Best Los Angeles to San Francisco Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Los Angeles to San Francisco Movers

Moving from the glitzy allure of Los Angeles, the City of Angels, to the fog-kissed hills of San Francisco, often dubbed the City by the Bay, signifies not just a change of address but an exciting chapter in your life. Leaving behind the endless summers and star-studded streets of LA for San Francisco’s historic cable cars, breathtaking bridges, and vibrant cultural mosaic is an adventure filled with promise and discovery. To ensure this transition proceeds as smoothly as the Pacific Coast breeze, it’s crucial to entrust your move to professional movers who are not just reliable, but also deeply understand the nuances of such a significant journey. With our expertise, we'll guide you every step of the way, making sure your move is as flawless as California’s golden sunsets.

Best Los Angeles to San Francisco Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Sweet Lemon Moving Services9.77A+Not AuthorizedContact
Roadway Moving - LA Moving Company9.73NR-Contact
The Small Delivery Co.9.68NRNot AuthorizedContact
Fastruck Moving Company9.67NRNot AuthorizedContact
OCD Moving Services LLC9.66A+Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Francisco to Los Angeles guide.

5 Best Los Angeles to San Francisco Moving Companies

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Sweet Lemon Moving Services Logo
Exceptional9.77/10
based on 3,807+ data points

About Sweet Lemon Moving Services

As a full-service moving company, Sweet Lemon Moving Services has been performing moves in Oakland and the wider Bay Area since 2016. This c...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Interstate Moves
  • Commercial Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle X Mark
Not Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3277021 / -

Not Authorized

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved5,000 (2021)
View Full Review
1
Roadway Moving - LA Moving Company Logo
Exceptional9.73/10
based on 2,762+ data points

About Roadway Moving - LA Moving Company

Roadway Moving, in operation since 2008, is a Los Angeles-based moving company that offers services across the United States. They specializ...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moves in NYC
  • Long-Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving
View Full Review
2
The Small Delivery Co. Logo
Exceptional9.68/10
based on 2,956+ data points

About The Small Delivery Co.

Moving is a difficult task, even if you're just moving from a studio apartment. Unfortunately, some moving companies have a minimum service ...Read More >>

Services

  • Small move assistance (single items, one room of furniture, studio apartments, up to a one bedroom apartment)
  • Furniture delivery/specialty items/donation drop off
  • Loading/unloading a moving truck or storage container

Interstate Moving License

Circle X Mark
Not Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2690366 / -

Not Authorized

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
3
Fastruck Moving Company Logo
Exceptional9.67/10
based on 2,214+ data points

About Fastruck Moving Company

Fastruck Moving Company was established in 2009 by three brothers – Al, Tim, and Ross, all of whom are enthusiastic and knowledgeable about ...Read More >>

Services

  • Local residential moves
  • Office and commercial moves
  • Piano moving service

Interstate Moving License

Circle X Mark
Not Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3056069 / -

Not Authorized

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved47,516 (2022)
View Full Review
4
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
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.

Los Angeles vs. San Francisco Neighborhood Comparison

When contemplating a move from Los Angeles to San Francisco, it helps to compare the cities at a neighborhood level. This guide aims to help you bridge your understanding of Los Angeles, CA & San Francisco, CA neighborhoods by pairing similar communities between these two vibrant cities. Whether you're seeking a bustling arts scene, serene parks, or vibrant nightlife, this comparison will ease your transition and help you find a new neighborhood that feels like home.

Los AngelesSan FranciscoHow They're Similar
Silver LakeThe MissionHipster-friendly, with vibrant street art and food scene
VeniceMarina DistrictBeach vibes, bustling nightlife, and boutique shopping
Downtown LASOMAUrban, with a mix of museums, restaurants, and tech startups
HollywoodNorth BeachHistoric, with a lively arts scene and entertainment options
Beverly HillsPacific HeightsUpscale, offering luxury shopping and stunning views
West HollywoodCastroLGBTQ+-friendly, known for its vibrant community and nightlife
Studio CityNoe ValleyFamily-friendly with a charming downtown area
Echo ParkHaight-AshburyBohemian, with a rich history and eclectic vibes
Los FelizCole ValleyQuaint, with a small-town feel and cozy dining spots
Santa MonicaInner SunsetBeachy, relaxed atmosphere with diverse food options and parks

For those drawn to the artistic and lively streets of Silver Lake, The Mission in San Francisco presents a similar appeal with its explosion of street murals, and culinary hotspots, such as the renowned Tartine Bakery. Fitness buffs and beach lovers who adore Venice's oceanfront and laid-back culture will find a comparable lifestyle in the Marina District, where weekends mean jogging by the water or brunching on Chestnut Street. Meanwhile, Beverly Hills' luxury and exclusivity echoes in Pacific Heights, where a stroll might include views of the Golden Gate Bridge followed by shopping at boutique stores on Fillmore Street. Each San Francisco neighborhood offers a unique charm that mirrors the diverse and rich experiences available throughout Los Angeles, making the transition between these two iconic cities a journey of exciting discoveries.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Los Angeles to San Francisco

Moving from Los Angeles, CA to San Francisco, CA is a journey of contrasts and balances. This comparison is designed to offer an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation. It will help you weigh the differences in lifestyle, cost, and environment to make an informed decision.

