($1,149) Movers From Arlington, VA to San Francisco, CA

Quick answer: A move from Arlington to San Francisco costs $1,667–$7,101 and takes seven to 21 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 2,816-mile move yourself.

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

The best Arlington to San Francisco full-service moving companies

Choosing a long-distance moving company in Arlington to go to San Francisco can be overwhelming. With so many options, it’s hard to know which movers to trust… and which ones to avoid.

Don't worry — you won't have to sort through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed down the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Arlington to San Francisco.

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
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(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
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(980) 217-6841
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
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(844) 950-2963
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
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(866) 835-2392

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Arlington to San Francisco?toggle

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Arlington to San Francisco will cost between $1,149 to $5,249. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $3,573 to $7,101, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Arlington to San Francisco will cost from $6,520 to $11,335.

The best moving containers for your Arlington to San Francisco move

Moving containers can be a cost-effective option for moving from Arlington to San Francisco. You’ll save a little money by opting to pack and load everything yourself, but the container company will take care of the transportation for you.

We recommend these moving container companies:

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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
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Best value container
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
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At A Glance
  • Long distance moves only
  • Only pay for the space you use
  • No deposit or initial fees
  • Fast delivery time frames
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best for large moves
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices (352) 322-2920
At A Glance
  • Combines affordability of DIY moving with convenience of a truck and driver
  • Only pay for the truck space you use
  • Offers vehicle shipping
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Check prices (352) 322-2920

How much are moving container companies from Arlington to San Francisco?toggle

Moving containers from Arlington to San Francisco will cost you $1,311 to $3,299 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,372 to $5,158. A larger home will cost $3,207 to $6,969.

The best moving truck rentals for your Arlington to San Francisco move

If you want to save even more money on your Arlington to San Francisco move, renting a moving truck is your cheapest option. Keep in mind that you’ll be handling all the work — packing, loading, and driving. But that extra work will pay off in terms of keeping costs low.

These top moving truck rentals are a great place to start:

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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Check prices (800) 468-4285
At A Glance
  • More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
  • Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
  • Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
  • U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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At A Glance
  • Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
  • Round-trip and one-way moves available
  • User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
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How much is a moving truck from Arlington to San Francisco?toggle

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 $1,450 to $2,927. A larger move will cost $1,667 to $3,314, and a four-bedroom move from Arlington to San Francisco costs from $2,066 to $4,361. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best labor-only movers for your Arlington to San Francisco move

If you need some extra hands to help you with your move, you’ll want to hire labor-only movers with reasonable hourly rates and professional crews. Labor-only companies that offer add-on options like packing and cleaning allow you to more fully tailor services to your needs and budget.

Consider these highly rated labor-only movers to help you move from Arlington to San Francisco:

Best Labor Only
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
  • Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
  • $1,000 money-back service guarantee
  • Fast and accurate delivery times
  • Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
(866) 774-5063
At A Glance
  • Quick and easy booking process
  • National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
  • Dedicated move concierge specialist
  • Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
  • The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
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(866) 774-5063

How much does it cost to move from Arlington to San Francisco?

Arlington movers charge $110 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 $1,149 - $5,249 $1,311 - $3,299 $1,450 - $2,927
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,573 - $7,101 $2,372 - $5,158 $1,667 - $3,314
4+ bedrooms $6,520 - $11,335 $3,207 - $6,969 $2,066 - $4,361
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,816 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Factors influencing moving costs from Arlington to San Franciscotoggle

The cost of Arlington 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 Arlington to San Francisco can be as low as $1,149 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $10,688.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Arlington, 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 $1,450 to $3,711. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Arlington to San Francisco

Arlington San Francisco
Average rent cost $2,718 $3,250
Average home value $810,670 $1,241,003
Average income (per capita) $128,145 $136,689
Cost of living (single person) $6,867 $3,781
Cost of living (family of 4) $11,970 $8,717
Unemployment rate 4.0% 5.4%
Sales tax 6.0% 8.63%
State income tax 5.75% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in San Francisco are 20% higher than in Arlington.
  • Home prices in San Francisco are 53.1% higher than in Arlington.
  • Income in San Francisco is 6.7% higher than in Arlington.
  • The cost of living for a single person in San Francisco is 44.9% lower than in Arlington.
  • The cost of living for a family in San Francisco is 27.2% lower than in Arlington.
  • The unemployment rate in San Francisco is 35.00% higher than in Arlington.
  • Sales taxes in San Francisco are 43.83% higher than in Arlington.
  • State income taxes in San Francisco are 131.30% higher than in Arlington.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,651.81 in San Francisco to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Arlington.

How life is different in Arlington vs. San Francisco

San Francisco Arlington
Population 808,988 238,643
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 10 9
Walkability score 99 71
Bike friendliness score 99 72
Crime Index 61.41 15.67
Safety Index 38.59 79.15
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • San Francisco's population is about 239% greater than Arlington.
  • San Francisco's public transportation has a score of 10 out of 10 versus Arlington's higher score of 9.
  • San Francisco is more walkable than Arlington with a score of 99 out of 100 vs Arlington's 71 out of 100.
  • San Francisco is more bike-friendly than Arlington with a score of 99 out of 100 vs Arlington's 72.
  • San Francisco's crime rate is higher than Arlington with a score of 61.41 compared to Arlington's 15.67. This means that San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Arlington neighborhoods are safer than 15.67%.
  • San Francisco is considered to be less safe than Arlington with a score of 38.59 vs Arlington's 79.15.
  • Air quality in San Francisco is moderate, and in Arlington it's good.

Other things to consider for your Arlington 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.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Marina District
  • Mission Bay
  • Mission District
  • Noe Valley

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Bernal Heights
  • Inner Sunset
  • Noe Valley
  • North Beach
  • Presidio Heights

Things to do in San Franciscotoggle

After settling into your new California home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, San Francisco has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: San Francisco is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an San Francisco 49ers (NFL), San Francisco Giants (MLB), or Golden State Warriors (NBA) game.

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Arlington 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 Arlington.

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

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

The 2,816-mile move from Arlington, VA, to San Francisco, CA, takes seven to 21 days. Some Arlington movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in San Francisco.

Helpful moving resources