Best San Francisco to Boston Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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San Francisco to Boston Movers

Moving from the City by the Bay to the Cradle of Liberty is not just a relocation; it's an exhilarating leap into a new chapter of your life. You're trading in San Francisco's iconic Golden Gate for Boston's historical Freedom Trail, swapping tech hubs for rich colonial history, and adjusting to a new culinary scene brimming with fresh seafood and classic Italian fare. To ensure this major transition is smooth and stress-free, it's crucial to choose trusted and reliable professional movers. At Great Guys Moving, we use an unbiased ranking algorithm to help you find the very best movers for your journey, making us your go-to resource for navigating this exciting move.

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Best San Francisco to Boston Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Stairhopper Movers9.66A+Authorized For HHGContact
OCD Moving Services LLC9.66A+Authorized For HHGContact
Centaur Moving9.60NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Bay - L.A. Express Moving9.32DAuthorized For HHGContact
Careful Movers9.31A+Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Boston to San Francisco guide.

5 Best San Francisco to Boston Moving Companies

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Stairhopper Movers Logo
Exceptional9.66/10
based on 9,261+ data points

About Stairhopper Movers

Since 2001, Stairhopper Movers has operated as a Boston-based local moving company that performs local and long-distance residential and com...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moves
  • Long distance moves
  • Commercial moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1696867 / 623045

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans21
Registered Drivers22
Total Annual Miles Moved261,200 (2022)
View Full Review
1
OCD Moving Services LLC Logo
Exceptional9.66/10
based on 3,273+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2597230 / 911812

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved153,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Centaur Moving Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.60/10
based on 1,675+ data points

About Centaur Moving

Centaur Moving, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a fully licensed and insured moving company with services for local and nationwide mov...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Relocations

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3638077 / 1249051

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
B
Exceptional9.32/10
based on 634+ data points

About Bay - L.A. Express Moving

Bay-L.A. Express Moving is a professional moving company that serves Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the entire Bay Area. Specializing in mo...Read More >>

Services

  • Long-distance moving
  • Small relocation
  • Full packing services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1396171 / 530464

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved60,000 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Careful Movers Logo
Exceptional9.31/10
based on 4,655+ data points

About Careful Movers

With almost two decades of expertise and experience in the moving industry, Menlo Park-based Careful Movers promises stress-free, on-time, a...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Office Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1464935 / 553377

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans14
Registered Drivers14
Total Annual Miles Moved90,000 (2022)
View Full Review
5
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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 Francisco vs. Boston Neighborhood Comparison

Exploring a new city can be exciting yet daunting, especially when leaving behind familiar neighborhoods. To ease this transition, we've designed a comparison that frames San Francisco, CA & Boston, MA neighborhoods for a seamless move. Discover the Boston equivalents to your favorite San Francisco areas and start feeling at home right away.

San FranciscoBostonHow They're Similar
Marina DistrictBack BayUpscale living, vibrant nightlife
The MissionJamaica PlainDiverse community, arts scene
Haight-AshburyAllston-BrightonStudent-friendly vibe, eclectic
SOMA (South of Market)Seaport DistrictInnovative tech hub, modern lofts
Nob HillBeacon HillHistoric architecture, charming streets
Pacific HeightsBrooklineAffluent area, beautiful homes
North BeachNorth EndRich culture, excellent eateries
CastroSouth EndVibrant LGBTQ+ scene, trendy cafes
Russian HillCharlestownHistoric charm, naval heritage
Outer SunsetDorchesterDiverse community, family-friendly

When moving from San Francisco to Boston, you'll find neighborhoods that echo the familiar. For instance, if you're enamored with the Marina District's splendid mix of posh restaurants and scenic views, Back Bay's picturesque streets and lively social scene will captivate you similarly. Beacon Hill's cobblestone streets and historic federal-style buildings bring to mind Nob Hill’s elegance, while the thriving tech scene in SOMA finds its counterpart in the Seaport District's innovative environment and sleek waterfront developments. Fans of The Mission's vibrant art scene and diversity will find Jamaica Plain's eclectic mix of galleries, cafes, and multicultural ambiance a perfect match. As you transition from coast to coast, these comparisons aim to not only help you find a new neighborhood that feels like home but also to encourage exploration and appreciation for the unique qualities that each Boston neighborhood offers.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from San Francisco to Boston

Moving across the country can be a massive change with its own set of challenges and rewards. Our comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the San Francisco, CA to Boston, MA relocation , weighing both the upsides and downsides. Whether it's the weather, culture, or cost of living, we've lined up the pros and cons to help you understand what this move entails.

