Best San Diego to San Francisco Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the laid-back surf vibes of San Diego to the iconic, fog-enshrouded hills of San Francisco marks an exhilarating leap towards a new chapter in your life. You’re trading the year-round sunshine and relaxed atmosphere of "America's Finest City" for the rich, cultural tapestry and booming tech scene of "The City by the Bay." Recognizing the distance and logistics involved in such a move, it’s imperative to secure the services of trusted and reliable professional movers, ensuring this significant transition is seamless and stress-free. With our algorithmically selected top movers, we help you navigate this journey with ease and confidence.
Best San Diego to San Francisco Moving Companies
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Francisco to San Diego guide.
5 Best San Diego to San Francisco Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About Sweet Lemon Moving Services
As a full-service moving company, Sweet Lemon Moving Services has been performing moves in Oakland and the wider Bay Area since 2016. This c...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moves
- Interstate Moves
- Commercial Moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3277021 / - Not Authorized Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 8 |
| Registered Drivers | 8 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 5,000 (2021) |
About Little Guy Big Truck Moving
Little Guy Big Truck Moving is a BBB-accredited, family-owned and operated business offering local and long-distance moving services at an a...Read More >>
Services
- Affordable fast friendly movers
- Local and long distance moving
- Fully licensed and insured
About OCD Moving Services LLC
For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation services...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
About 1st Choice Movers
With hundreds of satisfied customers, 1st Choice Movers is true to its name as a preferred local choice for moving and packing services in S...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
- Cross-country moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2776935 / - Not Authorized Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 60,000 (2023) |
About 24/7 Moving and Storage
This locally owned and operated moving company has been helping people in the San Diego area move since 2013. 24/7 Moving and Storage offers...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving services
- Long distance moving services
- Full service packing/moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2707732 / - Not Authorized Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 50,000 (2023) |
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
San Diego vs. San Francisco Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can feel like stepping into the unknown. To ease this transition, we've created a guide that highlights the comparison of the local neighborhoods between San Diego, CA & San Francisco, CA . Using your familiar surroundings as a baseline, discover which neighborhoods in San Francisco will make you feel right at home.
| San Diego | San Francisco | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| La Jolla | Pacific Heights | Both offer upscale living and stunning ocean views |
| North Park | The Mission | Vibrant arts, dining, and craft beer scene |
| Gaslamp Quarter | North Beach | Bustling nightlife, historic charm |
| Ocean Beach | Outer Sunset | Laid-back vibe, beach community |
| Hillcrest | The Castro | LGBTQ+-friendly, vibrant nightlife and culture |
| Little Italy | North Beach | Italian heritage, rich culinary scene |
| Coronado | Marina District | Stunning views, recreational activities |
| Del Mar | Sea Cliff | Exclusive, serene living with ocean vistas |
| Kensington | Presidio Heights | Quiet, upscale neighborhoods with historic homes |
| Encinitas | Haight-Ashbury | Free-spirited vibe, eclectic shopping |
Discovering your new favorite spots is part of the adventure of moving. If you're charmed by the upscale elegance and the oceanic tranquility of La Jolla, Pacific Heights in San Francisco will captivate you with its stunning bay views and stately homes. Fans of the culturally vibrant and artsy atmosphere of North Park will find a kindred spirit in The Mission, known for its colorful murals, artisanal eateries such as Tartine Bakery, and lively street fairs. Meanwhile, Ocean Beach residents who cherish seaside living and a close-knit community atmosphere will feel at home in the Outer Sunset, where spots like Andytown Coffee Roasters offer a cozy retreat from the fog-laden beach. Whether it's the bustling nightlife, the beautiful parks, or the rich culinary landscapes, San Francisco has neighborhoods that mirror the essence of your San Diego favorites, providing both familiarity and new opportunities.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from San Diego to San Francisco
Making the move from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA offers a unique blend of challenges and opportunities. This comparison aims to unveil both the bright and the challenging aspects of such a relocation, reflecting honestly on the transition you're considering. Through the following charts, we intend to visualize the trade-offs, helping you make a well-informed decision on this life-changing move.
