Moving to San Francisco, CA
San Francisco is a compact, hilly city at the tip of a peninsula, home to the world's most innovative tech companies, iconic landmarks, and one of America's most walkable urban cores. The Bay Area offers unmatched professional opportunity in a spectacular natural setting.
San Francisco at a glance
- Population: 815,201
- Median rent (2BR): $3,800/month
- Cost of living index: 194 (100 = national average)
- Walk Score: 87/100
- Average high temperature: 63°F
Best neighborhoods in San Francisco
- Mission District — Vibrant & Latino Heritage, avg $3,200/mo
- Pacific Heights — Affluent & Victorian, avg $5,000/mo
- SoMa — Tech & Modern, avg $3,600/mo
- The Castro — LGBTQ+ & Community, avg $3,400/mo
- Noe Valley — Family & Sunny, avg $4,000/mo
Local moving costs in San Francisco
For a 2-bedroom local move, expect roughly $246 for a DIY truck rental and about $1,490 for full-service movers.
San Francisco facts
- San Francisco has 43 hills — moving in SF requires extra stair fees
- The Golden Gate Bridge is painted 'International Orange' — not gold
- SF has more restaurants per capita than any other major U.S. city
- BART and Muni serve 400,000+ daily riders across the Bay Area
Moving tips for San Francisco
- Always expect a stair fee — almost every SF building has stairs
- Parking for moving trucks in SF requires SFMTA permits (apply online)
- June–August is foggy (Karl the Fog) — wrap items for moisture
- Many SF buildings prohibit moves on weekends and after 5 PM
Popular moving routes
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to move to San Francisco?
- A local move within San Francisco for a 2-bedroom home typically costs about $246 for a DIY truck rental up to $1,490 for full service. Long-distance moves to San Francisco vary with the origin distance.
- What is the average rent in San Francisco?
- The median rent in San Francisco is approximately $3,800 per month for a 2-bedroom. Studios average around $2,660/month.
- What are the best neighborhoods in San Francisco?
- Popular neighborhoods in San Francisco include Mission District (Vibrant & Latino Heritage), Pacific Heights (Affluent & Victorian), SoMa (Tech & Modern).