Factors influencing moving costs from Montgomery to San Franciscotoggle

The cost of Montgomery movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Montgomery to San Francisco can be as low as $1,560 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $13,976.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Montgomery, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,581 to $4,158. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Montgomery to San Francisco

Montgomery San Francisco
Average rent cost $1,200 $3,250
Average home value $140,563 $1,241,003
Average income (per capita) $49,989 $136,689
Cost of living (single person) $1,651 $3,781
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,569 $8,717
Unemployment rate 5.8% 5.4%
Sales tax 10.0% 8.63%
State income tax 5.0% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in San Francisco are 171% higher than in Montgomery.
  • Home prices in San Francisco are 782.9% higher than in Montgomery.
  • Income in San Francisco is 173.4% higher than in Montgomery.
  • The cost of living for a single person in San Francisco is 129.0% higher than in Montgomery.
  • The cost of living for a family in San Francisco is 144.2% higher than in Montgomery.
  • The unemployment rate in San Francisco is 6.90% lower than in Montgomery.
  • Sales taxes in San Francisco are 13.70% lower than in Montgomery.
  • State income taxes in San Francisco are 166.00% higher than in Montgomery.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $6,870.38 in San Francisco to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Montgomery.

How life is different in Montgomery vs. San Francisco

San Francisco Montgomery
Population 808,988 200,603
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 10 2
Walkability score 99 26
Bike friendliness score 99 33
Crime Index 61.41 65.25
Safety Index 38.59 34.75
Air Quality Moderate Moderate
  • San Francisco's population is about 303% greater than Montgomery.
  • San Francisco's public transportation has a score of 10 out of 10 versus Montgomery's higher score of 2.
  • San Francisco is more walkable than Montgomery with a score of 99 out of 100 vs Montgomery's 26 out of 100.
  • With a score of 99 out of 100, San Francisco is more bike-friendly than Montgomery, which has a score of 33 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • San Francisco's crime rate is lower than Montgomery with a score of 61.41 compared to Montgomery's 65.25. This means that San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Montgomery neighborhoods are safer than 65.25%.
  • San Francisco is considered to be safer than Montgomery with a safety index of 38.59 vs Montgomery's 34.75.
  • Air quality in San Francisco is moderate, and in Montgomery it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Montgomery 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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 โ€œT Numberโ€ 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 verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to San Francisco. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection โ€“ 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

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Golden Gate City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in San Francisco.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Marina District
  • Mission Bay
  • Mission District
  • Noe Valley

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Bernal Heights
  • Inner Sunset
  • Noe Valley
  • North Beach
  • Presidio Heights

Things to do in San Franciscotoggle

After settling into your new California home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, San Francisco has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: San Francisco is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Exploratorium, California Academy of Sciences, Walt Disney Family Museum, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and Legion of Honor.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Golden Gate Park, Presidio of San Francisco, Mission Dolores Park, and Crissy Field โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an San Francisco 49ers (NFL), San Francisco Giants (MLB), or Golden State Warriors (NBA) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Montgomery to San Francisco?

The best time to move from Montgomery to San Francisco is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Montgomery.

When is the cheapest time to move from Montgomery to San Francisco?

Because most people are moving from Montgomery to San Francisco in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Montgomery to San Francisco take?

The 2,415-mile move from Montgomery, AL, to San Francisco, CA, takes seven to 18 days. Some Montgomery movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in San Francisco.

Helpful moving resources