Best San Francisco to Houston Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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San Francisco to Houston Movers

Moving from the tech-savvy hills of San Francisco to Houston's sprawling energy capital landscape marks a thrilling chapter in your life, filled with new adventures and opportunities. You're transitioning from the Fog City, known for its iconic Golden Gate and tech startups, to the Space City, where cowboys meet astronauts and the energy sector thrives. Recognizing the enormity of this cross-country leap, it's crucial to entrust your journey to professional movers whose reliability and expertise ensure your belongings navigate safely from the Bay Area's breezes to the Lone Star State's warmth.

California iconArrow iconTexas icon

Best San Francisco to Houston Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
OCD Moving Services LLC9.66A+Authorized For HHGContact
Kora Moving9.39A+Authorized For HHGContact
Bay - L.A. Express Moving9.33DAuthorized For HHGContact
Pinpoint Movers8.76A+Authorized For HHGContact
Right Rate Movers of Houston8.68NRActiveContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Houston to San Francisco guide.

5 Best San Francisco to Houston 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
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
2
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
3
Pinpoint Movers Logo
Superb8.76/10
based on 2,347+ data points

About Pinpoint Movers

Pinpoint Movers is a women-owned and family-operated moving company located in Houston, Texas that is licensed and insured to handle all you...Read More >>

Services

  • Homepage:
  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3070055 / 944442

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2021)
View Full Review
4
Right Rate Movers of Houston Logo
Fabulous8.68/10
based on 3,973+ data points

About Right Rate Movers of Houston

Right Rate Movers of Houston is a trusted and reliable moving company recognized as an industry leader in terms of affordability and efficie...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Labor Only
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2200927 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved-
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. Houston Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the local neighborhoods. To bridge this gap, we've crafted a comparison focused on local neighborhoods between San Francisco, CA & Houston, TX . This guide is designed to help you find a neighborhood in Houston that mirrors the vibe, amenities, and community feel of your favorite San Francisco area, making your transition as smooth as possible.

San FranciscoHoustonHow They're Similar
The MissionEast EndDiverse, vibrant cultural scene
Nob HillRiver OaksAffluent, historic charm
SoMa (South of Market)MidtownTrendy, artsy with nightlife
Marina DistrictUpper KirbyUpscale, lively retail and dining
Haight-AshburyMontroseBohemian, eclectic eateries and shops
Sunset DistrictWest UniversityFamily-friendly, quiet suburban feel
North BeachThe HeightsHistoric, vibrant community life
Pacific HeightsTanglewoodLuxurious, grand homes
Russian HillBellaireCozy, with a mix of modern and traditional
Financial DistrictDowntown HoustonDynamic, business hub

Among these neighborhood pairings, the cultural and social nuances create a unique similarity that goes beyond the surface. For instance, if you're captivated by the historic charm and luxurious atmosphere of Nob Hill, you'll find River Oaks to be its Houston counterpart, offering a blend of grandiose homes and beautifully landscaped gardens. Similarly, those drawn to the eclectic and bohemian vibe of Haight-Ashbury might find themselves at home in Montrose, where art galleries, quirky shops, and vintage stores abound. For a taste of the Marina District's upscale retail and dining scene, Upper Kirby in Houston provides a similarly lively experience with its trendy restaurants like Levure Bakery and high-end shopping centers. This detail not only facilitates a smoother transition but also helps new residents in finding communities where they can thrive and enjoy familiar comforts in a new city.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from San Francisco to Houston

Making the big move from San Francisco, CA to Houston, TX requires weighing both sides of the relocation process. To help, we've created charts that provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this move. These comparisons from San Francisco to Houston aim to guide you through the decision process, highlighting factors that could influence your quality of life.

CONs
PROs
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • High Cost of Living
  • Dense Population
  • Cool Summers
  • Steep Hills
  • Less Diversity in Cuisine
Houston, TX iconHouston, TX
  • Lower Cost of Living
  • More Living Space
  • Warmer Climate
  • Flat Terrain
  • Rich Cultural Foods
Houston, TX iconHouston, TX
  • Higher Humidity
  • Less Tech Jobs
  • Car Dependent
  • Fewer Historic Sites
  • Different Political Climate
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • Diverse Culture
  • Technology Hub
  • Excellent Public Transit
  • Iconic Landmarks
  • Progressive Values

While considering the move from San Francisco to Houston, it's vital to delve deeper into what these changes mean for you personally. For instance, Houston's food scene, with its multicultural restaurants, offers an expansive palate from Southern BBQ to authentic Mexican cuisines, giving you a taste of various cultures right at your doorstep. Although Houston is car-dependent, it also boasts of spacious neighborhoods and an array of outdoor parks such as the Buffalo Bayou Park, offering a blend of urban living with a touch of nature. On the other hand, leaving San Francisco means saying goodbye to its cool summers, hilly streets that offer breathtaking views, and iconic sites like the Golden Gate Bridge but embracing Houston introduces you to its warm climate, flat landscapes conducive for outdoor activities, and a chance to explore new cultural sights and popular areas like the Discovery Green.

