Factors that influence moving costs from San Francisco to Manchestertoggle

The cost of San Francisco movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from San Francisco to Manchester might cost as little as $1,732, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $14,570.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in San Francisco, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $1,948 to $5,194. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from San Francisco to Manchester

Moving from San Francisco to Manchester means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in San Francisco than in Manchester, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how San Francisco compares to Manchester so you know what to expect before you relocate:

San Francisco Manchester
Average rent cost $3,250 $2,004
Average home value $1,241,003 $410,329
Average income (per capita) $136,689 $67,132
Cost of living (single person) $3,781 $2,449
Cost of living (family of 4) $8,717 $5,256
Unemployment rate 5.4% 3.8%
Sales tax 8.63% 0.0%
State income tax 13.3% 4.0%
  • Rent prices in Manchester are 38% lower than in San Francisco, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Manchester.
    Home prices in Manchester are 66.9% lower than in San Francisco.
  • Income in Manchester is 50.9% lower than in San Francisco, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Manchester include Southern New Hampshire University, Freudenberg North America Limited Partnership, and Velcro Brand.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Manchester is 35.2% lower than in San Francisco. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Manchester is 39.7% lower than in San Francisco.
  • The unemployment rate in Manchester is 29.63% lower than in San Francisco.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Manchester, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Manchester are 100.00% lower than in San Francisco.
  • One perk of moving to Manchester is paying less in state income taxes, which are 69.92% lower than in San Francisco.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,943.14 in Manchester to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Francisco.

How life is different in San Francisco vs. Manchester

Manchester San Francisco
Population 115,644 808,988
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 10
Walkability score 51 99
Bike friendliness score 42 99
Crime Index 56.09 61.41
Safety Index 43.91 38.59
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Manchester's population is about 86% less than San Francisco.
  • Manchester's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus San Francisco's higher score of 10.
  • Manchester is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 51 out of 100 vs San Francisco's 99 out of 100.
  • Manchester has a bike-friendliness score 42 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as San Francisco, which has a score of 99 out of 100.
  • Manchester's crime rate is lower than San Francisco with a score of 56.09 compared to San Francisco's 61.41. This means that Manchester neighborhoods are safer than 56.09% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41%.
  • Manchester is considered to be safer than San Francisco with a safety index of 43.91 vs San Francisco's 38.59.
  • Air quality in Manchester is good, and in San Francisco it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your San Francisco vs. Manchester move

  • Weather: August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Manchester, while January and February are the least comfortable months.
  • 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: The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) is the agency tasked with regulating and overseeing movers that offer relocation services within the state. If youโ€™ve already moved and had a dispute with your moving company, they may be able to help resolve the issue, but youโ€™ll need to file a formal complaint first. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a New Hampshire moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: New Hampshire 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 Manchester. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Choose Released Value Protection for a cost-free, minimal coverage option from movers. They're responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Manchester

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Queen City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Manchester.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Wilton
  • Bedford
  • Merrimack
  • Milford
  • Brookline

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Bedford
  • Hollis
  • Amherst
  • Mont Vernon

Things to do in Manchester

Now that you've made the move to New Hampshire, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Manchester. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Manchester, such as the Currier Museum of Art, Millyard Museum, Scouting Museum and Library, and Art 3 Gallery.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Lake Massabesic, Livingston Park, and Pine Island Park โ€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Eastern League), Saint Anselm Hawks (NE-10), or Southern New Hampshire Penmen (NE-10) game.

FAQ

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

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from San Francisco to Manchester. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in San Francisco.

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

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from San Francisco to Manchester, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

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

The 3,137-mile journey from San Francisco, CA to Manchester, NH typically takes seven to 21 days. Some movers in San Francisco offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Manchester.

Helpful moving resources