Warriors (NBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Richmond to San Francisco?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Richmond to San Francisco. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Richmond.
When is the cheapest time to move from Richmond to San Francisco?
With many people choosing to move from Richmond to San Francisco in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Richmond to San Francisco take?
Covering 2,873 miles, the move from Richmond, VA to San Francisco, typically takes seven to 21 days. Some Richmond movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in San Francisco can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Richmond can handle specialty items for my move to San Francisco?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Richmond, 13 movers can handle pianos. 12 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of VA, there are 77 piano movers and 47 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Richmond moving services
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