Top New York City, NY to San Francisco, CA Movers

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from San Francisco to New York City guide.

1. Piece of Cake Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
2. Great Movers: 4.86 out of 5 stars
3. Roadway Moving : 4.86 out of 5 stars
4. Dumbo Moving and Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
5. Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.8 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from New York to California

Planning a move from New York to California? For a studio or one-bedroom, you'll likely pay between $1,453 and $6,583. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $4,477 and $8,712 for the same journey (NY to CA). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $8,509 to $14,636.

Cost of moving containers from New York to California

Moving from New York to California? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $1,868 and $4,297. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $3,344 to $6,933. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $4,308 up to $8,733. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from New York.

Cost of moving truck rentals from New York to California

Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.

Expect to pay between $2,045 and $3,733 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $2,084 to $4,629. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $2,607 to $5,399.

These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.

• Rent prices in San Francisco are 25% lower than in New York City, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
• The home prices in San Francisco are 64.9% higher than in New York City, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
• You're likely to make a higher income living in San Francisco, where incomes are, on average, 75.1% higher than in New York City. Major employers in San Francisco include Lyft, Securitize, and Wells Fargo.
• Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in San Francisco. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 33.5% lower than in New York City.
• A move to San Francisco can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 42.2% less than what it costs in New York City.
• The unemployment rate in San Francisco is 51.79% lower than in New York City.
• Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in San Francisco, since its sales taxes are 7.88% higher than what you are paying in New York City.
• State income taxes in San Francisco are 22.02% higher than in New York City.

• San Francisco's population is about 90% less than New York City.
• San Francisco's public transportation has a similar score to New York City.
• San Francisco is more walkable than New York City with a score of 99 out of 100 vs New York City's 88 out of 100.
• With a score of 99 out of 100, San Francisco is more bike-friendly than New York City, which has a score of 69 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 New York City with a score of 61.41 compared to New York City's 50.83. This means that San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and New York City neighborhoods are safer than 50.83%.
• San Francisco is considered to be less safe than New York City with a score of 38.59 vs New York City's 49.17.
• Air quality in San Francisco is moderate, and in New York City it's good.

• 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
• Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
• Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
• 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: You can verify a California moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in California, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
• Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to San Francisco Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

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

Things to do in San Francisco

After getting comfortable in your new California home, it's time to see what San Francisco is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout San Francisco, such as the Exploratorium, California Academy of Sciences, Walt Disney Family Museum, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and Legion of Honor.
• Outdoor recreation: The city's Golden Gate Park, Presidio of San Francisco, Mission Dolores Park, and Crissy Field — 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 San Francisco 49ers (NFL), San Francisco Giants (MLB), or Golden State Warriors (NBA) game.