Best Tacoma to San Francisco Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the vibrant urban canvas of Tacoma, WA, to the iconic hills of San Francisco, CA, marks an exhilarating chapter in your life. Leaving behind the "City of Destiny" for the "Golden City" isn't just a change of scenery—it's a journey into new culinary delights, diverse neighborhoods, and unique cultures. Precisely why choosing trusted and reliable professional movers for such a significant transition is vital; at Great Guys Moving, we use an unbiased ranking algorithm to ensure you’re matched with the best, turning this major move into a smooth and worry-free adventure.
Best Tacoma to San Francisco Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| John Volken Academy Movers | 9.33 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Bay - L.A. Express Moving | 9.32 | D | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| First Due Movers | 9.25 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| People Movers | 9.16 | NR | Authorized For Property | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Francisco to Tacoma guide.
5 Best Tacoma 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 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 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
About First Due Movers
First Due Movers is based in Preston, Washington, but offers nationwide moving services. The company is actually owned by local Washington f...Read More >>
Services
- Residential Moves
- Commercial Moves
- Long-Distance Moves
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
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.
Tacoma vs. San Francisco Neighborhood Comparison
Whether you're planning a move or just curious about a new city, it helps to compare neighborhoods. This guide offers a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Tacoma, WA & San Francisco, CA , using familiar areas from Tacoma to help you visualize your new San Francisco neighborhood. Let's find your new home!
| Tacoma | San Francisco | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| North End | Marina District | Both have scenic views and affluent vibes |
| Stadium District | Pacific Heights | Historic homes and upscale living |
| Proctor District | Noe Valley | Community-focused with local shops |
| Hilltop | Mission District | Diverse cultural backgrounds and historic areas |
| Old Town | North Beach | Rich history and vibrant community scenes |
| Central Tacoma | Inner Richmond | Both offer diverse dining options and residential areas |
| South Tacoma | Excelsior | Multicultural neighborhoods with family-friendly parks |
| Eastside | Bayview | Industrial roots with growing local businesses and art scene |
| West End | Outer Sunset | Laid-back atmosphere with access to nature |
| Point Defiance | Presidio | Major parks with rich histories and stunning views |
In comparing neighborhoods, it’s interesting to note the unique features that draw people to specific areas. For instance, Tacoma's North End and San Francisco's Marina District both offer breathtaking views of their respective waters, ideal for those who love the great outdoors but want to stay close to urban amenities. Similarly, the historic charm of Tacoma’s Stadium District finds a match in Pacific Heights, where grand Victorian homes line the streets, offering a glimpse into the city’s affluent past. Both Noe Valley and Proctor District are known for their strong community feels, with a variety of local shops that create a small-town atmosphere within a bustling city. These comparisons not only highlight the diverse living options available but also demonstrate how every neighborhood has its unique charm, catering to a wide range of lifestyles and preferences.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Tacoma to San Francisco
Moving between cities offers a unique opportunity to weigh the good against the not-so-good. In this comparison, we aim to reflect the realities of relocating from Tacoma, WA, to San Francisco, CA, showing an honest reflection of the pros and cons associated with such a move. This analysis will help you understand what you might gain and what you might have to compromise on.
Tacoma, WA- Lower job opportunities
- Less cultural diversity
- More affordable housing
- Lesser known restaurants
San Francisco, CA- Higher job market
- Greater cultural diversity
- Expensive housing
- World-class dining
San Francisco, CA- High cost of living
- Urban congestion
- Fast-paced lifestyle
- Noisier environment
Tacoma, WA- Greater affordability
- Outdoors accessibility
- Community feel
- Quiet neighborhoods
Moving to San Francisco presents an exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in a vibrant cultural tapestry, something that Tacoma, while cozy and community-oriented, cannot match on the same scale. San Francisco's world-renowned dining scene, including establishments like Boulevard Restaurant and Zuni Café, offers a culinary journey you'd be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. However, the transition comes with its trade-offs, such as adjusting to a higher cost of living and embracing the hustle of city life, a departure from the laid-back vibe of Tacoma's neighborhoods. While you might miss the tranquility and lower living costs of Tacoma, the cultural experiences, job opportunities, and iconic sights like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alamo Square's Painted Ladies, make the move a worthwhile adventure.