CONs
PROs
Los Angeles, CA iconLos Angeles, CA
  • Higher traffic
  • Warmer climate
  • Spread out
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • Walkable city
  • Cooler weather
  • Denser living
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • Expensive rent
  • Less diversity
  • Foggy days
Los Angeles, CA iconLos Angeles, CA
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Diverse cuisine
  • Beach access

While Los Angeles boasts a vibrant nightlife with spots like Whiskey A Go Go and a diverse culinary scene highlighted by establishments such as Guelaguetza Restaurant, San Francisco counters with its own charms. The City by the Bay offers a densely packed lifestyle that makes it a pedestrian paradise, complemented by the cooler weather that many find refreshing compared to LA’s hotter climate. San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park and the bustling Ferry Building Marketplace on the Embarcadero are just a couple of examples of the unique urban experiences available to residents. Even with the foggy days and the higher cost of living, San Francisco provides a unique blend of natural beauty, tech innovation, and cultural diversity that continues to attract people from all over.

Los Angeles vs. San Francisco Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Los Angeles & San Francisco, showcasing that food is a crucial aspect of local culture and what living in an area feels like. It's aimed at informing readers about the food scene in their new city.

Los AngelesSan Francisco
Most iconic local food itemFish TacosSourdough Bread
Most popular meat dishKorean BBQCioppino
Most popular street food itemTacosFood Trucks offering various cuisines
Most popular vegan foodAcai BowlImpossible Burger
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • N/Naka
  • Guisados
  • Pink's Hot Dogs
  • Tartine Bakery
  • Swan Oyster Depot
  • Zuni Café
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Los Angeles and San Francisco take their culinary game very seriously, each offering a unique food experience reflective of their diverse populations and innovative chefs. In Los Angeles, neighborhoods like Koreatown light up the scene with world-class Korean BBQ, while taco trucks dotted across the city offer some of the best street food in the country. San Francisco, with its rich culinary history, is home to iconic sourdough bread, nurtured in the foggy climate, and the seafood stew Cioppino, born from fishermen's catch of the day. Food enthusiasts moving to San Francisco might enjoy exploring the historic Ferry Building Marketplace or sampling the city's famous clam chowder served in a sourdough bowl at Fisherman's Wharf.

Los Angeles vs. San Francisco Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a crucial role in making a place feel like home. If you're moving from Los Angeles to San Francisco, this restaurant comparison is designed to help you find your new favorite eateries based on your existing preferences. Let this serve as your guide to discovering comparable dining experiences in Los Angeles and San Francisco , ensuring a seamless culinary transition between these two vibrant cities.

Los AngelesSan FranciscoWhat You'll Love
BestiaFlour + WaterSimilar focus on inventive Italian dishes and house-made pasta
Roscoe's House of Chicken and WafflesBrenda's French Soul FoodBoth offer a unique take on comfort food classics
GjelinaZuni CaféBoth known for farm-to-table menus and a rustic, chic atmosphere
In-N-Out BurgerSuper Duper BurgersBoth are beloved for their quality fast-food burgers and fresh ingredients
RepubliqueTartine BakeryIconic spots for pastries, bread, and more with a focus on quality and craft
n/nakaOmakaseBoth offer an exquisite high-end omakase experience that is carefully curated and presented
Guerrilla TacosLa TaqueriaBoth offer innovative and high-quality tacos with a focus on fresh ingredients
SpagoQuinceBoth are high-end establishments known for their creative dishes and exceptional service
Howlin' Ray'sHot Sauce and PankoBoth specialize in a unique and delicious take on hot chicken and wings
Philippe the OriginalTommy’s JoyntBoth are historic spots known for their hearty, classic American sandwiches

Exploring comparable restaurants between Los Angeles and San Francisco reveals how each city maintains its unique flavor profile while still offering familiar comforts. At Bestia in Los Angeles, diners are treated to a creative Italian dining experience that is echoed by Flour + Water in San Francisco, where house-made pasta takes center stage. Meanwhile, the transition from the iconic Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles to Brenda's French Soul Food in San Francisco promises a seamless shift in comfort food paradigms, each with its own twist. For those who revel in the simplicity and quality of fast food, the move from In-N-Out Burger to Super Duper Burgers offers a similar emphasis on fresh, quality ingredients and delicious burgers. This comparison not only eases the culinary transition but also highlights the diverse, rich food scenes that make both Los Angeles and San Francisco such beloved foodie destinations.

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Los Angeles vs. San Francisco Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, comparing the real estate landscapes of your current and future cities is pivotal. Understanding how Los Angeles and San Francisco stack up in terms of housing can greatly influence your decision-making process.

