Top Seattle, WA to San Francisco, CA Movers

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

1. Eco Movers Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
2. Hansen Bros Moving and Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
3. Seattle Movers: 4.76 out of 5 stars
4. Access Gentle Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
5. Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Washington to California

If you're packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Washington to California, you can expect prices to land between $1,607 and $5,818. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $3,451 to $7,856 for the trip from WA to CA. If you're moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you're likely looking at a price tag between $5,540 and $11,711.

Cost of moving containers from Washington to California

If you're moving from Washington to California, expect to pay between $934 and $2,335 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,680 up to $3,273. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,347 and $4,583. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Washington.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Washington to California

A moving rental truck is generally 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 $725 to $1,353. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $744 to $1,545, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Washington to California costs around $942 to $1,987.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• You may want to budget more for rent in San Francisco, since prices are typically 65% higher than in Seattle.
• The home prices in San Francisco are 47.4% higher than in Seattle, 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, 75.6% higher than in Seattle. Major employers in San Francisco include Lyft, Securitize, and Wells Fargo.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in San Francisco, since the cost of living for a single person in San Francisco is 1.1% higher than in Seattle. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• 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 11.1% less than what it costs in Seattle.
• The unemployment rate in San Francisco is 12.50% higher than in Seattle.
• You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in San Francisco, since the city's sales taxes in San Francisco are 16.62% lower than in Seattle.
• State income taxes in San Francisco are 13.30% higher than in Seattle.

• San Francisco's population is about 10% greater than Seattle.
• San Francisco's public transportation has a score of 10 out of 10 versus Seattle's lower score of 8.
• San Francisco is more walkable than Seattle with a score of 99 out of 100 vs Seattle's 74 out of 100.
• With a score of 99 out of 100, San Francisco is more bike-friendly than Seattle, which has a score of 71 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
• San Francisco and Seattle have a similar crime rate.
• San Francisco is considered to be less safe than Seattle with a score of 38.59 vs Seattle's 49.23.
• Air quality in San Francisco is moderate, and in Seattle 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: California doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
• Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to San Francisco. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

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 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: 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.