Best San Francisco to Austin Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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San Francisco to Austin Movers

Moving from the tech-forward hustle of San Francisco, CA to the vibrant live-music capital of Austin, TX, marks an adventure filled with new experiences and opportunities. Leaving behind the Golden Gate for the allure of Texan barbecues, eclectic neighborhoods, and a close-knit community can feel like an exciting leap into the unknown. It's crucial, however, that you ensure this transition is as smooth as possible by choosing trusted and reliable professional movers, like those we've meticulously ranked at Great Guys Moving, to handle your journey from coast to heart.

California iconArrow iconTexas icon

Best San Francisco to Austin Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
OCD Moving Services LLC9.66A+Authorized For HHGContact
MoverTron Moving9.45NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Kora Moving9.39A+Authorized For HHGContact
Bay - L.A. Express Moving9.33DAuthorized For HHGContact
Heavenly Moving and Storage9.30A+Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Austin to San Francisco guide.

5 Best San Francisco to Austin Moving Companies

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

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 10/17/2024)

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
1
MoverTron Moving Logo
Exceptional9.45/10
based on 297+ data points

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Residential Moving
  • Long-Distance Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/19/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

4135479 / 1584479

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
2
Kora Moving Logo
Exceptional9.39/10
based on 1,517+ data points

About Kora Moving

Kora Moving, based in San Francisco, was established in 2018 by Carlos Viera, who has over 17 years of experience in the moving industry. Th...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moves
  • Long distance moves
  • Packing and unpacking

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3139436 / 1425667

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2021)
View Full Review
3
B
Exceptional9.33/10
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
Heavenly Moving and Storage Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.30/10
based on 4,606+ data points

About Heavenly Moving and Storage

Heavenly Moving and Storage has been one of Austin’s premier moving companies since 2005. This locally-owned moving company provides high-qu...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Full-service packing

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3429695 / 1110864

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans12
Registered Drivers10
Total Annual Miles Moved250,000 (2021)
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. Austin Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be a daunting task, especially when you're not familiar with the local areas. To ease the transition, we're here to help you find your footing by comparing local neighborhoods between San Francisco, CA & Austin, TX . Using your current San Francisco neighborhood as a baseline, we'll match you with a similar neighborhood in Austin, capturing the essence and vibes of what you're accustomed to.

San FranciscoAustinHow They're Similar
Marina DistrictSouth CongressVibrant shopping & dining
Hayes ValleyEast AustinEclectic, artsy community
Mission DistrictEast Cesar ChavezDiverse, cultural hub
Pacific HeightsTarrytownAffluent with historic charm
Nob HillClarksvilleClassic charm, close to downtown
SoMaRed River DistrictEnergetic nightlife & music
Cow HollowHyde ParkYoung professionals, boutique shops
North BeachRosedaEclectic, with a rich history
Sunset DistrictTravis HeightsLaid-back with nature vibes
Richmond DistrictLakewaySuburban, great for families

If you're someone who enjoys the eclectic and vibrant atmosphere of the Marina District in San Francisco, with its bustling streets filled with diverse shopping and dining options like Marina Times, you'll find a similar vibe in South Congress, Austin. South Congress is known for its unique boutiques, iconic eateries such as Jo's Coffee, and vibrant street life that mirrors the Marina's charm. For those drawn to the artsy community and diverse cultural experiences of Hayes Valley, East Austin will feel like home with its creative murals, innovative food scene, and venues like the Contemporary Austin that showcase cutting-edge art. Those appreciating the historic charm and upscale residences of Pacific Heights might find their match in Tarrytown, Austin, where the allure of affluence meets the serenity of Lake Austin, offering both scenic beauty and architectural elegance.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from San Francisco to Austin

Considering a move from San Francisco, CA to Austin, TX? This comparison helps weigh the options by honestly reflecting both the advantages and challenges of such a relocation. By examining the cons of living in San Francisco against the pros of moving to Austin and vice versa , you’ll have a clearer understanding of what to expect from this significant life change.

CONs
PROs
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • High living costs
  • Dense population
  • Limited parking
  • Frequent fog
  • Stressful commute
Austin, TX iconAustin, TX
  • More affordable housing
  • More space
  • Easier parking
  • Sunnier days
  • Lighter traffic
Austin, TX iconAustin, TX
  • No beaches nearby
  • Fewer tech opportunities
  • Less diverse
  • Fewer landmarks
  • Lesser-known restaurants
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • Coastal access
  • Tech hub
  • Cultural diversity
  • Iconic landmarks
  • World-class dining

While both cities have their unique charm, each offers a distinctive living experience. In San Francisco, neighborhoods like the SOMA District are known for their vibrant tech scene and bustling markets like the Ferry Building Marketplace, offering a unique blend of culinary delights and artisan goods. Austin, though lacking in coastal access and iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, compensates with a lively music scene evident in areas like South Congress and an array of outdoor activities available at Zilker Park. While San Francisco's dining scene includes renowned establishments such as The Slanted Door, Austin boasts its own culinary gems, like Franklin Barbecue, known nationwide. The move from San Francisco to Austin means embracing a different pace of life, characterized by an emphasis on outdoor living, a burgeoning tech scene, and a vibrant cultural landscape that while different, is no less enriching.

