Curious about trading in the Golden Gate Bridge for the Empire State Building? Join the East Coast club—moving from San Francisco to New York City is one of the top U.S. migration routes. While this can be a culture and financial shock at first, there’s no denying all the perks that come with it. With the city’s nonstop entertainment scene to dynamic multicultural vibes and spectacular skyline views, moving to NYC could be the right next step for you.
Still, there’s a lot to plan for with a cross-country relocation, so before putting the Bay Area in your rearview mirror, let’s cover what you need to know about moving from San Francisco to New York.
First, we’ll compare the cost of living in San Francisco to the cost of living in NYC, then we’ll get into the specifics of what it’s like to call New York City home.
Moving From San Francisco To New York City: How Do They Compare?
Here’s a quick rundown of the main distinctions between these two cities, so you have a general idea of what to expect when moving from San Francisco to New York City.
Fast Facts: San Francisco vs. NYC
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As with any transition, moving to New York State has its pros and cons. San Franciscans will likely appreciate NYC’s vibrant cultural scene, walkable neighborhoods, public transit system, and exposure to all four seasons. But they might also miss the lower rental prices and immersive access to nature — from sweeping mountain vistas to Pacific Ocean beaches.
Cost of Living in San Francisco vs. NYC
Both cities rank among the most expensive U.S. markets — but as pricey as San Francisco is, New York might just have it beat. The cost of living in NYC is 4% higher than the cost of living in San Francisco. To put this into context, the average family of four will spend about $5,972 per month in San Francisco versus $6,137 in New York City.
New York also has a slightly heavier state tax burden — 13.6% versus 11% in California. But before these costs deter you, you should know that moving from San Francisco to NYC could help your budget in certain aspects. Here’s how the basic monthly household expenses stack up against each other in San Francisco versus NYC:
Groceries: A family of four will spend about $1,485 per month on groceries in San Francisco and $1,469 per month in New York City.
Fuel prices: The cost to fill up your gas tank is $4.26 per gallon in San Francisco and $2.96 per gallon in New York City — and you could probably live without a car in NYC altogether.
Rental costs: The average rent of a two-bedroom apartment costs $4,613 per month in San Francisco and $7,494 per month in New York City.
Home costs: The median home value is over $1.25 million in San Francisco and just shy of $800,000 in New York City.
Utilities: The average cost of basic utilities is about $221 per month in San Francisco and $181 per month in New York City.
Transportation: Parking your car will cost about $300 per month in San Francisco and $445 per month in New York City. Using public transit will cost $2.85–$3 per fare in San Francisco and $3–$7.25 per fare in New York City.
Bottom line: is it cheaper to live in New York City or San Francisco? Honestly, it depends. Rent, taxes, and transportation cost more in NYC, while home sales prices, fuel prices, and utilities are higher in San Francisco. Groceries are fairly comparable in both cities. You might also be able to curb some expenses if you move to a borough outside Manhattan, like Queens, where the average two-bedroom apartment costs $4,883 per month.
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NYC vs. San Francisco: Other Considerations
Cost of living is an important factor to keep in mind when moving from San Francisco to New York City — but it’s not the only one. Let’s explore some other notable considerations and comparisons between these two cities, so you can determine if it’s worth packing up your West Coast lifestyle for a change of pace (literally) on the East Coast.
1. The climate in NYC lets you experience all four seasons
Both San Francisco and NYC are coastal cities — San Francisco overlooks the Pacific Ocean, while the East and Hudson Rivers surround four of New York’s five boroughs. But waterfront locations aside, the weather in NYC will differ from what you’re used to in San Francisco. New York City has a subtropical climate with humid summers, cold winters, 224 days of sunshine, 47 inches of rain, and 25 inches of snow each year.
Compared to San Francisco’s milder temperatures, New York summers often hover in the 80s, and winters frequently drop into the low-30s. New York City can also experience wildfires, earthquakes, and hurricanes, but the risk of extreme disasters is less prevalent in this region compared to the Bay Area and Northern California.
2. You don’t necessarily need to own a car in New York City
New York City and San Francisco each offer convenient public transit, but NYC has the largest transportation system in North America. This 5,000-mile network of subways, buses, and rail cars makes it easy to commute all over NYC, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and even parts of Connecticut. Manhattan, the epicenter of New York City, also boasts a walk score of 100 and bike score of 88, so you won’t have to worry about driving.
3. Crime rates are lower in New York than San Francisco
Given their high population densities, New York and San Francisco have significant crime rates. But San Francisco is in another stratosphere — 114% above the national average compared to 43% above the national average in NYC. Property crimes tend to be more common than violent crimes in New York (2,368 versus 671 per 100,000 residents). It’s also worth noting that most crimes occur within small urban pockets, so exercise basic caution.
