Best Seattle to San Francisco Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the Emerald City to the Golden Gate City is not just a change of scenery; it’s an exhilarating leap into new experiences and opportunities. Leaving behind Seattle's iconic coffee culture and embracing San Francisco's famed tech hubs and diverse cuisine can be a bittersweet adventure. Recognizing this, we stress the utmost importance of choosing trusted and reliable professional movers to ensure your journey from the land of drizzle to the city of fog is as seamless and worry-free as possible.
Best Seattle to San Francisco Moving Companies
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Francisco to Seattle guide.
5 Best Seattle to San Francisco Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
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 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
About John Volken Academy Movers
John Volken Academy Movers is a not-for-profit moving company that helps people move across Western and Eastern Washington. This local busin...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Residential Moving
About People Movers
People Movers is a fully licensed moving company in Bothell, WA. It has relocated hundreds of happy customers in Greater Seattle since it op...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Cross-country moving
About All Service Moving
All Service Moving is a full-service moving company that performs a wide array of relocation services in Seattle, WA, and surrounding areas....Read More >>
Services
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Long Distance Moving
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.
Seattle vs. San Francisco Neighborhood Comparison
Relocating can feel like navigating uncharted waters, but understanding how your current city compares to your future home can ease the transition. This guide aims to familiarize you with an unknown city by using your existing one as a baseline. Specifically, we'll explore how Seattle, WA & San Francisco, CA local neighborhoods compare, matching Seattle's top neighborhoods with their San Francisco counterparts based on vibe, culture, and amenities.
| Seattle | San Francisco | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Capitol Hill | The Castro | vibrant, LGBT-friendly |
| Belltown | SOMA | trendy, nightlife-centric |
| Queen Anne | Pacific Heights | upscale, stunning views |
| Ballard | The Mission | hip, foodie haven |
| Fremont | Haight-Ashbury | quirky, artsy community |
| Greenwood | Noe Valley | family-friendly, laid-back |
| West Seattle | Outer Sunset | beachy, relaxed lifestyle |
| South Lake Union | Embarcadero | tech hub, modern |
| Wallingford | Cole Valley | neighborhood feel, accessible |
| Pioneer Square | North Beach | rich history, cobblestone charm |
For those drawn to Capitol Hill's pulsing nightlife and engagement with the LGBT community, The Castro in San Francisco offers a similar vibe, with numerous bars, restaurants, and cultural events celebrating diversity. Meanwhile, Ballard's vibrant dining scene and craft breweries have a counterpart in The Mission, known for its eclectic eateries and sunny disposition. If you appreciate Fremont's quirky art installations and indie shops, you'll find Haight-Ashbury's historic streets, peppered with vintage clothing stores and iconic music venues, equally captivating. Queen Anne's elegant homes and sweeping views of Seattle align closely with Pacific Heights, where stately mansions overlook the Bay. Each neighborhood's unique characteristics – from the artsy streets of Haight-Ashbury to the upscale calm of Pacific Heights – contribute to the rich, diverse tapestry that defines urban living in these Pacific Coast cities.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Seattle to San Francisco
Moving from Seattle, WA to San Francisco, CA is a significant life change that offers both challenges and opportunities. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation, helping you weigh the cons of Seattle against the pros of San Francisco, and vice versa, for a balanced decision-making process.
Seattle, WA- Higher Rainfall
- Less Tech Opportunities
- Lower Average Salaries
- Fewer Cultural Venues
- Fewer Fine Dining Options
San Francisco, CA- Milder Climate
- More Tech Jobs
- Higher Average Salaries
- More Cultural Venues
- World-Class Restaurants
San Francisco, CA- Higher Cost of Living
- Less Coffee Variety
- Tighter Housing Market
- Fewer Green Spaces
- Smaller Music Scene
Seattle, WA- Outdoor Activities
- Rich Coffee Culture
- More Affordable Housing
- Nature and Parks
- Strong Music Scene
When moving from Seattle to San Francisco, you'll not only exchange the Emerald City's rain clouds for the Golden Gate's fog but also step into a vibrant hub of technology and culture. While Seattle offers a laid-back vibe with its rich coffee culture and abundant outdoor activities, including the iconic Pike Place Market and expansive Discovery Park, San Francisco counters with its dynamic tech scene, higher salaries, and a richer array of cultural venues such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and Michelin-starred restaurants like Benu and Quince. However, this comes at the cost of a significantly higher living expense and a competitive housing market, particularly in popular areas like the Mission District and Nob Hill. Nonetheless, those who value career opportunities in tech and cultural richness might find San Francisco's trade-offs well worth it.