San Francisco vs. Houston Food Guide

Food plays a pivotal role in understanding a place's culture and lifestyle. This is why we've prepared a comparison of the local cuisine between San Francisco & Houston to give you a taste of what each city offers. Whether you're craving fresh seafood by the bay or smoky barbecue in the heart of Texas, knowing the food scene is essential for anyone planning to relocate.

San FranciscoHouston
Most iconic local food itemSourdough BreadTexas BBQ Brisket
Most popular meat dishCioppinoFajitas
Most popular street food itemMission BurritoTacos
Most popular vegan foodAvocado ToastJackfruit BBQ Sandwich
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • The French Laundry
  • Zuni Café
  • Tartine Bakery
  • Killen's Barbecue
  • Hugo's
  • The Original Ninfa's on Navigation
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

San Francisco and Houston offer distinct culinary experiences reflective of their diverse cultures and historical influences. In San Francisco, you can't miss trying the sourdough bread, a local favorite due to the unique strains of yeast found in the area. For those moving to Houston, the Texas BBQ brisket is a must-try, showcasing the state's rich tradition in smoked meats. Popular neighborhoods like The Mission District in San Francisco are famous for their burritos, while Montrose in Houston is renowned for its innovative cuisine and Tex-Mex staples. Additionally, food lovers will appreciate San Francisco's commitment to health-conscious and vegan options, while Houston's burgeoning food truck scene delivers a wide variety of on-the-go dishes for every taste.

San Francisco vs. Houston Restaurant Comparison

Finding your new favorite spot to dine at can significantly help in making a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison is designed to ease the transition for those moving from San Francisco to Houston by matching top dining spots in your current hometown with similar eateries in your future city. Whether you're searching for high-end dining, casual bites, or iconic eats, this guide will point you in the right direction.

San FranciscoHoustonWhat You'll Love
Zuni CaféHugo'sAuthentic regional Mexican cuisine in a warm setting
Tartine BakeryCommon Bond Bistro & BakeryRenowned for high-quality baked goods and casual dining
NopaState of GraceOffers eclectic American fare with a nod to global influences
La TaqueriaTeotihuacan Mexican CafeFamous for its authentic Mexican tacos and vibrant atmosphere
Gary DankoDa Marco Cucina E VinoFine Italian dining with a focus on ingredient-driven dishes
The Slanted DoorThe Raven GrillAsian-inspired dishes with a Texan twist
Bi-Rite CreameryCloud 10 CreameryInnovative ice cream flavors crafted in-house
Brenda's French Soul FoodLucille'sWell-crafted Southern comfort food with a creative touch
Mission Chinese FoodMala Sichuan BistroSpicy Sichuan dishes that bring the heat and flavor
Swan Oyster DepotGoode Company SeafoodFresh seafood served in a converted railcar

For those who appreciate the flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine, the transition from La Taqueria in San Francisco to Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe in Houston will be seamless. Both establishments boast a vibrant atmosphere and are renowned for their delicious, authentic dishes. Similarly, if your sweet tooth led you to frequent Bi-Rite Creamery, you'll be delighted by the innovative creations at Cloud 10 Creamery, where ice cream flavors are crafted with a distinct flair. Those craving the unique blend of Asian flavors with a twist won't miss out either; The Slanted Door's counterpart in Houston, The Raven Grill, offers a menu inspired by Asian dishes with the addition of Texan elements, ensuring a memorable dining experience that reflects the diversity and creativity found in San Francisco's dining scene.

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Ready to start your move?

San Francisco vs. Houston Real Estate & Living Facts

When contemplating a move, comparing the real estate landscape between your current and future cities is crucial. This guide provides a deeper understanding of how San Francisco and Houston contrast in terms of housing costs, architectural styles, walkability, and urban lifestyle . Knowing these factors can significantly influence your decision and help ease the transition.

