Factors influencing moving costs from San Francisco to Renotoggle

The cost of San Francisco 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 San Francisco to Reno can be as low as $951 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $5,513.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in San Francisco, 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 $304 to $689. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from San Francisco to Reno

San Francisco Reno
Average rent cost $3,250 $1,700
Average home value $1,241,003 $523,662
Average income (per capita) $136,689 $66,486
Cost of living (single person) $3,781 $2,122
Cost of living (family of 4) $8,717 $4,887
Unemployment rate 5.4% 4.6%
Sales tax 8.63% 8.27%
State income tax 13.3% 0.0%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Reno are 48% lower than in San Francisco.
  • Home prices in Reno are 57.8% lower than in San Francisco.
  • Income in Reno is 51.4% lower than in San Francisco.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Reno is 43.9% lower than in San Francisco.
  • The cost of living for a family in Reno is 43.9% lower than in San Francisco.
  • The unemployment rate in Reno is 14.81% lower than in San Francisco.
  • Sales taxes in Reno are 4.17% lower than in San Francisco.
  • State income taxes in Reno are 100.00% lower than in San Francisco.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,683.68 in Reno 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. Reno

Reno San Francisco
Population 264,165 808,988
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 10
Walkability score 40 99
Bike friendliness score 52 99
Crime Index 46.26 61.41
Safety Index 53.74 38.59
Air Quality Good Moderate
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Reno's population is about 67% less than San Francisco.
  • Reno's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus San Francisco's lower score of 10.
  • Reno is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 40 out of 100 vs San Francisco's 99 out of 100.
  • Reno has a bike-friendliness score 52 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.
  • Reno's crime rate is lower than San Francisco with a score of 46.26 compared to San Francisco's 61.41. This means that Reno neighborhoods are safer than 46.26% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41%.
  • Reno is considered to be safer than San Francisco with a safety index of 53.74 vs San Francisco's 38.59.
  • Air quality in Reno is good, and in San Francisco it's moderate.

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

  • Weather: Reno experiences very hot summer and very cold winter. If you're looking to relocate, consider the months of June, September and May as these months have favorable weather. December and January 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: Movers that provide relocation services within the Silver State are subject to rules and regulations set forth by the Nevada Transportation Authority (NTA). The NTAโ€™s aims include fostering economic growth and promoting efficient, safe, and reliable moving services around the state. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Nevada moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Nevada 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 Reno. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection, the cost-free choice provided by movers, albeit with minimal coverage. Movers take responsibility for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if your mover misplaced or damaged a valuable item like a 30-pound sculpture, you would only receive $18 (60 cents x 30 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, explore alternative options with your selected moving company or consider consulting 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 Reno

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Biggest Little City in the World", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Reno.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • South Reno
  • East Reno
  • Old Northwest-west University
  • Northwest
  • Northeast
  • South Central
  • South West
  • North Valleys

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • South Reno
  • Northwest
  • North Valleys
  • East Reno
  • North East
  • South Central
  • Southwest
  • Old Northwest-west University

Things to do in Renotoggle

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

  • Arts and culture: Reno is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the National Automobile Museum, Nevada Museum of Art, The Discovery - Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, Wilbur D. May Center, and Fleischmann Planetarium.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Mt. Rose Ski Resort, Animal Ark, Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, and Virginia Lake Park 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 Reno Aces (PCL) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

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

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

Because most people are moving from San Francisco to Reno 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 San Francisco to Reno take?

The 218-mile move from San Francisco, CA, to Reno, NV, takes one to two days. Some San Francisco movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Reno.

Helpful moving resources

San Francisco moving services

Popular California routes

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