ComparisonLos AngelesSan Francisco
Typical Architecture StyleSpanish Colonial RevivalVictorian and Edwardian
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingOutdoor spaces, private parkingViews, historic details

In examining the housing market between Los Angeles and San Francisco, several nuances become apparent. Los Angeles offers a slightly more affordable entry into homeownership and rental living, with notable architectural styles such as Spanish Colonial Revival. The city's embrace of the outdoors and private parking in real estate listings mirrors its car-centric culture. San Francisco, on the other hand, commands a higher price for its picturesque Victorian and Edwardian homes, often highlighting the city's iconic views and rich history in property descriptions. The denser urban environment means walkability and urban lifestyle ratings outshine those in Los Angeles, making it an attractive choice for those who prioritize a vibrant city life and easy access to amenities without a car.

Los Angeles vs. San Francisco Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Los Angeles to San Francisco, understanding how the weather variations between these two cities will impact your daily life is crucial. This comparison aims to provide a clear overview of Los Angeles and San Francisco's weather, ensuring you know what to expect.

Summer icon
85°F / 66°F

Los Angeles, CA

67°F / 53°F

San Francisco, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
68°F / 48°F

Los Angeles, CA

57°F / 46°F

San Francisco, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
14

Los Angeles, CA

23

San Francisco, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

Los Angeles, CA

0

San Francisco, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonLos AngelesSan Francisco
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresEarthquakes, Fog
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Los Angeles to San Francisco, you'll experience cooler summers and slightly milder winters. San Francisco's higher humidity and fog are contrasts to Los Angeles's dryer climate. Although both cities share a risk of earthquakes, San Francisco's cooler, fog-prone weather contributes to its overall different feel. Prepare for more rainy days in San Francisco, though neither city gets much snow. Adjusting your wardrobe and possibly your outdoor activities will help you embrace the change smoothly.

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

When planning a move from Los Angeles to San Francisco, it's essential to understand how the financial landscape changes. This comparison aims to highlight money, finance, and economic factors that will impact your daily life in these cities. By grasping the differences, you can better prepare for a smooth transition to your new home in either Los Angeles or San Francisco.

ComparisonLos AngelesSan Francisco
Avg. Household Income$70,372$121,826
Cost of Living Index136.4164
State Income Tax9.39.3
Avg. Property Tax0.770.73
Avg. Sales Tax9.58.5
Top 3 IndustriesEntertainment, Aerospace, TechnologyTechnology, Financial Services, Tourism
AffluenceVariedHigh
PovertyNotableSignificant
HomelessnessHighVery High

In comparing financial aspects between Los Angeles and San Francisco, it is noteworthy that while the average household income in San Francisco significantly surpasses that of Los Angeles, the cost of living index in San Francisco also ranks substantially higher. This suggests that despite higher wages, the overall expense to maintain a certain lifestyle in San Francisco can be markedly greater. Additionally, both cities share the same state income tax percentage, reflecting California's tax structure, yet they differ in sales tax, with Los Angeles imposing a slightly higher rate than San Francisco. The difference in primary industries between the two cities also points to diverse job market landscapes, potentially influencing your career opportunities. Understanding these disparities in economic conditions can help you better prepare for the financial adjustments needed when transitioning between these two vibrant Californian cities.

Los Angeles vs. San Francisco Political & Religious Comparison

In deciding to move from Los Angeles, CA to San Francisco, CA, it's important to understand the communities you're transitioning between. This guide provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in Los Angeles & San Francisco , helping you align your values with your new surroundings.

Los AngelesSan Francisco
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocraticLiberal/Democratic
Local PoliticsFocus on homelessness, housingFocus on tech industry impact, housing
ReligionVaried; significant Catholic, Jewish, Buddhist communitiesVaried; significant Catholic, Jewish, and Buddhist communities

Both Los Angeles and San Francisco are known for their liberal and Democratic-leaning populations, though the priorities within local politics can vary. In Los Angeles, the primary concerns often revolve around addressing homelessness and housing issues—a reflection of the city's vast population and panorama of social challenges. San Francisco shares these concerns, with an additional emphasis on managing the impacts of the tech industry on local communities. Religion across both cities showcases a rich tapestry of beliefs, including prominent Catholic, Jewish, and Buddhist communities, each contributing its own unique cultural and social influences to the city's overall identity.

Los Angeles vs. San Francisco Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Los Angeles, CA to San Francisco, CA? Understanding the differences in traffic and transportation options between these two cities is crucial for anticipating what your daily commute might look like.

ComparisonLos AngelesSan Francisco
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3034
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?DifficultEasier

Los Angeles is notorious for its heavy traffic, earning a congestion score well above many other cities. However, if you're moving to San Francisco, you might find solace in the relatively more efficient public transit system and the slightly less congested roads. San Francisco's compact nature and extensive public transit network, including buses, trolleybuses, and the famous San Francisco Municipal Railway (Muni), make it more feasible to live without a car compared to Los Angeles. While both cities present their unique challenges, being aware of these differences can help you better prepare for your daily commute, whether it involves navigating the vast freeways of Los Angeles or the steep hills of San Francisco.

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