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Estimated moving costs from San Francisco, CA to Los Angeles, 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 San Francisco to Los Angeles route. Same-day moves are available but slots fill quickly.
The 382 miles drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles 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 San Francisco to Los Angeles.
If you're moving from San Francisco, coordinate your move-out date with your Los Angeles 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 San Francisco and unloading in Los Angeles.
The San Francisco to Los Angeles route covers 382 miles down the California coast and is one of the most frequently traveled moving corridors in the state. The fastest route follows I-5 South through the Central Valley — flat, fast, and efficient for moving trucks. The scenic alternative, US-101 and CA-1 along the Pacific Coast, adds 1-2 hours but passes through San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara. The Grapevine pass (Tejon Pass) on I-5 can occasionally close during heavy snow in winter months, though this is rare. Most professional moves on this route complete in a single day with early morning departure.
Leave SF by 6 AM to beat Bay Area traffic and arrive in LA before evening rush. A 5:45 hour drive can stretch to 8+ hours with bad timing.
The Grapevine (I-5 through Tejon Pass) is the fastest route but check Caltrans for closures during winter storms. US-101 is the reliable backup.
LA parking permits for moving trucks may be required in neighborhoods like West Hollywood, Silver Lake, and Santa Monica. Apply 72 hours in advance.
If moving from an SF Victorian with narrow stairways, expect the loading phase to take longer. Budget extra labor time for those tight turns.
Summer fog in SF can delay morning loading — have tarps ready if your belongings will be staged on the sidewalk during packing.
Volume of belongings — SF apartments tend to be smaller, but furnished units still fill quickly in a truck
Floor level and stair access at both SF and LA locations — walkups, no-elevator buildings, and narrow Victorian hallways all add time
Day of week — midweek moves (Tue-Thu) on this route are typically 10-15% cheaper than weekend moves
Parking and permit requirements — street permits in both cities can add $50-$150 to your total
Tolls on the Bay Bridge if loading in the East Bay before heading south
I-5 through the Central Valley is the standard. US-101 via San Jose, Paso Robles, and Santa Barbara adds about an hour. CA-99 through Fresno and Bakersfield is a viable alternative if I-5 is closed at the Grapevine.
Population: 808,437 | Avg. Rent: $3,200
Population: 3,898,747 | Avg. Rent: $2,800
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