Best San Francisco to Salem Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
If you're moving from San Francisco to Salem and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 591 mile move from California to Oregon go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 19 San Francisco to Salem moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is OCD Moving Services LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in San Francisco compared to Salem. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

Best San Francisco to Salem Moving Companies
Rank | Company Name | Rating | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
2 | Bay - L.A. Express Moving | 9.32 | 9.49 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
3 | Careful Movers | 9.31 | 8.63 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
4 | Northwest Grace Moving | 9.28 | 9.28 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
5 | All Service Moving | 9.27 | 8.91 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
Cost to Move from San Francisco to Salem
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 591 miles from San Francisco, CA to Salem, OR will cost on average $2,284 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom San Francisco to Salem move is roughly $5,473. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,538 | 300 ft³ | 5.13 |
1 Bedroom | $2,284 | 450 ft³ | 5.08 |
2 Bedrooms | $3,769 | 750 ft³ | 5.03 |
3 Bedrooms | $5,473 | 1100 ft³ | 4.98 |
4 Bedrooms | $7,880 | 1600 ft³ | 4.93 |
5+ Bedrooms | $8,775 | 1800 ft³ | 4.88 |


Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Salem to San Francisco guide.
Compare the 5 Best San Francisco to Salem Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

OCD Moving Services LLC
5914 Cobblestone Ct
El Sobrante, CA, 94803
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
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2597230 / 911812 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
Registered Drivers | 6 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 153,000 (2022) |
Bay - L.A. Express Moving
8 22nd St
San Francisco, CA, 94107
About Bay - L.A. Express Moving
Bay-L.A. Express Moving is a professional moving company that serves Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the entire Bay Area. Specializing in...
Services
- Long-distance moving
- Small relocation
- Full packing services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1396171 / 530464 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
Registered Drivers | 3 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 60,000 (2022) |

Careful Movers
3641 Haven Ave C
Menlo Park, CA, 94025
About Careful Movers
With almost two decades of expertise and experience in the moving industry, Menlo Park-based Careful Movers promises stress-free, on-time, and on-budget...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Office Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1464935 / 553377 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 14 |
Registered Drivers | 14 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 90,000 (2022) |

Northwest Grace Moving
19764 Cypresswood St
Oregon City, OR, 97045
About Northwest Grace Moving
Founded in 2008, Northwest Grace Moving is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured Oregon moving company that serves the entire Portland...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Senior Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1999959 / 755213 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
Registered Drivers | 3 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 50,000 (2023) |

All Service Moving

66 SE Morrison St
Portland, OR, 97214
About All Service Moving
Based in Portland, OR, Willamette Valley Moving has provided moving services in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho for over 18 years. By...
Services
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Long Distance Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1863079 / 722865 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 80 |
Registered Drivers | 113 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 1,186,786 (2022) |

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.

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.
San Francisco vs. Salem Neighborhood Comparison
Moving can be daunting, especially to a city you're not familiar with. To ease this transition, we're comparing San Francisco, CA & Salem, OR neighborhoods , helping you find familiar grounds in a new city. Drawing parallels between neighborhoods in both cities lets you quickly feel at home, navigating local spots with confidence.
San Francisco | Salem | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
Marina District | West Salem | Waterfront views, active lifestyle |
North Beach | Grant | Rich in history, vibrant community |
Pacific Heights | Fairmount | Upscale, with stunning homes and views |
Mission District | Candalite | Diverse, artsy with a vibrant nightlife |
SOMA (South of Market) | Downtown Salem | Urban, with a mix of residential and commercial |
The Castro | Highland | Inclusive, with a strong sense of community |
Haight-Ashbury | Englewood | Bohemian vibes, historic charm |
Nob Hill | Kaywood | Classic charm, peaceful streets |
Richmond District | Sunnyslope | Family-friendly, with access to parks |
Sunset District | Morningside | Quiet, residential, great for families |
Moving from the eclectic culture of San Francisco to Salem's diverse and inviting neighborhoods allows you to find a piece of home in a new setting. For example, if you were drawn to the Marina District for its waterfront views and vibrant lifestyle, West Salem offers a similar allure with its scenic beauty and active living spaces. Pacific Heights' residents will find Fairmount's upscale homes and breathtaking views a comfortable transition. The lively arts scene and dynamic nightlife of the Mission District echo in Candalite, Salem's hub for creativity and entertainment. Englewood, paralleling Haight-Ashbury's bohemian essence, entices with its historic charm and laid-back atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a neighborhood with personality and cultural depth. Transitioning between these cities, you’ll discover new favorites while cherishing what you loved about your old neighborhood.

