Moving from San Francisco to New York: Top Local Movers & Cost Guide
You're leaving the Bay Area for the East Coast—a 2,900-mile trip that'll test any moving company's logistics. If you're trying to find reliable movers in San Francisco who can actually get your stuff across the country without losing it, you're in the right place. I've pulled together the best local operators in the city, actual price breakdowns, and the things you need to know before you go.
Top-Rated San Francisco Movers for Cross-Country Moves
Out of roughly 90 San Francisco moving companies that handle interstate relocations, here are the five best-rated options for getting you to New York. These rankings reflect customer satisfaction, licensing, and how well they actually execute long-distance moves.
- Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. — 4.64 / 5
- NorthStar Moving Company — 4.52 / 5
- Gentle Giant Moving Company — 4.58 / 5
- Pure Moving Company — 4.48 / 5
- Good Green Moving — 4.44 / 5
Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.
Address: 274 Wattis Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080
Rating: 4.6 / 5 (464 Yelp reviews, 190 Google reviews)
BBB Grade: A+
Eagle gets 87% positive feedback. What people like: efficient crews, careful handling of fragile items, straightforward booking, and strong communication. The team moves fast and handles valuable pieces with real care. The downside: about 12% report damage claims, late arrivals, or communication gaps during scheduling. They're solid on execution but should tighten up on follow-up when things go wrong.
Company Info:
State License: 0190673 | Years in Business: 15 | DOT #: 3670248
Services:
- Local & interstate moves
- Packing & unpacking
- Offices, pianos, art, antiques
- Crating & full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Cash, money order, credit card accepted
Get a Quote: (415) 404-7400
NorthStar Moving Company
Address: One Bush Plaza Bush St Suite B-182, San Francisco, CA 94104
Rating: 4.5 / 5 (959 Yelp reviews, 835 Google reviews)
BBB Grade: A+
With over 1,100 customer reviews, NorthStar consistently tops 91% positive. Customers praise efficient, friendly movers; careful handling; and transparent communication from booking to delivery. Pricing is reasonable and quotes are clear. The catch: some report furniture damage, delayed arrivals, or trouble reaching customer service for claim updates. The negatives are uncommon, but clarify damage protection policies before you book.
Company Info:
State License: 0182466 | Years in Business: 30 | DOT #: 1836576
Services:
- Local, interstate & international moves
- Packing & unpacking
- Offices, pianos, art, antiques
- Crating & full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Cash & credit card accepted
Get a Quote: (415) 635-3844
Gentle Giant Moving Company
Address: 361 Swift Ave, South San Francisco, CA 94080
Rating: 4.5 / 5 (109 Yelp reviews, 23 Google reviews)
BBB Grade: A+
Nearly 95% of 130 customers report positive experiences. Fast crews, polite staff, careful handling, and swift execution are the consistent praise. Customers love their efficiency and respect for belongings. Some mention higher-than-expected costs or unclear estimates, and a few report rude service or missing follow-up. Overall, the professionalism and care stand out.
Company Info:
State License: 0167668 | Years in Business: 44 | DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Great Giant Moving Company
Services:
- Local, interstate & international moves
- Packing & unpacking
- Offices, pianos
- Crane vans & storage
- Credit card accepted
Get a Quote: (415) 544-7000
Pure Moving Company
Address: 401 Terry A Francois Blvd #110, San Francisco, CA 94158
Rating: 4.4 / 5 (801 Yelp reviews, 1,337 Google reviews)
BBB Grade: A+
Pure earns 97.6% positive feedback from over 1,000 customers. They're known for quick, organized moves with thorough furniture wrapping and zero damage. Clear communication, polite staff, and transparent pricing set them apart. A small percentage report item damage or slow arrival, though management usually resolves complaints. For reliability and care, Pure sets a high bar.
Company Info:
State License: 0191103 | Years in Business: 11 | DOT #: 3207734
Alternate Names: Pure Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services:
- Local & interstate moves
- Packing & unpacking
- Offices, pianos, crating
- Storage
- Credit card accepted
Get a Quote: (415) 919-6497
Good Green Moving
Address: 1355 Market Street Suite 488, San Francisco, CA 94103
Rating: 4.4 / 5 (236 Yelp reviews, 97 Google reviews)
BBB Grade: F
Good Green earns 89% positive marks for courtesy, clear communication, and careful handling. Customers like the eco-friendly reusable bins and transparent pricing. About 11% report damaged items, poor management follow-up, late arrivals, or unresolved claims—especially with storage. If you go with them, lock down expectations on timing and damage coverage.