Seattle vs. San Francisco Food Guide
This comparison of the local cuisine between Seattle & San Francisco aims to highlight food's integral role in the local culture and living experience. Through this comparison, you'll gain insights into the unique food scenes of your current and future homes.
| Seattle | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Salmon | Sourdough Bread |
| Most popular meat dish | Teriyaki | Cioppino |
| Most popular street food item | Hot Dogs | Mission Burrito |
| Most popular vegan food | Acai Bowls | Vegan Ramen |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
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| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Seattle, the seafood, especially salmon, stands out as a must-try, reflecting the city's deep connection to its maritime geography. Those moving to San Francisco, however, will find themselves in the birthplace of sourdough bread, with historic bakeries such as Tartine Bakery offering some of the best. San Francisco's Mission District is famed for its Mission Burrito, a local invention and a staple of the city's vibrant street food scene. Not to mention, both cities showcase a high level of health consciousness and a booming vegan scene, ensuring that regardless of dietary preferences, you'll be well catered to. This move between two of the West Coast's culinary capitals promises to be as exciting for your taste buds as it is for your other senses.
Seattle vs. San Francisco Restaurant Comparison
When relocating, discovering local dining gems can quickly transform a new city into home. This concise restaurant comparison aims to make your move from Seattle, WA to San Francisco, CA delightful by offering culinary bridges between your current and future dining scenes. Compare and find your new favorite eateries using familiar flavors as your guide.
| Seattle | San Francisco | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Canlis | Quince | Both offer a luxurious dining experience with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients. |
| Pike Place Chowder | Hog Island Oyster Co. | Known for their fresh seafood and iconic chowders, providing a coastal culinary experience. |
| The Pink Door | Foreign Cinema | Both blend a unique dining atmosphere with exceptional cuisine, offering patio dining and entertainment. |
| Ray’s Boathouse | Waterbar | Prime waterfront dining spots specializing in local seafood with stunning views. |
| Mamnoon | Reem’s | Both celebrate Middle Eastern flavors with a modern twist, creating a culturally rich dining experience. |
| Matt’s in the Market | Zuni Café | Farm-to-table eateries renowned for their fresh, local ingredients and rotating seasonal menus. |
| JuneBaby | Farmerbrown | Offering southern-inspired cuisine with a focus on soul food and sustainability. |
| Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar | Swan Oyster Depot | Both are celebrated for their fresh oyster selections and casual yet authentic seafood experiences. |
| Salumi | The Italian Homemade Company | Delis that specialize in handcrafted Italian cured meats, sandwiches, and pastas. |
| Skillet Diner | Dottie’s True Blue Café | Diner-style favorites with a unique twist, known for their hearty breakfasts and brunches. |
Although leaving behind favorite local spots can be one of the hardest parts of moving cities, the transition from Seattle to San Francisco doesn't mean you have to give up culinary comforts. Restaurants like Quince in San Francisco echo the refined dining experience of Canlis in Seattle, ensuring that aficionados of fine dining have a go-to spot. For those who relish the waterfront dining and fresh seafood that Ray’s Boathouse offers, Waterbar will likely become your new favorite, boasting spectacular views of the Bay Bridge alongside an impressive oyster and seafood selection. Transitioning your dining preferences can be a seamless experience when you know where to find San Francisco's equivalents of Seattle's culinary gems.
Ready to start your move?
Seattle vs. San Francisco Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a pivotal factor in relocation decisions. Understanding the nuances between Seattle, WA and San Francisco, CA in terms of housing can greatly inform your choice. This comparison will shed light on cost, statistics , and architecture , among others, to guide your move effectively.
| Comparison | Seattle | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Craftsman | Victorian |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Views, Eco-friendly | Views, Historic charm |
When diving into the housing aspects of Seattle and San Francisco, the architectural styles stand out starkly with Seattle's love for Craftsman homes against San Francisco's iconic Victorian houses. The charm and history attached to San Francisco's properties can often justify the higher costs associated with living in the city. The urban lifestyle score reflects San Francisco's dense, vibrant urban center that offers an abundance of cultural attractions and amenities, slightly edging out Seattle's more laid-back, nature-integrated city vibe. Prioritizing what aspects of city life mean the most to you can help in making a balanced decision.