San Francisco vs. Austin Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between San Francisco & Austin, shining a light on the vibrant food scenes that await you. Whether you're a food enthusiast or simply curious about your new city's culinary offerings, this guide will provide a sneak peek into what your taste buds can expect.

San FranciscoAustin
Most iconic local food itemSourdough BreadBrisket
Most popular meat dishCioppinoBrisket
Most popular street food itemMission BurritoTacos
Most popular vegan foodAvocado ToastJackfruit BBQ
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Tartine Bakery
  • Swan Oyster Depot
  • Foreign Cinema
  • Franklin Barbecue
  • Uchi
  • La Matta
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Exploring the food scene in Austin, you'll quickly come across the city's deep-rooted love for brisket, perfected in smokehouses across the area, with Franklin Barbecue being a cult favorite. The city's streets thrive with an eclectic mix of food trucks, offering everything from classic tacos found in East Austin to inventive vegan options like jackfruit BBQ. For those with a penchant for clean eating and fitness, Austin's bustling scene accommodates with a variety of health-conscious eateries and vegan-friendly menus, ensuring that your dietary preferences are well served. Furthermore, eateries like Uchi and La Matta showcase the culinary diversity that Austin proudly offers, making it a city where every meal can be an adventure.

San Francisco vs. Austin Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a crucial part in making any area feel like home. This comparison aims to ease your transition by matching top restaurants from San Francisco to their Austin equivalents, ensuring you find a new favorite spot in no time. Comparing top restaurants in San Francisco with the closest counterparts in Austin helps create a seamless culinary transition.

San FranciscoAustinWhat You'll Love
Zuni CaféOlamaieSouthern cuisine with an elegant twist
Tartine BakeryEasy TigerExceptional baked goods and a relaxed vibe
NopaOdd DuckFarm-to-table dining with an innovative menu
La TaqueriaVeracruz All NaturalAuthentic Mexican tacos
Swan Oyster DepotPerla's Seafood & Oyster BarFresh seafood and a cozy atmosphere
Foreign CinemaJune's All DayChic dining with a diverse international menu
Bi-Rite CreameryLick Honest Ice CreamsArtisanal ice cream with local ingredients
The Slanted DoorElizabeth Street CaféModern Vietnamese cuisine and French bakery items
Tony’s Pizza NapoletanaBufalinaNeapolitan pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven
Gary DankoJeffrey'sFine dining with an emphasis on steak and elegant ambiance

Are you seeking a seamless transition in dining experiences as you move from San Francisco to Austin? Then you're in luck. San Francisco's iconic Zuni Café, known for its roasted chicken and rustic charm, finds a soulmate in Austin's Olamaie, where Southern cuisine meets sophistication. Similarly, the move from the sourdough sensations of Tartine Bakery to the bustling baker's paradise of Easy Tiger in Austin ensures that your baked goods cravings are well catered to. And for those who relish the blend of ambiance and fresh seafood, swapping Swan Oyster Depot for Perla's Seafood & Oyster Bar in Austin means you won't miss out on high-quality oysters and seafood dishes, set against a beautiful, relaxed backdrop. These carefully matched eateries offer a taste of familiarity blended with the local flavor of your new city, ensuring a delicious start to your Austin adventure.

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Ready to start your move?

San Francisco vs. Austin Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a crucial element when considering a move, making it essential to comprehend how housing in San Francisco, CA, and Austin, TX compares. This comparison aims to shed light on various housing aspects such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle, providing a clearer picture of what to expect in both locations.

ComparisonSan FranciscoAustin
Typical Architecture StyleVictorian and ModernModern and Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingBay views, rooftop decksOutdoor living spaces, proximity to nature

While both San Francisco and Austin boast vibrant urban lifestyles, the contrast in living costs and architectural styles is significant. San Francisco's famed Victorian homes and modern condos often come with breathtaking bay views, justifying their steep prices. On the other hand, Austin offers a more affordable housing market, with Craftsman and modern homes that often highlight outdoor living spaces and proximity to nature trails, like those found at the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Additionally, Austin's growing bikeability score reflects the city's investment in bike lanes and trails, making it a welcoming environment for cyclists.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Austin, TX

1. Zilker: This neighborhood is a paradise for your pets, offering the sprawling Zilker Metropolitan Park and the leash-free Barkin Springs, where your furry friends can play and splash to their heart's content.