Company Info:
State License: 0191035 | Pricing: $70/hr | Years in Business: 12 | DOT #: 2604063
Alternate Names: Green Move, Inc.
Services:
- Local & interstate moves
- Packing, unpacking, offices, pianos
- Art, antiques, crating
- Full-valuation coverage, storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Credit card accepted (deposit required)
Get a Quote: (855) 613-4663
San Francisco Moving Services at a Glance
Quick look at how many San Francisco movers offer specialty services:
- Interstate moves: 71 (78.65%)
- Small moves: 41 (46.07%)
- Antiques: 64 (71.91%)
- Art: 69 (77.53%)
- Pianos: 71 (79.78%)
- Fragile-only packing: 26 (29.21%)
Cost to Move from San Francisco to New York
Here's what you'll actually pay to move from San Francisco to New York, broken down by home size and service type.
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,295 – $5,295 | $1,354 – $3,446 | $1,604 – $2,814 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $3,945 – $7,523 | $2,474 – $4,872 | $1,720 – $3,351 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,422 – $12,638 | $3,452 – $7,214 | $2,133 – $4,460 |
These are approximate estimates based on a 2,904-mile move from San Francisco to New York using pricing data as of January 2026. Actual costs vary by move size, added services, parking challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling. Always compare quotes from multiple movers.
What Hiring Full-Service Movers Costs
A studio or one-bedroom from San Francisco to New York typically runs $1,295 to $5,295. If you have a 2–3 bedroom home, expect $3,945 to $7,523. Moving 4+ bedrooms? Budget $7,422 to $12,638.
These figures cover the crew, truck, fuel, and basic labor. Specialty services (custom crating, piano moving) add more.
Moving Container Costs
Moving containers are a middle-ground option: you load at your pace, they transport, you unload.
- Studio/1 bedroom: $1,354 – $3,446
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,474 – $4,872
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,452 – $7,214
You're paying for transport and the container itself, but you save on labor. Want the full breakdown? Check our moving cost guide.
Rental Truck Option
A rental truck is the cheapest upfront option—$1,604 to $2,814 for a studio, $1,720 to $3,351 for a 2–3 bedroom, and $2,133 to $4,460 for 4+ bedrooms. But you're driving 2,900 miles yourself, and fuel is included in those estimates. This works if you're handy, have time, and don't mind the physical strain.
What Drives Your Moving Cost
Several factors shift the final number:
- Move size: A studio is a fraction of what a 4-bedroom costs.
- Season: Summer = peak demand = higher rates. Winter moves are cheaper.
- Service type: DIY rental is budget-friendly but labor-heavy. Full-service movers cost more but handle everything.
- Distance: The 2,900-mile San Francisco-to-New York route is a major cross-country haul.
- Add-ons: Crating, piano moving, or packing services push costs up.
Use our moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate based on your actual household.
Cost of Living: San Francisco vs. New York
Before you move, here's how the two cities stack up financially.
| Factor | San Francisco | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $3,250 | $1,507 |
| Average home cost | $1,241,003 | $482,742 |
| Average income (per capita) | $136,689 | $81,386 |
| Cost of living index | 245 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.4% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 10.9% |
Sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
The numbers tell a clear story:
- Rent is 54% cheaper in New York. You'll save roughly $1,750 per month on housing.
- Homes cost 61% less. If you're buying, New York is significantly more affordable.
- Salaries are 40% lower. That bigger paycheck in San Francisco won't follow you east.
- Cost of living is 59% lower overall. Monthly savings add up fast.
- Jobs are easier to find. New York's unemployment rate is 19% lower—good news if you're job-hunting.
- Taxes are 18% lower. You'll keep more of what you earn each month.
The trade-off: San Francisco's higher salaries often offset the cost of living. In New York, you'll save money day-to-day but earn less in most fields.
What Life Is Actually Like: San Francisco vs. New York
| Factor | San Francisco | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,988 | 19,571,216 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 85-13 | Democratic 60-40 |
| Summer high | 67°F | 81°F |
| Winter low | 46°F | 16°F |
| Annual rainfall | 25″ | 44″ |
| Annual snowfall | 0″ | 62″ |
| Crime index | 61.41 | 21.51 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia, AllTransit
Here's what you're trading:
Weather: San Francisco stays mild year-round (67°F summers, 46°F winters). New York swings hard—hot summers (81°F) and brutal cold winters (16°F with 62″ of snow). If you hate shoveling, this is a big adjustment.