Seattle vs. San Francisco Weather Considerations
Moving from one location to another requires adapting to new environments, especially in terms of weather. Comparing Seattle, WA to San Francisco, CA weather helps in understanding and preparing for these changes, ensuring a smoother transition to your new home.
Seattle, WA
San Francisco, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Seattle, WA
San Francisco, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Seattle, WA
San Francisco, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Seattle, WA
San Francisco, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Seattle | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Volcanoes | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While both cities offer mild climates compared to other regions of the United States, there are significant differences to prepare for. Seattle experiences more rainfall and fewer sunny days annually, which contributes to its lush, green landscapes. San Francisco, on the other hand, boasts more days of sunshine and a drier climate, but with the unique feature of its famous fog that can lower visibility and temperatures, especially during the summer. The lower annual rainfall in San Francisco also means it's more prone to drought conditions and wildfires. Embracing these weather differences will be a key part of acclimatizing to your new coastal city.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Seattle to San Francisco
When considering a move from Seattle, WA to San Francisco, CA, it's crucial to understand how your financial landscape will change. This comparison will shine a light on the differences in money and finance, helping you to anticipate what lies ahead.
| Comparison | Seattle | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $110,781 | $121,826 |
| Cost of Living Index | 121.4 | 164 |
| State Income Tax | 0 | 13.3 (max rate) |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.99 | 0.73 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 10.1 | 8.5 |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Retail, Manufacturing | Technology, Finance, Tourism |
| Affluence | High | Very High |
| Poverty | Moderate | Moderate |
| Homelessness | High | Very High |
When moving from Seattle to San Francisco, you'll encounter various financial adjustments. For one, the average household income is higher in San Francisco, potentially offsetting the city's significantly higher cost of living index. However, you'll be introduced to California's state income tax, with a maximum rate of 13.3%, a stark contrast to Washington's 0% rate. On the brighter side, San Francisco's average property tax rate is lower than Seattle's, despite higher overall housing costs. Considering these factors will help you better prepare for the financial realities of your new home.
Seattle vs. San Francisco Political & Religious Comparison
Moving from Seattle, WA, to San Francisco, CA, brings significant changes, including the people you'll live among. This quick comparison provides an at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Seattle & San Francisco to help you understand your new community.
| Seattle | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Progressive/Liberal | Progressive/Liberal |
| Local Politics | Democratic Majority | Democratic Majority |
| Religion | Less Religiously Affiliated | Less Religiously Affiliated |
Both Seattle and San Francisco are known for their progressive and liberal political landscapes, with local politics predominantly under Democratic control. Despite this similarity, each city brings its unique flavor to how politics are discussed, engaged with, and the sort of local issues that take precedence. In terms of religion, you'll find both cities have a higher number of residents who identify as less religiously affiliated, reflecting a broader trend towards secularism in urban areas. This might impact the cultural fabric of your new community, including social activities and community involvement.
Seattle vs. San Francisco Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Seattle, WA to San Francisco, CA offers a unique opportunity to compare traffic and transportation options between these two vibrant cities. This comparison is designed to help you better understand what your daily commute and traffic will be like, easing the transition and planning for your relocation.
| Comparison | Seattle | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 28 | 34 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Possible, but challenging | Easier due to compact size and public transit |
Moving to a new city always brings its challenges, especially when it comes to navigating daily commutes. San Francisco, with its higher traffic congestion score, might initially seem more daunting than Seattle. However, San Francisco's compact nature and superior public transit system make it relatively easier to get around without a car, compared to Seattle. The Bay Area's comprehensive network of buses, trolleys, and the iconic Cable Cars, not to mention the extensive Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system, ensures that commuting is more accessible, albeit potentially longer in terms of time. This connectivity is a boon for those wishing to embrace a car-free lifestyle in an urban setting.
Popular Seattle, WA to California Moving Routes
- Seattle to Los Angeles
- Seattle to San Diego
- Seattle to San Jose
- Seattle to Fresno
- Seattle to Sacramento
- Seattle to Long Beach
- Seattle to Oakland
- Seattle to Bakersfield
- Seattle to Anaheim
- Seattle to Santa Ana
- Seattle to Riverside
- Seattle to Stockton
- Seattle to Irvine
- Seattle to Chula Vista
- Seattle to Fremont
- Seattle to San Bernardino
- Seattle to Modesto
- Seattle to Fontana
- Seattle to Moreno Valley
Popular Moving Routes
Nearby Moving Routes
