Best Vancouver to San Francisco Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Vancouver to San Francisco and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 644 mile move from Washington to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 24 Vancouver to San Francisco moving companies and more than 15,000 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 Vancouver compared to San Francisco. 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.

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Best Vancouver to San Francisco Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1OCD Moving Services LLC9.669.47Authorized For HHGContact
2Bay - L.A. Express Moving9.329.49Authorized For HHGContact
3Northwest Grace Moving9.299.28Authorized For HHGContact
4All Service Moving9.278.91Authorized For Property, HHGContact
5Comfortable Moving9.159.55Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Vancouver to San Francisco

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 644 miles from Vancouver, WA to San Francisco, CA will cost on average $2,329 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Vancouver to San Francisco move is roughly $5,583. 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 SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,568300 ft³5.23
1 Bedroom$2,329450 ft³5.18
2 Bedrooms$3,844750 ft³5.13
3 Bedrooms$5,5831100 ft³5.08
4 Bedrooms$8,0401600 ft³5.03
5+ Bedrooms$8,9551800 ft³4.98
*Please note: These Washington to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Washington & California. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed WA to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Francisco to Vancouver guide.

Compare the 5 Best Vancouver to San Francisco Movers

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

OCD Moving Services LLC Logo

OCD Moving Services LLC

Exceptional9.66/10
based on 3,273+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

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
1
B

Bay - L.A. Express Moving

Exceptional9.32/10
based on 634+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1396171 / 530464

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved60,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Northwest Grace Moving Logo

Northwest Grace Moving

Exceptional9.29/10
based on 605+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/9/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1999959 / 755213

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
All Service Moving Logo

All Service Moving

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.27/10
based on 9,065+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1863079 / 722865

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans80
Registered Drivers113
Total Annual Miles Moved1,186,786 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Comfortable Moving Logo

Comfortable Moving

Exceptional9.15/10
based on 691+ data points

3305 Main St # 023

Vancouver, WA, 98663

About Comfortable Moving

Comfortable Moving is a family-owned and operated moving business providing residential and commercial moving services since 2017. Based in Vancouver, WA,...

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Long-Distance Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/23/2022)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3236736 / 1015844

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved14,000 (2020)
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.

Vancouver vs. San Francisco Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be overwhelming, especially when you're trying to find a neighborhood that feels like home. Our guide aims to simplify this process by comparing local neighborhoods between Vancouver, WA & San Francisco, CA . By looking at the similarities between neighborhoods in each city, we can help you find your new favorite place to live, dine, and play.

VancouverSan FranciscoHow They're Similar
Fisher's Landing EastInner SunsetFamily-friendly with accessibility
Downtown VancouverNorth BeachVibrant nightlife and rich history
FelidaNoe ValleyQuiet, family-oriented with parks
Cascade ParkMission BayModern apartments, waterfront views
Esther ShortHaight-AshburyCultural hotspot with public events
ArnadaHayes ValleyTrendy, with a mix of boutique shops
Carter ParkPacific HeightsUpscale, scenic views
ShumwayRichmond DistrictDiverse dining and outdoor activities
LincolnCole ValleySmall-town feel, family-friendly
Fruit ValleyBernal HeightsCommunity-centric with a quiet charm

Moving from Fisher's Landing East in Vancouver to Inner Sunset in San Francisco, you'll find both neighborhoods offer a family-friendly environment with good schools and parks, such as Golden Gate Park nearby Inner Sunset. Downtown Vancouver's bustling atmosphere with cafes and events mirrors North Beach's vibrant nightlife and its historic Italian influence. For those loving the tranquility and green spaces of Felida, Noe Valley's serene streets lined with Victorian homes and easy access to parks like Douglass Playground make it a seamless transition. Finally, Esther Short's cultural vibrancy and community sense find a match in Haight-Ashbury, known for its historic significance in music and its lively community events and markets. Each San Francisco neighborhood mirrors its counterpart in Vancouver with unique twists, catering to residents' diverse tastes and lifestyles.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Vancouver to San Francisco

Making the move from Vancouver, WA to San Francisco, CA offers a unique opportunity to weigh the good against the bad. This comparison aims to present an honest reflection of the benefits and drawbacks, helping you make an informed decision about your relocation. Understand how aspects of life will change, from the everyday environment to career prospects and social settings.

