($1,289) Moving from Washington DC to San Francisco
Quick answer: A move from Washington DC to San Francisco costs $1,640 to $7,965 and takes seven-twenty-one days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 2,814-mile move yourself.
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Hiring a long-distance moving company from Washington DC will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from San Francisco to Washington DC guide.
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The best Washington DC to San Francisco moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Washington DC to San Francisco is a big deal. There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Washington DC to San Francisco.
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- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5
- BLVD Moving: 4.25 out of 5
- PODS: 4.8 out of 5
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
How much does it cost to move from Washington DC to San Francisco?
Washington DC movers charge $85 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,289 - $5,379 | $1,499 - $3,770 | $1,673 - $2,998 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,208 - $7,965 | $2,451 - $5,339 | $1,640 - $3,606 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,615 - $12,965 | $3,525 - $7,652 | $2,203 - $4,696 |
Factors influencing moving costs from Washington DC to San Francisco
The cost of Washington DC 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 Washington DC to San Francisco can be as low as $1,289 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $11,298.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Washington DC, 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 $1,673 to $4,201. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.
How much are professional moving companies when moving from Washington DC to San Francisco?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Washington DC to San Francisco will cost between $1,289 to $5,379. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $4,208 to $7,965, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Washington DC to San Francisco will cost from $7,615 to $12,965.
How much are moving container companies from Washington DC to San Francisco?
Moving containers from Washington DC to San Francisco will cost you $1,499 to $3,770 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,451 to $5,339. A larger home will cost $3,525 to $7,652.
How much is a moving truck from Washington DC to San Francisco?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,673 to $2,998. A larger move will cost $1,640 to $3,606, and a four-bedroom move from Washington DC to San Francisco costs from $2,203 to $4,696. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.
Pros and cons of moving from Washington DC to San Francisco
Cost of living: Washington DC vs San Francisco
| Washington DC | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,450 | $3,220 |
| Average home value | $609,175 | $1,234,246 |
| Average income (per capita) | $635,900 | $126,187 |
| Cost of Living (single person) | $1,211 | $3,840 |
| Cost of Living (family of 4) | $4,423 | $8,998 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 5.4% |
| Sales Tax | 6.0% | 8.63% |
| State Income Tax | 5.75% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in San Francisco are 31% higher than in Washington DC.
- Home prices in San Francisco are 102.6% higher than in Washington DC.
- Income in San Francisco is 80.2% lower than in Washington DC.
- The cost of living for a single person in San Francisco is 217.1% higher than in Washington DC.
- The cost of living for a family in San Francisco is 103.4% higher than in Washington DC.
- The unemployment rate in San Francisco is 22.86% lower than in Washington DC.
- Sales taxes in San Francisco are 43.83% higher than in Washington DC.
- State income taxes in San Francisco are 131.30% higher than in Washington DC.
To put this into perspective, you would need around $9,512.80 in San Francisco to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Washington DC.
How is life different in Washington DC compared to San Francisco?
| San Francisco | Washington DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,437 | 689,545 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 10 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 99 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 99 | 70 |
| Crime Index | 54.33 | 46.45 |
| Safety Index | 37.9 | 41.16 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- San Francisco's population is about 17% greater than Washington DC.
- San Francisco's public transportation has a score of 10 out of 10 versus Washington DC's higher score of 9.
- San Francisco is more walkable than Washington DC with a score of 99 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 77 out of 100.
- San Francisco is more bike-friendly than Washington DC with a score of 99 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 70.
- San Francisco's crime rate is higher than Washington DC with a score of 54.33 compared to Washington DC's 46.45. This means that San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 54.33% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 46.45%.
- San Francisco is considered to be less safe than Washington DC with a score of 37.9 vs Washington DC's 41.16.
- Air quality in San Francisco is moderate, and in Washington DC it's moderate.
Considerations for moving to San Francisco
- 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 “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 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 – 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.
Local Washington DC movers
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
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Get A Quote |
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4814 Frolich Ln, Hyattsville, MD, 20781 (703) 566-4391 |
| Gentle Giant Moving Company | Get A Quote |
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5782 2nd Street NE, Washington, MD, 20011 (202) 758-0213 |
| Bookstore Movers, LLC | Get A Quote |
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5200 46th Ave, Hyattsville, MD, 20781 (202) 570-4697 |
Visit our best long distance movers in Washington DC page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
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 singles:
- Marina District
- Mission Bay
- Mission District
- Noe Valley
Best neighborhoods for families:
- Bernal Heights
- Inner Sunset
- Noe Valley
- North Beach
- Presidio Heights
What to do in San Francisco
These are some of the best things to do in your new California home.
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Fisherman's Wharf
- Alcatraz Island
- San Francisco Cable Cars
- Golden Gate Park
- San Francisco's Chinatown
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
- The Exploratorium
- California Academy of Science
- Twin Peaks
- Yerba Buena Gardens
- Legion of Honor Museum
- Palace of Fine Arts
- Ferry Building Marketplace
- Mission District
- Union Square
- City Lights Booksellers and Publishers
- Asian Art Museum
- Presidio of San Francisco
- Lands End
Get your sports on!
San Francisco is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
- San Francisco 49ers (NFL)
- San Francisco Giants (MLB)
- Golden State Warriors (NBA)
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Washington DC to San Francisco?
The best time to move from Washington DC 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 Washington DC.
When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to San Francisco?
Because most people are moving from Washington DC 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 Washington DC to San Francisco take?
The 2,814-mile move from Washington DC, MD, to San Francisco, CA, takes seven-twenty-one days. Some Washington DC movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in San Francisco.
