So, you want to trade in the Empire State Building for the Golden Gate Bridge? Join the cross- country movers’ club! Almost 27,000 New Yorkers have migrated to California within the past year — and for those who can afford the cost of living, San Francisco is an excellent landing place. This Bay Area jewel offers a unique fusion of urban thrills and natural wonders — perfect for folks who enjoy both the convenience and excitement of city life, but also need a change of scenery from Manhattan’s frenetic concrete jungle.
Of course, as with any major transition, there’s a lot to consider when moving from New York to San Francisco. For instance, how much will it cost to relocate over such a long distance (2,900 miles, to be exact)? How does the San Francisco housing market compare to NYC? Will you be able to find a new job once you arrive? Is the weather a drastic shift from what you’re used to? How will the cost of living compare?
Time to settle the East Coast versus West Coast debate. Let’s unpack all these questions, so you can determine if San Francisco makes sense for your new chapter.
How Much Does it Cost to Move from NYC to San Francisco?
A cross-country relocation is expensive — there’s no way around it. But with that said, the cost of moving from New York to San Francisco will fluctuate based on the size of your home and the service you choose. On average, you’ll spend about $2,000 on the lowest end to over $11,000 on the higher end. Here’s a cost breakdown to help inform your budget.
Estimated Cost for Moving from New York to San Francisco*
Home Size | Rental Truck | Moving Container | Professional Movers |
1-Bedroom | $1,851–$3,412 | $2,221–$4,215 | $2,997–$6,073 |
2-Bedroom | $2,003–$3,476 | $3,054–$5,010 | $4,298–$7,275 |
3-Bedroom | $2,294–$4,189 | $3,466–$6,273 | $5,656–$8,297 |
4-Bedroom | $2,607–$4,597 | $4,219–$6,639 | $7,465–$11,415 |
*Based on rough estimates from MoveBuddha (April 2025), excluding taxes and insurance.
Factors that determine the cost of moving from New York to San Francisco
Moving expenses are not one-size-fits-all—the total amount you’ll spend moving from New York to San Francisco vary based on the factors below:
The weight and volume of your haul
Consider which items you’ll be transporting from one coast to the other. What’s the weight and volume of this truck load? Are any items an awkward shape or size? Do they require specialized care? It might cost extra to move bulky items (such as furniture and appliances) or fragile items (such as valuable artwork) that can easily sustain damage in transit. Some movers also charge a fee to unload heavy items up or down stairs.
The relocation service you choose
There are several moving options out there, and some are more expensive than others. The most affordable option is to rent a moving truck and transport all the boxes yourself. But keep in mind: this is a labor-intensive process — in terms of both loading/unloading and driving — and since you’re charged for the number of miles driven and you’ll probably need travel accommodations along the way, it might not be an economical choice for a cross-country move.
Another slightly more expensive — but definitely more convenient — option is to rent a moving container. The service you rent it from will deliver this portable unit to your home, then once you finish packing it, movers will transport the container to its final destination. This is a more streamlined alternative to the DIY route, and it’s cheaper than a full-service move.
If you want someone else to handle the entire process for you, the third course of action is to hire full-service movers. This option will cost you more than renting a truck or container, but it will also ensure that your items are transported with utmost care. It also saves you the hassle of lifting heavy boxes, driving a truck across the country, and unloading it all on your own. Some moving companies offer extra services such as packing assistance, too.
The season and timing of your move
When you move can also impact the overall cost. For instance, although weekends or summer months are convenient times to relocate, they also tend to be the most expensive. Since many households choose to move when kids are out of school, movers will often charge more at these peak times. If you have a flexible schedule, moving on a weekday in the fall or winter can help curb some of those costs.
What to Consider When Moving from New York to San Francisco
Ready to replace the towering skyscrapers of Manhattan with the shimmering Pacific coast of California? First, let’s explore all you need to know about moving to California, which will be sure to be a major life transition. From the climate and weather, to the job forecast and housing market, and other potential culture shocks, here’s what to keep in mind when moving from New York to San Francisco.
1) The cost of living in San Francisco is slightly cheaper than NYC
The cost of living in San Francisco is 70% above the national average. Sure, that’s undeniably steep, but San Francisco still comes out 14% cheaper than the cost of living in NYC. Both cities have become increasingly expensive due to their inflated housing markets and high income tax rates — you’ll spend about $10,300 per month in San Francisco on the same expenses that would cost $12,000 in New York.
2) The San Francisco rental market isn’t quite as pricey as NYC
On average, a one-bedroom apartment in San Francisco will set you back $3,340 per month. Compare that to a one-bedroom in the NYC rental market, which costs $5,120. Considering the typical size of an apartment in San Francisco is 735 square feet versus 705 square feet in NYC, the San Francisco rental market also offers a bit more bang for your buck.