2. South Congress: Known for its vibrant atmosphere, South Congress is pet-friendly with numerous cafes and shops like Jo's Coffee that welcome pets, making it the perfect neighborhood for pet owners who love to dine and shop with their furry companions.

3. Travis Heights: With its close proximity to the Stacy Parks and off-leash areas, this neighborhood is ideal for pet owners seeking a community that values outdoor activities and has access to pet-friendly spaces.

San Francisco vs. Austin Weather Considerations

When considering a move from San Francisco, CA to Austin, TX, it's essential to understand how the weather differs in these cities. This comparison aims to highlight the key differences in climate and weather patterns between San Francisco and Austin, providing you with a clear picture of what to expect in your new home.

Summer icon
68°F / 54°F

San Francisco, CA

95°F / 73°F

Austin, TX

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
57°F / 46°F

San Francisco, CA

62°F / 42°F

Austin, TX

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
23.65

San Francisco, CA

34.32

Austin, TX

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

San Francisco, CA

0.4

Austin, TX

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSan FranciscoAustin
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakesFlash floods, Tornadoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from the mild, moderate climate of San Francisco to Austin's significantly warmer and more humid environment represents a substantial change. In Austin, the summer months bring high temperatures that can reach the mid-90s, coupled with higher UV index levels than you're accustomed to in San Francisco. This necessitates a more diligent approach to sun protection. Furthermore, Austin's propensity for flash floods and tornadoes marks a notable shift from the earthquake-prone San Francisco, demanding new forms of disaster preparedness. Understanding these differences will help you make the necessary adjustments to your lifestyle and expectations as you settle into your new home.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning your move from San Francisco to Austin, it’s crucial to unpack how the financial landscape will shift. Understanding the differences in cost of living, taxes, and the economic environment will help you make an informed decision and prepare for your new life.

ComparisonSan FranciscoAustin
Avg. Household Income$121,826$79,542
Cost of Living Index16495.5
State Income Tax13.30
Avg. Property Tax0.61.9
Avg. Sales Tax8.58.25
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Finance, TourismTechnology, Education, Health Services
AffluenceVery HighModerate to High
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessHighModerate to High

The gap in average household income between San Francisco and Austin is notable, with San Francisco households earning significantly more. This difference is evened out somewhat by San Francisco's substantially higher cost of living and state income tax. While Austin benefits from a zero percent state income tax, its property taxes are notably higher. These financial factors are crucial when considering employment markets and housing. Each city's unique economic environment—from San Francisco's tech and finance sectors to Austin's tech-driven and diverse economy—reflects its character and the opportunities it offers.

San Francisco vs. Austin Political & Religious Comparison

In this quick guide, we aim to provide a glimpse into the social fabric of your current and future homes. This is a comparison of the politics between San Francisco & Austin, giving you an at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in both cities.

San FranciscoAustin
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocraticLiberal/Democratic
Local PoliticsHighly progressive policiesProgressive, with a libertarian streak
ReligionLess religious overallMore diverse religious landscape

When moving from San Francisco to Austin, you'll find that both cities share a liberal political leaning, although Austin displays a unique mix of progressive values with a libertarian streak not as pronounced in San Francisco. San Francisco's local politics have long been known for their very progressive policies, reflecting the city's liberal base. In contrast, Austin's political scene is also progressive but tends to be more open to libertarian concepts, possibly due to Texas's overall political climate. Regarding religion, San Francisco is known for being less religious, with many residents identifying as spiritual but not religious or not practicing any religion. Austin, however, offers a more diverse religious landscape, reflecting a broader spectrum of faiths and practices. This diversity in Austin can be a refreshing change, offering more opportunities for community and cultural engagement.

San Francisco vs. Austin Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from San Francisco, CA, to Austin, TX, introduces a shift in your daily commute and an opportunity to adapt to new traffic patterns and transportation options. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between San Francisco & Austin will help you navigate these changes smoothly.

ComparisonSan FranciscoAustin
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3426
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?YesNo

In San Francisco, the high public transit rating reflects a robust system comprising buses, metro, and ferries, making it feasible to live without a car. The MUNI and BART systems offer extensive coverage, connecting various neighborhoods efficiently. In contrast, Austin's lower public transit score means a car is almost essential for day-to-day travel, despite initiatives like Capital Metro. However, Austin's average commute time is shorter, partly due to less severe traffic congestion compared to the dense urban environment of San Francisco. Understanding these differences can significantly smooth your transition between these vibrant cities.

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