Things to Do in Salem
- Stroll through the colorful Bush's Pasture Park
- Discover gothic horrors at Witch's Castle
- Visit the Willamette National Forest
- Book a ticket to an event at El Sinai Center
- Explore craft brews at Gilgamesh Brewing
- Enjoy a show at Elsinore Theatre
- Join a Salem Saturday Market
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from San Francisco to Salem
Moving from one city to another involves weighing the bad against the good. This guide aims to paint an honest reflection upon relocating from San Francisco, CA to Salem, OR , helping you make an informed decision by understanding the trade-offs involved.
- High living costs
- Dense population
- Heavy traffic
- Foggy weather
- Lower living costs
- Smaller community
- Less congestion
- Milder climate
- Smaller job market
- Fewer dining options
- Lesser-known sights
- Smaller cultural scene
- Vibrant tech scene
- Diverse cuisine
- Iconic landmarks
- Cultural diversity
Moving from San Francisco to Salem is an exciting change that brings about a fusion of urban and natural landscapes. While you might miss the iconic SF MOMA and the bustling alleys of Chinatown, brimming with diverse cuisine, in Salem, you'll find a respite in the serene beauty of Silver Falls State Park and the historical allure of the Willamette Heritage Center. The local dining scene, while not as vast, boasts of its own gems like Word of Mouth Bistro and the famous Gilgamesh Brewing, offering a taste of Oregon's local cuisine and craft beers. Transitioning from San Francisco's iconic sights and tech buzz to Salem's slower pace and close-knit community presents a new landscape of opportunities and experiences to cherish.
San Francisco vs. Salem Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between San Francisco & Salem to help you get acquainted with the food scene in your new city. Understanding the culinary culture is vital as food plays a significant role in the local lifestyle and character of a place.
San Francisco | Salem | |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Sourdough Bread | Marionberry Pie |
Most popular meat dish | Cioppino | Smoked Salmon |
Most popular street food item | Mission Burrito | Food Cart Tacos |
Most popular vegan food | Vegan Ramen | Veggie Burger |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In your transition from San Francisco to Salem, you'll discover that while both cities have a vibrant food culture, the flavors and specialty dishes offer distinct local experiences. San Francisco, known for its sourdough bread and the iconic Mission burrito, boasts a variety of global cuisines with a strong emphasis on seafood and vegan options. Salem, while smaller, surprises with its unique food scene centered around local ingredients, especially the famous Marionberry pie. Notably, Salem's burgeoning food cart scene around the State Capitol area brings a diverse and accessible gourmet experience. As you settle in Salem, make sure to visit Word of Mouth Bistro for a taste of local breakfast dishes that have become a staple among residents.
San Francisco vs. Salem Restaurant Comparison
Making a new city feel like home starts with discovering where to eat. This comparison is designed to help you find your new favorite eateries in Salem by using popular San Francisco restaurants as a guide . Whether you're craving sophisticated dining, casual eats, or iconic food experiences, this chart aims to make your transition as delicious as possible.
San Francisco | Salem | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
Zuni Café | Rafns' Restaurant | High-quality, local ingredients with a focus on sustainability and seasonality, reminiscent of Zuni Café’s iconic approach |
Tartine Bakery | Great Harvest Bread Co. | Offering a cozy atmosphere with freshly baked breads and pastries, akin to the famed Tartine experience |
Nopa | Word of Mouth Bistro | Known for their brunch and comfort food, much like Nopa’s approach to upscale American cuisine |
The Slanted Door | DaVinci Ristorante | While Italian, it mirrors The Slanted Door's sophistication in flavor and presentation in a different cuisine |
La Taqueria | Los Arcos | Captures the essence of a truly vibrant Mexican taqueria experience found at La Taqueria |
Swan Oyster Depot | Turner Roadhouse | Offers a selection of seafood that pays homage to the quality and simplicity of Swan Oyster Depot’s offerings |
Gary Danko | Bentley's Grill | Elegant dining with a focus on fine ingredients and inventive dishes echoing the culinary excellence of Gary Danko |
Foreign Cinema | Amadeus Café | Unique dining experience with artistic flair, comparable to the cinematic charm and creativity of Foreign Cinema |
Bi-Rite Creamery | Ice Cream Renaissance | Artisanal ice cream selections that bring a similar delight to the senses as Bi-Rite Creamery’s beloved scoops |
Mission Chinese Food | Kwan's Cuisine | Offers a modern take on traditional dishes, capturing the innovative spirit of Mission Chinese Food |
Moving from the bustling city of San Francisco to the serene landscape of Salem doesn't mean sacrificing culinary delights. Places like Rafns' Restaurant in Salem offer a dining experience that honors the ethos of sustainable and high-quality ingredients found at Zuni Café. On the other hand, Los Arcos brings to life the vibrant Mexican flavors that many come to love at La Taqueria. For those who adore the combination of food, art, and a unique dining atmosphere, Amadeus Café in Salem serves as a perfect counterpart to San Francisco's Foreign Cinema, ensuring the transition to your new home is filled with memorable food experiences.