ComparisonSan FranciscoHouston
Typical Architecture StyleVictorian and ModernRanch and Contemporary
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingBay views, rooftop decksLarge yards, swimming pools

When comparing San Francisco and Houston, the contrast in median home prices and monthly rent is stark, reflecting the significant cost of living difference between the two cities. San Francisco's high walkability score aligns with its dense, urban layout and public transit options, while Houston's sprawling landscape lends itself to a more car-dependent lifestyle, despite its efforts to enhance bikeability. Architecturally, San Francisco is known for its iconic Victorian homes and sleek, modern buildings. In contrast, Houston offers a mix of traditional Ranch-style homes and contemporary designs, often featuring amenities like large yards and swimming pools, catering to a lifestyle that values space and comfort.

San Francisco vs. Houston Weather Considerations

Moving from one location to another involves understanding how the weather will change. In this guide, we compare the climates of San Francisco, CA and Houston, TX, to help you grasp what to expect and how to prepare for your new environment.

Summer icon
67°F / 53°F

San Francisco, CA

94°F / 75°F

Houston, TX

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
57°F / 46°F

San Francisco, CA

62°F / 43°F

Houston, TX

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
23.65

San Francisco, CA

49.77

Houston, TX

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

San Francisco, CA

0

Houston, TX

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSan FranciscoHouston
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakesHurricanes, Floods
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When you move from San Francisco to Houston, you’ll notice a significant shift in both temperature and humidity, reflecting the change from a mild, Mediterranean climate to a more humid, subtropical one. The summers in Houston are notably warmer, and you might find the increased humidity uncomfortable at first. However, Houston experiences a higher average annual rainfall, which contributes to its lush, green landscapes compared to San Francisco's dryer conditions. The risk of natural disasters also shifts, from earthquakes in San Francisco to hurricanes and floods in Houston, emphasizing the need for proper preparation and insurance in your new home.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move, comprehending the financial implications between San Francisco, CA and Houston, TX is crucial. This comparison sheds light on the cost of living, taxes, and general economic conditions you can expect, aiding in budgeting and financial planning for your new locale.

ComparisonSan FranciscoHouston
Avg. Household Income$121,826$55,499
Cost of Living Index16492.2
State Income Tax13.30
Avg. Property Tax0.62.3
Avg. Sales Tax8.58.25
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Finance, TourismEnergy, Aerospace, Healthcare
AffluenceVery HighModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessHighModerate

Moving from San Francisco to Houston introduces significant financial implications, especially regarding taxation and the cost of living. Notably, Texas does not levy a state income tax, which contrasts sharply with California's high rate. This difference can result in considerable savings, potentially offsetting Houston's higher property tax rate. The cost of living in Houston is also substantially lower than in San Francisco, meaning your income could stretch further, potentially improving your quality of life. Moreover, the economic landscape shifts from San Francisco's tech and finance-driven market to Houston's energy and healthcare-focused economy, possibly influencing job opportunities.

San Francisco vs. Houston Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from San Francisco, CA, to Houston, TX, it's useful to understand the comparison of the politics between San Francisco & Houston alongside the religious landscape. This quick snapshot provides insight into the political and religious makeup of each city's residents, aiding in setting expectations for your new community.

San FranciscoHouston
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocraticModerately Liberal/Democratic
Local PoliticsProgressive PoliciesDiverse Political Interests
ReligionMore Secular, Diverse ReligionsChristian Majority, Diverse Religions

The transition from San Francisco to Houston brings you into a community where politics still leans liberal, but with a broader mix of political influences reflecting Houston's diverse population. While San Francisco's political environment is famously progressive, Houston boasts a vibrant, multifaceted political landscape where diverse voices contribute to local governance. Religious life in Houston is dynamic, with a larger proportion of residents identifying with Christianity compared to San Francisco's more secular outlook. However, both cities embrace religious diversity, hosting communities from various faiths and backgrounds. Understanding these nuances offers a richer perspective on the social fabric of your new home.

San Francisco vs. Houston Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Understanding the daily commute and traffic is essential when moving from one city to another. This guide provides a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between San Francisco & Houston, to better prepare you for what lies ahead in your new home.

ComparisonSan FranciscoHouston
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3427
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?YesNo

When comparing San Francisco to Houston, you'll find notable differences in daily commutes and transportation options. San Francisco, with its higher public transit score, implies that you can easily get around the city without owning a car. This city boasts an extensive network of buses, trains, and even ferries. On the other hand, Houston, while having a lower traffic congestion score, is significantly more car-dependent due to its sprawling nature and less comprehensive public transportation system. In Houston, having a car is almost a necessity for convenience and to fully explore what the city has to offer. This fundamental difference is crucial for planning your lifestyle and travel in your new city.

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