CONs
PROs
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • High living costs
  • Foggy weather
  • Tech-centric culture
  • Seismic activity
  • Competitive job market
Boston, MA iconBoston, MA
  • Richer history
  • Seasonal variety
  • Diverse academia
  • Historic architecture
  • Thriving arts scene
Boston, MA iconBoston, MA
  • Harsh winters
  • Smaller tech scene
  • Colder culture
  • Fewer Pride events
  • Less iconic scenery
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • Mild climate
  • Innovative spirit
  • Liberal values
  • Strong LGBTQ+ community
  • Iconic landmarks

Moving from the foggy hills and booming tech landscape of San Francisco to Boston's snow-draped streets and rich historical tapestry represents a significant lifestyle shift. While you might miss the temperate climate and San Francisco's iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Boston offers a unique blend of seasons, from the vibrant fall foliage in the Public Garden to snowy winter days in Boston Common. You'll find a thriving arts scene, with venues like the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Museum of Fine Arts, serving as cultural beacons. The academic environment is unmatched, with institutions like MIT and Harvard driving a diverse, intellectual vibe that permeates the city's many cafes and bookshops — a stark contrast to San Francisco's tech-centric culture.

San Francisco vs. Boston Food Guide

Food is an integral part of experiencing local culture and understanding what life is like in a new area. To help you get better acquainted with your potential new home, we’re going to conduct a comparison of the local cuisine between San Francisco & Boston. This overview will give you a taste of what culinary delights await in both cities.

San FranciscoBoston
Most iconic local food itemSourdough BreadClam Chowder
Most popular meat dishMission BurritoLobster Roll
Most popular street food itemFood TrucksCannoli
Most popular vegan foodAvocado ToastJackfruit Pulled "Pork"
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Tartine Bakery
  • Swan Oyster Depot
  • Foreign Cinema
  • Neptune Oyster
  • Mike's Pastry
  • Union Oyster House
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

San Francisco's culinary scene is renowned for its innovation and sustainability, with an abundance of vegan options, like the city's popular Avocado Toast, and healthy dining choices highlighting local ingredients. The city is a paradise for food lovers, featuring iconic restaurants such as Tartine Bakery, known for its sourdough bread, and Foreign Cinema, offering a unique dining experience. Boston, on the other hand, offers a rich history reflected in its traditional dishes like Clam Chowder and Lobster Rolls. The North End neighborhood, especially, is a haven for Italian cuisine, with places like Mike's Pastry providing a taste of Boston's sweet side. Both cities cater to a range of dietary preferences and are known for their vibrant food truck scenes, although San Francisco has a slightly higher emphasis on fitness and health consciousness.

San Francisco vs. Boston Restaurant Comparison

Deciding where to dine is a crucial part of making any new city feel like home. This comparison aims to ease the transition for those moving from San Francisco to Boston by aligning top restaurants from each city. It will help pinpoint new favorite spots that offer a familiar taste or atmosphere, ensuring the culinary experience continues seamlessly in your new local.

San FranciscoBostonWhat You'll Love
State Bird ProvisionsOleanaCreative Mediterranean cuisine in an intimate setting
Tartine BakeryFlour Bakery & CafeRenowned for pastries and sandwiches
Swan Oyster DepotNeptune OysterExceptional seafood and oyster selection
NopaToroNotable for its tapas and vibrant dining scene
The Slanted DoorMyers + ChangInnovative Asian cuisine with a modern twist
Gary DankoMentonFine dining with exquisite French/Italian dishes
Zuni CaféEastern StandardClassic American fare in a lively atmosphere
BenuO YaLuxurious Japanese dining experience
Mission Chinese FoodShojoModern Asian dishes with unique twists
La TaqueriaEl Pelon TaqueriaAuthentic flavors and popular for tacos

For those seeking a taste of San Francisco's iconic culinary scene in Boston, there are numerous options. At Oleana, you'll find an atmosphere and Mediterranean flavors reminiscent of State Bird Provisions, offering a unique dining experience. Lovers of pastries and freshly baked goods who frequented Tartine Bakery will feel right at home at Flour Bakery & Cafe, where the commitment to quality ingredients shines through in every bite. Meanwhile, seafood enthusiasts missing Swan Oyster Depot can dive into the exquisite offerings at Neptune Oyster, where the focus on freshness and quality mirrors the beloved San Francisco spot. These transitions illustrate that while moving cities can be a substantial change, finding culinary comfort in Boston's diverse restaurant scene can make the Bay State feel like home.

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Ready to start your move?

San Francisco vs. Boston Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a pivotal factor in planning a move, making it essential to understand how San Francisco and Boston align and differ on this front. This comparison lays the groundwork for your decision, focusing on housing costs, styles, and lifestyle elements.

ComparisonSan FranciscoBoston
Typical Architecture StyleVictorian and ModernColonial and Brick Row Houses
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingViews, Tech-ReadyHistoric Details, Access to Public Transit

While San Francisco's housing market is notoriously expensive, with median home prices reaching 1.3 million USD, Boston presents a slightly more affordable option at 760,000 USD for the median home price. This difference extends to the rental market as well, with San Francisco's median monthly rent at approximately 3,600 USD compared to Boston's 3,000 USD. Architecture styles are distinctly characteristic of each city's history and culture—San Francisco's iconic Victorian houses contrast with Boston's colonial and brick row houses. Both cities offer a high urban lifestyle rating, yet San Francisco edges out slightly in terms of walkability and bikeability, indicating a possibly more convenient day-to-day life for residents without a car. Popular real estate listing items like "views" and "tech-ready" homes in San Francisco reflect its modern, tech-centric identity, contrasting with Boston's emphasis on "historic details" and "access to public transit," showcasing each city's unique appeal.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Boston, MA

1. South End: Known for its charming, tree-lined streets and the spacious Peter's Park, which features a dedicated dog run area where your pets can play off-leash.