CONs
PROs
Vancouver, WA iconVancouver, WA
  • Smaller job market
  • Less diversity
  • Lower cost of living
  • Fewer cultural venues
  • Lesser dining variety
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • Larger job market
  • More diversity
  • Higher cost of living
  • More cultural venues
  • Greater dining variety
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • Noisier city life
  • Higher housing costs
  • More traffic congestion
  • Urban environment
  • Larger population
Vancouver, WA iconVancouver, WA
  • Quiet neighborhoods
  • Lower housing costs
  • Less traffic congestion
  • Proximity to nature
  • Community feel

Moving to San Francisco from Vancouver, WA introduces you to a dynamic urban tapestry rich in diversity and cultural venues. While the vibrant city life promises an array of dining options, from world-class restaurants in the Mission District to quaint cafes in North Beach, the bustling environment also comes with its trade-offs, such as higher living costs and more traffic. San Francisco's neighborhoods, such as the serene Presidio or bustling Embarcadero, offer an eclectic mix of outdoor activities, historic sites, and spectacular views, contrasting with Vancouver's quieter, community-oriented lifestyle. The tech and business hub in San Francisco presents vast career opportunities, especially in Silicon Valley, but it's crucial to weigh these prospects against the city's higher cost of living and competitive housing market.

Vancouver vs. San Francisco Food Guide

Food is an important component of local culture and reflects what it's like to live in an area. In this guide, we will compare the local cuisine between Vancouver, WA and San Francisco, CA, providing insights to help inform you about the culinary scene in your new city.

VancouverSan Francisco
Most iconic local food itemSmoked SalmonSourdough Bread
Most popular meat dishGrilled SalmonBurritos
Most popular street food itemFood Carts' Fusion TacosMission Street Tacos
Most popular vegan foodVegan Buddha BowlsVegan Ramen
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Zuni Café
  • Ferry Building Marketplace
  • Tadich Grill
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Comparing Vancouver, WA, to San Francisco, CA, reveals distinctive local flavors and culinary attitudes in each city. San Francisco, renowned for its iconic sourdough bread and diverse foodie scene, caters to various palates, including a strong vegan community. Neighborhoods like the Mission District are famous for their street food, especially Mission Street Tacos. On the other hand, Vancouver offers a more laid-back culinary scene with an emphasis on local seafood like smoked salmon. Both cities showcase a commitment to fitness and health consciousness, with San Francisco slightly edging out Vancouver. For those eager to explore, San Francisco’s Ferry Building Marketplace and Vancouver’s Warehouse '23 provide perfect starting points to dive into each city’s unique flavors.

Vancouver vs. San Francisco Restaurant Comparison

Discovering a new favorite eatery is key to feeling at home in a new city. This restaurant comparison between Vancouver and San Francisco will help you find your next go-to dining spots, making the transition smoother. Whether you're seeking high-end dining, casual bites, or iconic meals, let this guide be your culinary compass.

VancouverSan FranciscoWhat You'll Love
The Grant HouseGary Dankoboth offer high-end, American cuisine in an elegant setting
Beaches Restaurant & BarPark Chaletcasual dining with a scenic view
Uptown Barrel RoomRyeboth have a versatile menu and an extensive whiskey selection
La BottegaTrattoria Contadinacomparable authentic Italian flavors and cozy atmosphere
Mighty BowlGracias Madreboth focus on fresh, vibrant, plant-based offerings
Tommy O's Pacific Rim BistroThe Slanted Doorinnovative approaches to Asian cuisine
Hudson's Bar & GrillZuni Caféa focus on local, seasonal ingredients in a cozy setting
Thai Orchid RestaurantLers Ros Thaiboth renowned for their authentic Thai dishes
Joe's Crab ShackSwan Oyster Depotseafood lovers will find a similar haven
Bleu Door BakeryTartine Bakeryiconic bakeries cherished by locals and visitors alike

Exploring the culinary scenes of Vancouver and San Francisco reveals exciting parallels. For instance, if you've cherished the cozy and intimate Italian dinners at La Bottega in Vancouver, you'll find a slice of that homely atmosphere at Trattoria Contadina in San Francisco, where every dish speaks of the Italian countryside. Similarly, sustainable seafood enthusiasts who frequented Joe's Crab Shack will find Swan Oyster Depot a worthy San Francisco counterpart, offering fresh, high-quality seafood in a no-frills setting. This guide not only bridges the culinary gap between these two vibrant cities but also introduces you to establishments that celebrate the local flavor and community, making your transition as flavorful as possible.

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Ready to start your move?

Vancouver vs. San Francisco Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a crucial element when considering a move, as it directly impacts your lifestyle and finances. Knowing how the markets in Vancouver, WA and San Francisco, CA compare will help you make an informed decision. This comparison focuses on important aspects such as cost, architecture, and livability.

