Moving from Los Angeles to San Francisco

Or call one of our customer service representatives at 1-877-624-1008 1-800-689-8684.

Get a Quote

Moving from Los Angeles to San Francisco

Ask any San Franciscan and they will tell you that the Bay Area is just a better place to live than Los Angeles, hands down. While the ample sunshine and beautiful scenery of southern California is appealing to many, others choose to head north and trade in the City of Angels for the Golden Gate City. Some people want to trade in the big city metropolis for a smaller city feel while others are drawn to its thriving economy. Whatever the reason, San Francisco has proven to be a fantastic city to call home. Below is everything you need to know about moving to San Francisco including the benefits, cost of moving, and how to go about relocating.

Distance to San Fran from LA

Benefits of Moving from Los Angeles to San Francisco

Job Opportunities

San Francisco has been called the tech capital of America thanks to a large presence of some of the world’s biggest tech companies including Salesforce, Twitter, Uber, Tesla, Google, HP, Facebook, Apple, eBay, and Netflix. In addition, the well-known Silicon Valley is located in the southern part of the San Francisco Bay Area and serves as a global center for high technology, innovation, and social media. This has created a huge employment boom in the Bay Area and has made it one of the strongest economies in the country. Needless to say, San Francisco is the place to be if you are looking to work for a major corporation or even to start your own business.

Ideal Location

San Francisco has plenty of things to do, but one of its other great perks is its close proximity to so many other cool places. A quick drive can put you in the mountains, at the beach, or in wine country. Take a day trip to Yosemite National Park which is only about 3 hours away and check out the waterfalls, cliffs, and incredible views of the wilderness. Leave the city behind and take a short drive to Muir Woods to marvel at the awe-inspiring Redwood trees. Just over an hour away is Napa Valley, where wine lovers can experience hundreds of vineyards and beautiful rolling hills. San Francisco is also a short drive from the slopes in Tahoe, the excitement of L.A. and San Diego, or a multitude of gorgeous beaches.

Great Public Transportation

Unlike Los Angeles, San Francisco has great public transportation with services such as BART, Caltrain, MUNI busses, cabs, scooters, and bikes. It is also one of the most walkable cities in the country. While the traffic is congested and parking can be a nightmare, the upside is the accessibility of good public transportation.

Mild Weather

While the Bay Area does experience a fair share of fog, it’s mild temperatures and lack of humidity is a great trade off. Compared with other cities that experience snow, humidity, and extreme heat, San Francisco has some of the best weather you could ask for. The temperature in San Francisco rarely tops 80 degrees and the coldest it gets is 50 degrees. This means residents get to enjoy moderate temperatures year round.

Tons To Do

San Francisco has countless places to go and things to explore. The city is home to an assortment of professional sports teams, Michelin-starred restaurants, beautiful beaches, funky bars, and exciting nightlife. There are also incredible must-see attractions in San Francisco including the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Alcatraz Island, Pier 39, and loads of museums. In addition, San Francisco’s moderate climate and stunning landscape lends itself to an abundance of outdoor activities such as surfing, biking, swimming, boating and fishing. It’s location also puts it just a short drive from ski resorts, rock climbing, and incredible hiking.

Cost of Moving from Los Angeles to San Francisco

The average cost to move from Los Angeles to San Francisco is about $1400-$2500. Of course, there are many variables that will determine the actual cost such as number of items being moved, total weight of items, exact distance of the move, and additional full-service options such as packing and unpacking. The average cost to move with Allied is $1,328.26 but the best way to get an accurate quote is to use our Instaquote above.

Average Cost to move to San Fran from LA

Other Factors to Consider:

Comparison of Living Costs

Living in San Francisco involves a detailed comparison of costs:

  • Housing: The real estate market here is more expensive than in Los Angeles. Current trends show higher average home prices and rent costs.
  • Utilities and Groceries: These are generally on par with Los Angeles, though slight variations exist.
  • Transportation: Thanks to efficient public transportation, commuting costs might be lower than in Los Angeles.
  • Healthcare and Taxes: Expect a higher tax rate in San Francisco, but also a wide array of healthcare options.

Real Estate Market Insights

San Francisco's real estate market is dynamic and competitive. It's crucial to stay updated on the latest trends in home prices, rent costs, and market fluctuations for both buyers and renters.

Educational System

The city boasts a strong educational system, including highly-rated public schools, prestigious universities, and notable private and charter schools, catering to diverse educational needs.

Cultural and Lifestyle Differences

San Francisco offers a unique lifestyle, marked by a vibrant social life, diverse entertainment options, community engagement, and a generally more relaxed pace of life compared to Los Angeles.

Climate and Weather Information

The city's climate is characterized by mild temperatures, with the famous San Francisco fog adding a unique touch to its weather patterns.

How to Move from Los Angeles to San Francisco

Moving from Los Angeles to San Francisco can be a challenge given that they are both busy, congested, and populated cities. To ensure the easiest transition, it’s best to hire experts to assist with your move. Allied has been helping customers for over 90 years with their local and long distance moves. Not every moving company is equipped to handle the challenges of a long distance move, but Allied’s trusted professionals are highly qualified and experienced so they can help you every step of the way. We can provide you with a full range of moving options including packing, unpacking, transportation, and special shipping and handling.

To learn more about how Allied can help customize the right move for you, call today or begin by filling out our Instaquote above.

Agents Near You

GET YOUR FREE QUOTE NOW!