Ready to start your move?
San Francisco vs. Salem Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is crucial when planning your move, knowing how the markets compare will help ease the transition. Here's a visual comparison of real estate aspects between San Francisco, CA and Salem, OR , highlighting the differences in housing costs, architecture, walkability , and more to make your decisions clearer.
Comparison | San Francisco | Salem |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Victorian, Modern | Mid-Century, Ranch |
Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Bay views, Rooftop decks | Spacious yards, Quiet neighborhoods |
While San Francisco is renowned for its iconic Victorian and modern architecture, offering vibrant urban living with maximum walkability and bikeability, life in Salem presents a different allure. In Salem, you'll find more mid-century and ranch-style homes, emphasizing spacious yards and quiet neighborhoods. The contrast in median home prices and monthly rents between these two cities speaks volumes about the cost of living differences. San Francisco’s high-paced, urban lifestyle is unparalleled, but Salem’s serene setting, coupled with its moderate urban lifestyle score, offers a peaceful yet engaging environment for those moving from the bustling streets of San Francisco.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Salem, OR
1. West Salem: This area is highly pet-friendly due to its numerous walking trails such as Wallace Marine Park and pet services like Taylor Street OB/GYN Veterinary Clinic.
2. South Salem: Your pet will enjoy South Salem's selection of pet-friendly restaurants and services, including All-In-One Pet Grooming and Garry's Pub which has a pet-friendly patio.
3. Morningside: Known for its large number of dog-friendly parks such as Morningside City Park, this neighborhood also hosts a favorite pet supply store, Petco.
San Francisco vs. Salem Weather Considerations
When relocating from San Francisco, CA to Salem, OR, appreciating differences in climate is pivotal. This side-by-side weather comparison between San Francisco and Salem gives you a clear understanding of what to expect. It's crucial for wardrobe planning, assessing potential health impacts, and envisioning your daily life in a new setting.
San Francisco, CA
Salem, OR
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
San Francisco, CA
Salem, OR
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
San Francisco, CA
Salem, OR
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
San Francisco, CA
Salem, OR
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Comparison | San Francisco | Salem |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Fog | Earthquakes, Floods |
Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While San Francisco enjoys a moderate climate year-round with fog being a signature feature, Salem presents a different climate scenario with hotter summers and colder winters. Notably, Salem experiences nearly double the annual rainfall of San Francisco, contributing to its lush landscapes but also more overcast days. The higher humidity in Salem can affect comfort and health, necessitating adjustments for those accustomed to the dryer San Francisco air. Taking these differences into account will help you adjust more seamlessly to your new environment.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from San Francisco to Salem
When planning a move from one city to another, understanding the financial implications is crucial. This comparison between San Francisco, CA, and Salem, OR, aims to illuminate the key differences in money and finance you'll experience, helping you make an informed decision.
Comparison | San Francisco | Salem |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $121,826 | $63,927 |
Cost of Living Index | 164 | 110.55 |
State Income Tax | 13.3 (highest rate) | 9.9 (highest rate) |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.6 | 1.1 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 8.5 | 0 (Oregon has no sales tax) |
Top 3 Industries | Technology, Finance, Tourism | Government, Agriculture, Manufacturing |
Affluence | High | Moderate |
Poverty | Moderate | High |
Homelessness | High | Moderate |
Moving from San Francisco to Salem, you'll find significant financial differences. The average household income in Salem is less than half that of San Francisco, which is influenced by the predominant industries in each city: technology and finance versus government and agriculture, respectively. However, the cost of living in Salem is significantly lower, making it possible to stretch your dollars further. Additionally, Oregon's lack of sales tax can provide considerable savings compared to California's 8.5%. These economic disparities between the two cities reflect not just in wealth but also in the living standards, including the levels of poverty and homelessness.
San Francisco vs. Salem Political & Religious Comparison
This is a comparison of the politics between San Francisco & Salem, providing a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents. This comparative insight aims to help you understand the social and cultural differences you may encounter as you move from San Francisco, CA, to Salem, OR.
San Francisco | Salem | |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Strongly Democratic | Moderately Democratic |
Local Politics | Progressive policies | Blend of progressive and conservative values |
Religion | Variety, with a significant percentage of residents identifying as non-religious | Christianity predominant, but diverse religious communities exist |
Moving from San Francisco to Salem will introduce you to a different political climate. Although both cities lean Democratic, Salem has a more moderate approach compared to San Francisco's progressive stance. In terms of religion, while San Francisco has a vast array of beliefs with a significant non-religious population, Salem has a stronger presence of Christianity. However, just like San Francisco, Salem also prides itself on its religious diversity, hosting various faith communities. This transition might bring a new perspective on political and religious coexistence, enriching your understanding of local dynamics in Salem.
San Francisco vs. Salem Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from San Francisco, CA, to Salem, OR, requires understanding the differences in daily commute and traffic. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between San Francisco & Salem will help you navigate your new city easily.
Comparison | San Francisco | Salem |
---|---|---|
Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 34 | 24 |
Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
Can you get by without car? | Yes | Partially |
While both cities offer unique living experiences, the daily commute in Salem is significantly shorter compared to San Francisco, reflecting lesser traffic congestion overall. San Francisco boasts an extensive public transit system, rated highly because of the BART, MUNI buses, and cable cars, making it easier to live without a car. In Salem, the public transit options are more limited, and while it's possible to get around without a car, it might be more challenging depending on your work location and lifestyle. Understanding these differences will help you plan your daily travel in your new home more effectively.



Additional Resources
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