($1,236) Cost to Move From Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA

1. Above Average Moving LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
2. The Armstrong Company: 4.44 out of 5 stars
3. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
4. Top Notch Moving and Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
5. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.28 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Madison to San Francisco

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Madison to San Francisco typically costs between $1,236 and $4,776. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,639 and $7,859 when moving from Madison to San Francisco. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Madison to San Francisco, you’re looking at costs ranging from $6,758 up to $10,835.

Cost of moving containers from Madison to San Francisco

If you’re relocating from Madison to San Francisco, you’ll typically spend between $1,205 and $2,868 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,185 up to $4,118. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,739 and $5,851. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Wisconsin.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Madison to San Francisco

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Madison 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 $1,217 and $2,392. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,278 to $2,684. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,613 and $3,321.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

• Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 103% higher in San Francisco than in Madison, which may impact your monthly finances.
• A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 237% higher in San Francisco than in Madison.
• Exciting news here, the average income is about 117% higher in San Francisco than in Madison, 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 65% greater than in Madison. 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 60% more than it is in Madison.
• The unemployment rate in San Francisco exceeds that of Madison by about 64%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
• Sales taxes in San Francisco exceed those in Madison by 57%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
• Income taxes are 74% higher in California than in Wisconsin. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.

• San Francisco’s population is about 200% greater than Madison.
• San Francisco’s public transportation score of 10 out of 10 is higher than Madison’s score of 6.
• San Francisco is more walkable than Madison with a score of 99 out of 100 vs Madison’s 50 out of 100.
• With a score of 99 out of 100, San Francisco is more bike-friendly than Madison, which has a score of 66 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 Madison with a score of 61.41 compared to Madison’s 34.57. This means that San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
• San Francisco is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 38.59 vs Madison’s 65.43.
• Air quality in San Francisco is Moderate, and in Madison it’s Good.

• 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.

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.