2. Jamaica Plain: With its proximity to the extensive trails and green spaces of the Arnold Arboretum and Jamaica Pond, Jamaica Plain offers endless outdoor activities for you and your four-legged friends.

3. Beacon Hill: This neighborhood is not only picturesque but also boasts pet-friendly dining options and easy access to the Boston Common, the oldest public park in America with ample space for your pets to explore.

San Francisco vs. Boston Weather Considerations

When planning a move from San Francisco, CA to Boston, MA, it's crucial to understand how the weather compares and contrasts between these two cities. Knowing this can greatly affect your lifestyle and daily activities. This comparison will help you grasp the weather changes that come with relocating from San Francisco to Boston.

Summer icon
67°F / 53°F

San Francisco, CA

82°F / 65°F

Boston, MA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
57°F / 46°F

San Francisco, CA

37°F / 22°F

Boston, MA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
23

San Francisco, CA

44

Boston, MA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

San Francisco, CA

48

Boston, MA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSan FranciscoBoston
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, FiresSnowstorms, Hurricanes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

San Francisco and Boston have starkly different climates, a key consideration for anyone moving between these two cities. San Francisco's mild winters and cool summers are a stark contrast to Boston's warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Notably, Boston experiences a significant amount of snowfall annually—something San Francisco residents are unaccustomed to. Additionally, the higher number of sunny days in San Francisco might be something you'll miss, as Boston sees fewer sunshine days. Understanding these differences can help you prepare for seasonal activities and wardrobe changes once you move.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from San Francisco to Boston

When considering a move from one city to another, it's crucial to understand how your finances might be impacted by the change. This comparison offers a clear view of what to expect in terms of money and finance when moving from San Francisco to Boston . It's designed to help you plan effectively for your relocation.

ComparisonSan FranciscoBoston
Avg. Household Income$121,826$79,283
Cost of Living Index164132.5
State Income Tax13.35.0
Avg. Property Tax0.61.2
Avg. Sales Tax8.56.25
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Finance, TourismEducation, Health Services, Finance
AffluenceVery HighHigh
PovertyModerateModerate to Low
HomelessnessSignificantModerate

From this comparison, it becomes clear that while San Francisco boasts a higher average household income, it also comes with a dramatically higher cost of living compared to Boston. This includes essentials such as housing, which is reflected in the city's cost of living index and average property tax rates. Both cities have strong economies supported by diverse industries, but San Francisco leans heavily on technology, whereas Boston's economy is bolstered by education and health services. Understanding these finance and economy markers can help you anticipate changes and adapt your budget and lifestyle accordingly when moving from San Francisco to Boston.

San Francisco vs. Boston Political & Religious Comparison

Welcome to an insightful comparison designed to illuminate the distinct political and religious landscapes of two major U.S. cities. This comparison between San Francisco & Boston offers a quick glance at the makeup of the cities you are transitioning between, focusing on the population's political and religious composition.

San FranciscoBoston
Political Make-upHeavily DemocraticMostly Democratic
Local PoliticsProgressive policiesStrong labor and educational focus
ReligionDiverse, with no single dominant affiliationCatholic majority, but religious diversity present

When transitioning from San Francisco to Boston, you'll find both cities share a Democratic political leaning, though San Francisco is often noted for its particularly progressive policies. In Boston, the political landscape is shaped significantly by its strong labor history and renowned educational institutions. Religion in San Francisco presents a tapestry of beliefs with no single affiliation taking precedence, reflecting the city's wide-ranging cultural diversity. Conversely, Boston has a substantial Catholic presence, attributed to its historical and demographic patterns, yet it still maintains religious diversity akin to San Francisco. Understanding these nuances helps ease the cultural adjustment, allowing for a smoother relocation process.

San Francisco vs. Boston Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from San Francisco, CA to Boston, MA involves adjusting to new ways of commuting. In this comparison of the traffic and transportation options between San Francisco & Boston, you'll better understand what to expect from your daily journey in either city.

ComparisonSan FranciscoBoston
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3430
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?YesYes

Understanding the nuances of commuting in San Francisco and Boston can significantly influence your daily life. In San Francisco, the public transit system, including MUNI and BART, is highly rated, allowing most residents to navigate the city without a car. Bostonians rely heavily on their own dense network, primarily the MBTA, colloquially known as "The T," which makes car-free living manageable. Although Boston's average commute time is slightly less, both cities face considerable traffic congestion. When moving from San Francisco to Boston, you’ll find that, despite these similarities, each city offers a unique commuting experience shaped by local infrastructure and geography.

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