($1,312) Movers From Buffalo, NY to San Francisco, CA

What to know before moving from Buffalo to San Francisco

• Rent prices in San Francisco are 171% higher than in Buffalo.
• Home prices in San Francisco are 481.5% higher than in Buffalo.
• Income in San Francisco is 115.5% higher than in Buffalo.
• The cost of living for a single person in San Francisco is 270.0% higher than in Buffalo.
• The cost of living for a family in San Francisco is 139.1% higher than in Buffalo.
• The unemployment rate in San Francisco is 43.16% lower than in Buffalo.
• Sales taxes in San Francisco are 1.37% lower than in Buffalo.
• State income taxes in San Francisco are 22.02% higher than in Buffalo.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $11,098.83 in San Francisco to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Buffalo.

How life is different in Buffalo vs. San Francisco

• San Francisco's population is about 191% greater than Buffalo.
• San Francisco's public transportation has a score of 10 out of 10 versus Buffalo's higher score of 7.
• San Francisco is more walkable than Buffalo with a score of 99 out of 100 vs Buffalo's 67 out of 100.
• With a score of 99 out of 100, San Francisco is more bike-friendly than Buffalo, which has a score of 63 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
• San Francisco's crime rate is higher than Buffalo with a score of 61.41 compared to Buffalo's 8.0. This means that San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0%.
• San Francisco is considered to be less safe than Buffalo with a score of 38.59 vs Buffalo's 53.55.
• Air quality in San Francisco is moderate, and in Buffalo it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Buffalo 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 “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.

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.

Helpful moving resources