Tacoma vs. San Francisco Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Tacoma & San Francisco to help you understand the food scene in these cities. Food plays a crucial role in local culture and what it feels like to live in an area, so we’re here to guide you through this appetizing journey.
| Tacoma | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Dungeness Crab | Sourdough Bread |
| Most popular meat dish | Grilled Salmon | CIoppino |
| Most popular street food item | Fish Tacos | Mission Burrito |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegan Pho | Raw Vegan Desserts |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When moving from Tacoma to San Francisco, you’re transitioning to a food scene renowned for its sourdough bread and the rich, seafood stew known as Cioppino, found in neighborhoods like Fisherman’s Wharf. San Francisco's Mission District is famous for the Mission Burrito, a must-try local favorite. There’s also a strong vegan presence, with places like Tartine Bakery offering innovative raw vegan desserts. The city’s high marks in foodie scene, vegan-friendliness, and health consciousness reflect a diverse culinary landscape waiting to be explored. Plus, San Francisco's abundance of food trucks and iconic restaurants like The Slanted Door offer endless options for food enthusiasts to indulge in.
Tacoma vs. San Francisco Restaurant Comparison
Food plays a crucial role in making a place feel like home. When you're moving from Tacoma to San Francisco, finding your new favorite eateries is essential. This restaurant comparison guide aims to make your transition smoother by matching top Tacoma restaurants with their San Francisco counterparts.
| Tacoma | San Francisco | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Indo Asian Street Eatery | Hawker Fare | Vibrant Southeast Asian cuisine |
| The Table | Chez Panisse | Pioneer of farm-to-table dining |
| Over the Moon Cafe | Zazie | Cozy and romantic vibe with gourmet dishes |
| En Rama | Bar Agricole | Modern tavern with craft cocktails |
| MSM Deli | Ike's Love and Sandwiches | Inventive sandwich creations |
| Marrow Kitchen | Nopa | Rustic urban cuisine with a focus on organics |
| Asado | Lolinda | Argentinian steakhouse with a modern twist |
| WildFin American Grill | Swan Oyster Depot | Fresh seafood in a casual setting |
| Metro Coffee | Blue Bottle Coffee | High-quality coffee and ambiance |
| Pacific Grill | Waterbar | Exceptional seafood with bay views |
In the quest for new culinary adventures in San Francisco, you'll discover a wealth of options that reflect the diverse and vibrant food scene of the city. Hawker Fare, for instance, offers a lively atmosphere coupled with Southeast Asian flavors that echo the adventurous spirit of Tacoma's own Indo Asian Street Eatery. If you're yearning for the intimate and quaint ambience reminiscent of Over the Moon Cafe, Zazie in San Francisco will charm you with its cozy setting and gourmet dishes. Meanwhile, seafood enthusiasts who frequented WildFin American Grill in Tacoma will find a haven at Swan Oyster Depot, where the freshest of ocean bounty is served in a delightfully unfussy environment. This thoughtful comparison is designed to ease your culinary transition, leading you directly to the tables of San Francisco's most cherished eateries.
Ready to start your move?
Tacoma vs. San Francisco Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. Knowing how Tacoma and San Francisco compare in terms of housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle can greatly influence your decision. This comparison aims to highlight the differences and similarities to help you make an informed choice.
| Comparison | Tacoma | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Craftsman, Ranch | Victorian, Modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Views, Garages | Views, Tech-ready homes |
When comparing Tacoma to San Francisco, the stark contrast in median home prices and monthly rent highlights the significant cost of living difference. San Francisco, with its iconic Victorian and modern architecture, offers a more urban lifestyle, reflected in its high walkability and bikeability scores. This city is known for tech-ready homes that cater to its tech-savvy residents, contrasting with Tacoma's emphasis on views and garages, which aligns with its mix of Craftsman and Ranch-style homes. The change in lifestyle between these two cities, from the pace of living to accessibility and housing features, translates into a broader conversation about what you value in your living environment.
Tacoma vs. San Francisco Weather Considerations
When planning your move from Tacoma, WA to San Francisco, CA, understanding the weather differences is crucial. This comparison will help you prepare for the climate changes and adjust your lifestyle accordingly.