Rain & Snow: San Francisco gets 25 inches of rain annually; New York gets 44. More importantly, New York gets 62 inches of snow every winter. Your heating bills will spike, and winter gear becomes non-negotiable.
Size & Density: New York City has 19+ million people; San Francisco has 809,000. You're moving from a manageable city to a sprawling metropolis. Everything moves faster, crowds are heavier, and personal space shrinks.
Safety: New York's crime index (21.51) is significantly lower than San Francisco's (61.41). That's a real advantage for New York.
Politics: Both lean Democratic, but San Francisco is more uniformly progressive (85-13 vs. New York's 60-40 split).
Before You Move: Critical Logistics & Regulations
Moving to New York isn't just about hiring movers. Here are the things that actually matter:
Building & Neighborhood Rules
- Elevator reservations: Many NYC buildings require advance booking of elevators for moving days. Call ahead and lock one in.
- HOA restrictions: Some neighborhoods have rules for move-in timing. Check before you schedule.
- Truck parking permits: Some areas require permits for moving trucks. Confirm with your new building or local government.
State & Company Requirements
- New York licensing: Moving companies operating in New York must have a NYDOT (New York Department of Transportation) license. This ensures they meet safety, insurance, and operational standards. Verify your mover has one before booking.
- State regulator: Check the official NYDOT site to confirm a company's license status.
Your Administrative Tasks
- Change of address: File a USPS change of address at least a week before your move. Set your official move date so mail forwards without delays.
- Moving insurance: Rules vary by state. Released Value Protection is free but minimal (60 cents per pound per item). For real coverage, discuss options with your mover or consider third-party insurance.
- Moving permits: You don't need a formal moving permit in New York, but check local parking rules beforehand.
Use our moving checklist to stay on top of everything.
Timeline: How Long Does This Move Take?
Expect 7 to 21 days for a San Francisco-to-New York move, depending on the service. Summer months (peak season) can push timelines longer due to high demand. Ask your moving company for a specific delivery window before you book—it matters.
Things to Do in New York
Once you land, New York has no shortage of ways to spend your time.
Museums:
- The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- The Strong National Museum of Play
- New York State Museum
- Erie Canal Museum
Parks:
- Central Park
- Brooklyn Bridge Park
- Flushing Meadows Corona Park
- Gantry Plaza State Park
- Robert Moses State Park
Sports:
- Brooklyn Nets (NBA)
- Buffalo Bills (NFL)
- Buffalo Sabres (NHL)
- New York City FC (MLS)
- New York Islanders (NHL)
Universities:
- Columbia University
- Cornell University
- New York University
- University of Rochester
- University at Buffalo, SUNY
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the move actually take?
Seven to 21 days typically, depending on the service and season. Summer moves can take longer due to demand.
Do San Francisco movers offer custom crating?
Yes. About 80 movers in San Francisco offer custom crating for art, antiques, and fragile pieces. Ask about padding, lead times, and materials when you request a quote.
Can I ship my car from San Francisco to New York?
Yes. Professional auto transport companies handle this regularly. They'll protect your vehicle and manage all logistics. Compare quotes from specialized carriers.
Why are people moving from San Francisco to New York?
Cost of living, job opportunities, denser urban lifestyle, and access to arts/culture drive many relocations. New York's lower housing costs and lower unemployment rate appeal to people leaving expensive West Coast metros.
What payment methods do movers accept?
Most San Francisco movers accept credit cards. Some take cash (roughly 26 companies), but it's uncommon—movers prefer card or ACH for traceability. You'll typically pay a deposit to secure your date, with the balance due at pickup or after delivery. Confirm payment timing before you book.
Related Resources
Best long-distance movers — Compare full-service movers nationwide for cross-country moves.
Moving containers — PODS and similar services for flexible transport.
Truck rentals — U-Haul and competitors for DIY moves.
Car shipping — Auto transport for your vehicle.
Moving checklist — Step-by-step task list for your move.
Moving cost guide — Detailed pricing breakdown by region and service.
Compare quotes from reputable moving companies using our cost calculator to see exactly what your move will cost. Get at least three bids before you decide.