3) The San Francisco housing market is more expensive than NYC
If you want to purchase a house after moving from New York to San Francisco, fair warning: it won’t be cheap. The median sale price in this current San Francisco housing market is about $1.4 million, compared to $852,500 in the NYC housing market. Granted, home values can fluctuate based on the part of town you choose — but due to limited real estate inventory and high consumer demand, no matter where you settle, it’s expensive to buy a house in San
4) San Francisco’s job market is on the upswing compared to NYC
San Francisco’s economy has been slow to recover from COVID-19 — especially within the tech sector. But after a few unstable years, the San Francisco job market is launching a comeback. The unemployment rate has fallen to 3.9% (versus 5.3% in New York), and more industries are on the rise. Think: finance, biotech, sales and marketing, healthcare, cloud computing, data analytics, artificial intelligence, life science, and hospitality.
The median salary in San Francisco is $104,400, compared to $73,950 in New York. While both local economies have suffered in recent years, San Francisco’s employment forecast is starting to look more favorable than the NYC job market.
5) San Francisco’s climate generally tends to be milder than NYC
San Francisco has a temperate climate with mild weather and about 260 days of sunshine per year. Summer temperatures usually hover between 65–70 degrees, while the winter months rarely drop lower than 45–50 degrees. San Francisco experiences just 25 inches of rainfall per year — but due to its location near the Pacific Ocean, heavy coastal fog buildup is a frequent occurrence here, especially during the summer (sometimes called “June gloom” in June).
Over on the East Coast, NYC’s climate is more subtropical with humid summers, cold winters, about 225 days of sunshine, and more than 45 inches of rainfall. If you’re someone who prefers four distinct seasons, chances are, you will miss New York’s cold, snowy winters after moving to San Francisco. But with that said, New York summers are much hotter than San Francisco, so if you’re looking to escape the heat, San Francisco has you covered.
6) San Francisco has seen a dip in crime — but it’s higher than NYC
Within the past year, violent crimes in San Francisco have fallen by 14%, and property crimes have fallen by 31% — the lowest crime rate this city has experienced since 2001. New York’s overall crime rate is also declining with 3,662 fewer incidents of violent and property crimes in 2024 than the year prior. With that said, violent crimes in San Francisco are still 29% higher than NYC, while property crimes are 69% higher.
As with anywhere else, most crimes are concentrated in certain pockets of San Francisco, so just be aware of your surroundings. Here are the safest neighborhoods in San Francisco — and the areas where crimes are most likely to occur:
Safest parts of San Francisco
Pacific Heights
Sea Cliff
Outer Sunset
Most crimes in San Francisco
Tenderloin District
Bayview-Hunters Point
South of Market
7) The public transit in San Francisco is relatively comparable to NYC
New York is famous for its subway, the largest and busiest public transit system throughout North America. But San Francisco’s extensive network of Muni buses, streetcars, light rail trains, and cable cars is just as convenient. With a transit score of 100 and a walk score of 99, living in San Francisco doesn’t require you to own a vehicle — just like in NYC.
San Fran’s public transit system offers 73 routes all over the city, making it ideal for commuters — not to mention, the transportation is fuel-efficient and accessible for folks with mobility restrictions. If you need to travel outside San Francisco, Muni also seamlessly connects with Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), which will take you as far as North San José.
Is It Worth Moving to California from New York?
If you’re tired of Manhattan’s congested streets, humid summers, harsh winters, and exorbitant rental market, then moving from New York to California will feel like a breath of fresh air.
Not only is San Francisco’s cost of living cheaper than what you’re used to in NYC, its temperate climate, picturesque natural vistas, and close proximity to the ocean offer a unique twist on urban living. Of course, all cities have their pros and cons, so here are the main benefits (and a few potential drawbacks) of moving from New York to San Francisco.
Pros of moving from New York to San Francisco
The cost of living in San Francisco is cheaper overall.
The San Francisco rental market is less expensive.
The weather in San Francisco is mild for most of the year.
The San Francisco job market has made a comeback.
The public transit in San Francisco is easy and accessible.
Cons of moving from New York to San Francisco
The crime rate in San Francisco tends to be higher.
The San Francisco housing market is more expensive.
The fog conditions in San Francisco can be intense.
The seasons are not as distinct in San Francisco.
Embark on Your Golden Gate Adventure with Colonial Van Lines
If you love the thought of mild weather, coastal views, and an increasingly robust job market, and a high crime rate in certain areas doesn’t bother you, then moving from New York to San Francisco is probably for you.
When it’s time to make this cross-country leap, let Colonial Van Lines handle the logistics. With more than 50 years of experience in long-distance relocation, our team has all the specialized training to ensure a smooth transition to your new home in the Golden Gate City. Contact us for a free moving quote today!