San Diego, CA- Higher living costs
- Lesser tech jobs
- Warmer water beaches
- Limited public transportation
San Francisco, CA- Diverse culture
- More tech opportunities
- Cooler climate
- Extensive public transit
San Francisco, CA- Foggy weather
- Expensive housing
- Higher cost of living
- More congestion
San Diego, CA- Great weather
- Beach life
- More affordable living
- Better road traffic
Moving from San Diego's renowned beaches and sun-drenched weather to San Francisco's iconic Golden Gate Bridge and foggy mornings presents an interesting shift. In San Francisco, you can explore the bustling tech scene in neighborhoods like SoMa, visit the historic Mission District for some of the best Mexican food north of the border, or enjoy natural wonders within the city, such as Golden Gate Park. Despite the higher cost of living and expensive housing market, San Francisco offers an expansive public transit system, including Muni, BART, and even ferries, making it easier to get around compared to San Diego. Moreover, the cooler climate and culturally rich neighborhoods, from Chinatown to North Beach, bring diverse experiences that are distinctly San Franciscan. Whether it's dining at Zuni Café, exploring the indie stores of Haight-Ashbury, or taking in the views from Coit Tower, San Francisco offers a unique lifestyle that, while costly, is rich in experiences.
San Diego vs. San Francisco Food Guide
Food is an essential element of local culture and gives a vivid glimpse into what life is like in an area. As you prepare to embrace a new city, let's dive into a comparison of the local cuisine between San Diego & San Francisco . This comparison will help you get a taste of the culinary landscape you're moving into.
| San Diego | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | California Burrito | Sourdough Bread |
| Most popular meat dish | Carne Asada | Cioppino |
| Most popular street food item | Fish Tacos | Food Trucks Various |
| Most popular vegan food | Acai Bowl | Impossible Burger |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In San Francisco, you'll find a compelling mix of historic and modern flavors that define the city's food scene. The sourdough bread, a local staple, can be enjoyed at bakeries across the city, but grabbing a loaf from Boudin Bakery, with its rich history dating back to 1849, is a must for newcomers. For meat lovers, cioppino, a seafood stew, reflects the city's rich Italian heritage and is best experienced in the North Beach neighborhood, known as Little Italy. Vegan options are plentiful, with restaurants like 'Wildseed' in the Marina District offering an all-vegan menu. San Francisco's dedication to health and food consciousness is evident in its numerous food trucks serving a variety of fresh, local, and creative dishes, making it a paradise for food lovers looking to explore diverse culinary landscapes.
San Diego vs. San Francisco Restaurant Comparison
Finding a new home often means discovering new favorite places to eat. This restaurant comparison between San Diego and San Francisco is designed to make your transition smoother by giving you a head start on locating your next go-to eateries, using your current favorites as a guide.
| San Diego | San Francisco | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| George's at the Cove | Cliff House | Iconic ocean view dining |
| Juniper & Ivy | State Bird Provisions | Innovative American cuisine |
| Phil's BBQ | 4505 Burgers & BBQ | High-quality smoked meats |
| Lolita's Mexican Food | La Taqueria | Authentic Mexican fare |
| Hodad's | Gott's Roadside | Legendary burgers with a twist |
| Las Cuatro Milpas | Nopalito | Organic Mexican traditional dishes |
| The Crack Shack | Zuni Café | Famous for chicken and burgers |
| Cucina Urbana | Delfina | A modern Italian experience |
| Café 21 | Café de la Presse | International flavors meet local ingredients |
| Ironside Fish & Oyster | Hog Island Oyster Co. | Fresh, sustainable seafood |
When settling into San Francisco, diving into its rich culinary scene is a must. For instance, fans of Juniper & Ivy in San Diego will find a similar spirit of culinary adventure at State Bird Provisions, known for its creative American dishes served dim sum style. BBQ enthusiasts transitioning from Phil's BBQ won't miss a beat at 4505 Burgers & BBQ, where quality and flavor take center stage. Seafood lovers will appreciate the sustainability and freshness at Hog Island Oyster Co., much like what they enjoyed at Ironside Fish & Oyster. Each of these San Francisco restaurants not only offers a taste similar to your San Diego favorites but also embodies the unique culinary ethos of your new city, blending innovation with tradition.
Ready to start your move?
San Diego vs. San Francisco Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is paramount when considering a move. Understanding how San Diego and San Francisco compare in housing aspects is crucial. From cost to walkability, this guide lays out the facts, aiding your transition between these two vibrant Californian cities.
| Comparison | San Diego | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Spanish Colonial | Victorian |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Outdoor living spaces, proximity to beaches | Views of the Bay, access to public transportation |
Though both San Diego and San Francisco offer unique living experiences, San Francisco's significantly higher median home price and rent reflect its dense, urban environment and demand for housing. The city's iconic Victorian architecture adds to its charm, offering picturesque streetscapes not found in San Diego's prevalent Spanish Colonial style. With higher walkability and bikeability scores, San Francisco is more conducive to a car-free lifestyle, a testament to its compact nature and efficient public transportation system. This contrasts with San Diego's sprawling layout, which requires more reliance on personal transportation despite its alluring outdoor living opportunities and beachside appeal.
