Download the app to book movers instantly, track your move in real-time, and manage everything from your phone.
Estimated moving costs from Los Angeles, CA to San Francisco, CA. Distance: 382 miles. Get an instant quote from NEM for your exact move.
Prices vary based on the volume of items, time of year, and special requirements. These estimates are based on average moves in 2026.
Studio / Few Items
$108 – $216
1 Bedroom
$162 – $324
2 Bedrooms
$270 – $540
3+ Bedrooms
$432 – $864
* Estimates based on average local moves. Final price depends on exact inventory, distance, stairs, and special items. Get your exact price instantly on NEM.
Book at least 3-7 days in advance for the best availability on the Los Angeles to San Francisco route. Same-day moves are available but slots fill quickly.
The 382 miles drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco means your movers will need fuel and time. Flat-rate pricing through NEM includes everything — no mileage surprises.
Declutter before your move. Every box you eliminate saves money and time, especially on longer routes like Los Angeles to San Francisco.
If you're moving from Los Angeles, coordinate your move-out date with your San Francisco lease start date. Avoid paying double rent.
Consider NEM's labor-only option if you already have a rental truck. Our crew handles the loading in Los Angeles and unloading in San Francisco.
Moving from Los Angeles to San Francisco is a 382-mile journey northbound through California. The dominant route for moving trucks is I-5 North through the Central Valley, offering the fastest and most fuel-efficient path. The drive takes approximately 5 hours 45 minutes under normal conditions but can extend past 7 hours with LA morning traffic delays. Northbound moves on this corridor are slightly less common than southbound, which can mean better availability and occasionally lower rates. The terrain is mostly flat valley driving with one significant elevation change at the Grapevine pass south of Bakersfield.
Depart LA before 6 AM or after 10 AM to avoid the worst of the northbound I-5/I-405 merge traffic near the San Fernando Valley.
SF has notoriously difficult parking for large trucks. Confirm street dimensions and parking availability at your destination before move day.
Many SF buildings require elevator reservations for moves — contact your building manager at least a week in advance.
Consider what furniture actually fits in a San Francisco apartment. LA-sized sectional sofas and king beds often do not clear SF doorways.
If your SF unit is in a hilly neighborhood (Nob Hill, Pacific Heights, Russian Hill), confirm the truck can access the street without clearance issues.
Truck size needed — downsizing from an LA house to an SF apartment may mean you need less space than expected
SF building access restrictions and elevator reservation fees
Parking permits in San Francisco — required in most residential neighborhoods and cost $100+
Time of year — end-of-month moves are busiest and most expensive on this route
Fuel cost fluctuations — California gas prices are consistently among the highest in the nation
I-5 N is the default. US-101 through Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo is scenic but adds 45-60 minutes. For East Bay destinations (Oakland, Berkeley), I-580 connects from I-5 without needing to cross the Bay Bridge.
Population: 3,898,747 | Avg. Rent: $2,800
Population: 808,437 | Avg. Rent: $3,200
Get an instant upfront price. Same-day availability. No hidden fees.
Get Free Quote