4. The NYC job market is full of robust, diverse opportunities
You might notice some job market differences in NYC versus San Francisco. While technology is the backbone of San Francisco’s economy (after all, it’s right in the heart of Silicon Valley), NYC runs the industry gamut. Think: tourism, hospitality, media, fashion, healthcare, education, life science, real estate, and creative or performing arts. New York even has its own flourishing tech hub — Silicon Alley in Manhattan’s Flatiron District.
5. The best places to live in NYC offer something for everyone
New York City is home to 59 community districts across all five boroughs, each with their own unique cultures, personalities, and neighborhood vibes. There’s no shortage of desirable places to live here — from trendy hotspots to tranquil enclaves — but here are three of our favorite NYC neighborhoods to help narrow down your search.
Park Slope (Brooklyn): Best for Families
Park Slope boasts excellent public schools, below-average crime rates, and close proximity to the lush 585-acre Prospect Park. That blend of strong academics, outdoor recreation, and a secure community feel make this neighborhood perfect for families. Not to mention, it’s just a few miles from buzzier parts of Brooklyn such as Williamsburg.
East Village (Manhattan): Best for Young Adults
The East Village is one of the trendiest spots in Lower Manhattan, brimming with hip eateries, chic cocktail bars, indie music venues, eclectic boutiques, and funky art galleries. Its diverse cultural scene and vibrant nightlife options will attract young adults who want an authentic urban experience. The East Village is also home to such iconic NYC attractions as Strand Bookshop, St. Mark’s Place, First Street Green Art Park, and Creative Little Garden.
Astoria (Queens): Best for Affordability
Astoria strikes the ideal balance of safe and affordable living in a city known for expensive rental prices. With its serene views of the East River and access to the swimming pool, tennis courts, and waterfront paths of Astoria Park, this neighborhood feels quiet and suburban. But it also features a lively entertainment scene — from the global restaurants on Steinway Street to the outdoor art installations at Socrates Sculpture Park.
6. Living in New York means access to world-class entertainment
No comparison of San Francisco versus NYC is complete without mentioning the entertainment. Both cities offer tons of activities to suit all interests, whether you’re a foodie, a culture buff, a sports fan, or an outdoor enthusiast. Fortunately, moving from San Francisco to New York City means you won’t have to sacrifice the fun: here’s a taste of all the world-class entertainment waiting for you here in the City that Never Sleeps.
Cheer on the New York Yankees, 27-time World Series champions, at their historic stadium in The Bronx.
Explore the 1.45-mile High Line, an elevated railway track that features green spaces, art installations, and skyline views.
Discover more than 50 international food stalls, local artisan vendors, and specialty boutiques at Chelsea Market.
Hunt for unique vintage treasures at Brooklyn Flea, located beneath the Manhattan Bridge in the DUMBO neighborhood.
Enjoy up-close encounters with wildlife at The Bronx Zoo, one of the largest and most famous zoos in the U.S.
Take in more than 200,000 contemporary works of art from visionaries such as Picasso, Warhol, and Yoko Ono at MOMA.
Spend an entire afternoon immersed in nature at Central Park, Manhattan’s picturesque 843-acre urban oasis.
The Cost of Moving From San Francisco to New York City
Is $5,000 enough money to set aside for moving from San Francisco to New York City? The total cost of this cross-country relocation will depend on several factors — exactly when and where you move, the amount of items you need to transport, and which service tier you choose.
But on average, you can expect to pay $6,000–$7,000 for an average-sized two-bedroom home when moving from San Francisco to NYC with full-service movers.
Pro Tip: Use this printable moving checklist to streamline your entire relocation process from start to finish. |
Top Options for Moving From San Francisco to NYC
Now, how do you actually get to NYC? Below are your options for long-distance moving from San Francisco to New York City.
DIY Rental Truck
With this option, you’ll rent the truck, then handle all the labor — from packing and loading, to driving and unloading. If you’re on a budget, the DIY route is a cheap solution, but it also takes considerable time and effort. Plus, you’ll have to navigate the truck on interstate highways and on narrow, congested New York City streets.
Full-Service Movers
With this option, you’ll hire full-service movers to do the work for you. This team of professionals will load the truck, transport it to New York, then unload the haul in your new home. Full-service moves cost more than the DIY alternative, but you can’t beat the ease and convenience of letting someone else take care of the logistics.
Streamline Your Cross-Country Move With Colonial Van Lines
Ready to start your new chapter of living in NYC? Colonial Van Lines has you covered with our comprehensive experience as long-distance movers, completing over 12,000 moves each year. Our team of highly trained professionals will pack and load your items securely in the truck to ensure it all arrives safely at your new home. Get a fast, free quote today to get started!