San Diego vs. San Francisco Weather Considerations
If you're moving, it's essential to understand how the weather in San Diego compares to San Francisco. This knowledge can greatly impact your daily life and prepare you for seasonal changes. The following chart offers a comparative glance at key weather factors between these two California cities.
San Diego, CA
San Francisco, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
San Diego, CA
San Francisco, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
San Diego, CA
San Francisco, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
San Diego, CA
San Francisco, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | San Diego | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Wildfires, Earthquakes | Earthquakes, Tsunamis |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While both cities enjoy bountiful days of sunshine, moving from San Diego to San Francisco will mean exchanging some warmth and dryness for cooler temperatures and higher humidity. San Francisco's famed fog contributes to its lower average temperatures and increased moisture in the air, which might necessitate a wardrobe adjustment. Furthermore, despite the similarity in sunshine days, the intensity and UV index are slightly lower in San Francisco, influencing your daily sunscreen needs. Understanding these nuances ensures a smoother transition to your new city.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from San Diego to San Francisco
When relocating from one city to another, comprehending how the cost of living and financial aspects compare to your current experience is crucial. In this section, we provide a concise comparison focused on money and finance between San Diego, CA and San Francisco, CA to guide you through understanding the economic landscape of your new home.
| Comparison | San Diego | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $93,042 | $121,826 |
| Cost of Living Index | 132.3 | 164 |
| State Income Tax | 13.3 | 13.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.77 | 0.73 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7.75 | 8.5 |
| Top 3 Industries | Military, International Trade, Biotech | Technology, Finance, Tourism |
| Affluence | Moderately Affluent | Highly Affluent |
| Poverty | Moderate | Low |
| Homelessness | High | Very High |
The differences in the cost of living index between San Diego and San Francisco are significant, reflecting the elevated prices that come with life in San Francisco. While both cities share the same state income tax rate, variations in sales tax and property tax rates reveal nuances in the fiscal responsibilities awaiting you. The contrast in average household income and the economic landscape, characterized by the dominating industries in each city, sheds light on the employment opportunities and economic vitality that influence affluence and poverty levels. Despite both cities having significant homelessness issues, it's more pronounced in San Francisco, underscoring the social challenges prevalent in the area.
San Diego vs. San Francisco Political & Religious Comparison
In this section, we'll provide a quick snapshot to help you understand the differences between San Diego and San Francisco, especially focusing on this is a comparison of the politics between San Diego & San Francisco and the religious landscapes in both cities. This overview aims to give you a better understanding of the local communities you'll be interacting with in your new home.
| San Diego | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Lean Liberal | Very Liberal |
| Local Politics | Mix of Republican and Democrat influence | Strongly Democrat |
| Religion | Christianity predominant, with diverse religious communities | Less religiously affiliated, diverse spiritual practices |
While both cities lean towards liberal ideologies, San Francisco is known for its markedly more progressive stance on various issues compared to San Diego. The political atmosphere affects local policies, governance, and even everyday life in discernible ways. San Diego exhibits a more balanced mix of Republican and Democrat influences, particularly in local elections and issues. On the religious front, San Diego has a stronger presence of Christianity and a variety of other religious communities. In contrast, San Francisco residents tend to be less religiously affiliated, embracing a wider spectrum of spiritual beliefs and practices. Understanding these nuances could help you mesh more seamlessly with your new community.
San Diego vs. San Francisco Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from San Diego, CA to San Francisco, CA brings with it a shift in daily commutes and traffic dynamics. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between San Diego & San Francisco is designed to help you better understand what to expect when navigating each city, whether by car or public transit.
| Comparison | San Diego | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25 | 32 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Possible, but challenging | Yes, more feasible |
In detail, while San Diego offers a slightly easier commute in terms of time and less traffic congestion, San Francisco excels in public transportation services. The higher public transit score in San Francisco reflects the city's investment in a more extensive network, including BART, MUNI buses, and the famous cable cars, making it more feasible to navigate the city without owning a car. This difference marks a significant lifestyle change when moving from San Diego, where a car is almost indispensable for daily activities, to San Francisco, where the dense urban environment and efficient public transit options can liberate you from the necessity of car ownership.
Popular San Diego, CA to California Moving Routes
- San Diego to Los Angeles
- San Diego to San Jose
- San Diego to Fresno
- San Diego to Sacramento
- San Diego to Long Beach
- San Diego to Oakland
- San Diego to Bakersfield
- San Diego to Anaheim
- San Diego to Santa Ana
- San Diego to Riverside
- San Diego to Stockton
- San Diego to Irvine
- San Diego to Chula Vista
- San Diego to Fremont
- San Diego to San Bernardino
- San Diego to Modesto
- San Diego to Fontana
- San Diego to Moreno Valley
Popular Moving Routes
Nearby Moving Routes