Tacoma, WA
San Francisco, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Tacoma, WA
San Francisco, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Tacoma, WA
San Francisco, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Tacoma, WA
San Francisco, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Tacoma | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, floods | Earthquakes, tsunamis |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Although Tacoma and San Francisco both enjoy mild climates, San Francisco offers more sunny days per year, which could positively impact your mood and vitamin D intake. However, prepare for cooler summer highs and slightly warmer winters in San Francisco. The city's unique microclimates mean that weather can vary significantly from one neighborhood to another, adding a layer of diversity to your daily weather experience. With less annual rainfall than Tacoma, you'll find San Francisco's winters less harsh but should still prepare for its renowned fog and higher UV index during summer.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Tacoma to San Francisco
When planning a move from one city to another, it's crucial to grasp how your finances will adjust. This comparison will show you what to expect when relocating from Tacoma, WA to San Francisco, CA, focusing on essential money and finance aspects.
| Comparison | Tacoma | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $77,141 | $121,826 |
| Cost of Living Index | 109.5 | 164 |
| State Income Tax | 0% | 0-13.3% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 10.2% | 8.5% |
| Top 3 Industries | Services, Retail, Healthcare | Technology, Finance, Tourism |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Noticeable | Visible |
| Homelessness | Concerning | Significant |
When shifting from Tacoma to San Francisco, you'll encounter a steep increase in the cost of living, evidenced by a Cost of Living Index more than double that of Tacoma. This significant difference is balanced slightly by higher average household incomes in San Francisco, yet the disparity in living costs can still be jarring. Despite the attractiveness of zero state income tax in Washington, California's progressive tax system may mean higher earners in San Francisco face considerable income tax rates. Moreover, while the sales tax in Tacoma is higher, San Francisco's booming technology, finance, and tourism industries provide ample employment opportunities, reflecting in its higher affluence level. However, it's crucial to note both cities face challenges with poverty and homelessness, calling for community and policy interventions.
Tacoma vs. San Francisco Political & Religious Comparison
This comparison offers a quick snapshot to help you understand the differences in the political and religious makeup of the residents between Tacoma & San Francisco . Whether you're engaged in local issues or identify with a specific faith community, this guide provides an at-a-glance view to ease your transition.
| Tacoma | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal, with a focus on social issues | Very liberal, an activist hotspot |
| Local Politics | Community-oriented, grassroots efforts | Cutting-edge policies, national attention |
| Religion | Mix of Protestant and Catholic, growing non-religious community | Diverse, with a strong non-religious presence |
You'll find that both Tacoma and San Francisco share a liberal political landscape, yet San Francisco often stands at the forefront of progressive activism, drawing national attention. Local politics in Tacoma tend to be more community-oriented, focusing on grassroots efforts. There’s an approachability to Tacoma’s political scene that might differ from the broader stage policy debates you’ll encounter in San Francisco. When it comes to religion, both cities boast a diversity of faiths, but you'll notice a more pronounced secular trend in San Francisco. This reflects not only in religious institutions but also in community events and public life, offering a wide berth for personal beliefs and practices.
Tacoma vs. San Francisco Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Tacoma, WA to San Francisco, CA offers a significant change in how you may navigate daily life, especially when it comes to understanding the differences in traffic and transportation options between these two cities. This comparison aims to provide a clearer picture of what your daily commute and traffic encounters might look like.
| Comparison | Tacoma | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 29 | 34 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Challenging | Yes |
Although Tacoma offers a more relaxed commute with lesser traffic congestion, its public transit options are not as robust as San Francisco's, making it somewhat challenging to get by without a car. On the other hand, San Francisco's higher traffic congestion score reflects its urban density but is offset by an excellent public transit system, highlighted by the BART and numerous bus lines, allowing residents to easily traverse the city without a personal vehicle. This marked difference underscores the necessity of adapting to a more public transit-reliant lifestyle when moving from Tacoma to San Francisco, which, despite its initial challenges, can be a rewarding transition towards a more sustainable and possibly quicker daily commute.
Popular Tacoma, WA to California Moving Routes
Popular Moving Routes
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