ComparisonVancouverSan Francisco
Typical Architecture StyleRanch, CraftsmanVictorian, Modern
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious backyards, Proximity to parksCity views, Access to public transit

When considering moving from Vancouver, WA to San Francisco, CA, it's evident the change in landscape isn't just geographical but deeply rooted in lifestyle and housing dynamics. San Francisco's high median home prices are a reflection of its booming tech industry and limited housing supply. On the other hand, Vancouver offers more affordable housing options with typically more space, appealing to those who prioritize outdoor activities and a quieter environment. Yet, San Francisco scores higher in walkability, offering residents a vibrant urban lifestyle and ease of access to its myriad of amenities, from world-class dining to its historic public transit system. With these differences, each city caters to different tastes and needs, making it essential to consider what aspects of living are most important to you.

Vancouver vs. San Francisco Weather Considerations

Understanding how the weather shifts when moving is crucial. Comparing Vancouver, WA to San Francisco, CA reveals significant differences, ensuring you're prepared for new weather patterns. This includes everything from annual sunshine to air quality , offering a clear picture of what to expect in your new city.

Summer icon
79° / 56°

Vancouver, WA

67° / 53°

San Francisco, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
45° / 34°

Vancouver, WA

57° / 46°

San Francisco, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
41.5"

Vancouver, WA

23.65"

San Francisco, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
4.3"

Vancouver, WA

0"

San Francisco, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonVancouverSan Francisco
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, VolcanoesEarthquakes, Tsunamis
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

In shifting from Vancouver to San Francisco, you'll find milder summers and warmer winters awaiting you. San Francisco's coastal location ensures more moderate temperatures year-round, contrasted with Vancouver's more varied climate. Perhaps most striking is the increase in sunny days, jumping from 144 in Vancouver to 259 in San Francisco, allowing for more outdoor activities and vitamin D. Notably, despite San Francisco's reputation for fog, its air quality is generally better than Vancouver's, a boon for those sensitive to pollutants. Both cities contend with earthquakes, but their distinct geography shapes their respective natural disaster risks.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning your move from Vancouver, WA to San Francisco, CA, taking a financial perspective can help set realistic expectations. Understanding the cost of living, tax implications, and the overall economic environment in your new city is crucial. How will Vancouver's finance profile compare with San Francisco's? Let's dive in.

ComparisonVancouverSan Francisco
Avg. Household Income$69,993$121,826
Cost of Living Index94.8164
State Income Tax0%13.3% (max rate)
Avg. Property Tax1.03%0.6%
Avg. Sales Tax8.4%8.5%
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Retail, ManufacturingTechnology, Finance, Tourism
AffluenceModestHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessConcerningSignificant

While the average household income in San Francisco is significantly higher than in Vancouver, the cost of living index in San Francisco reflects its reputation as one of the most expensive cities in the United States. The absence of state income tax in Washington is a stark contrast to California's max rate of 13.3%. However, property taxes are notably higher in Vancouver. This financial outlook suggests that despite higher incomes, the cost pressures in San Francisco are significant, affecting housing, taxation, and overall living expenses. Considering these factors may help you better prepare for the financial realities of your new home.

Vancouver vs. San Francisco Political & Religious Comparison

Moving from Vancouver, WA to San Francisco, CA? Get a quick glimpse into how your new neighbors might think and worship with our comparison of the politics between Vancouver & San Francisco . This overview will help you understand the general political and religious makeup of these two distinct cities.

VancouverSan Francisco
Political Make-upLeans LiberalVery Liberal
Local PoliticsMix of urban and suburban policiesFocus on progressive urban policies
ReligionModerately religious; Christian majorityLess religious; diverse religious communities

When considering the move from Vancouver to San Francisco, you'll find distinct political and religious landscapes awaiting you. Vancouver, while leaning liberal, tends to have a more balanced mix of perspectives compared to San Francisco's emphatically liberal stance. The local politics in Vancouver reflect its urban-suburban dynamic, whereas San Francisco is renowned for its progressive urban policies, especially in areas like environmental regulation and LGBT+ rights. On the religious front, Vancouver holds a predominantly Christian demographic but is moderately religious overall. San Francisco, known for its diversity, hosts a wide array of religious communities but is generally less religious. This shift in both political and religious climate can be significant, offering a unique blend of social and cultural experiences in San Francisco.

Vancouver vs. San Francisco Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from one city to another brings about numerous changes, one of the most significant being how you get around. This comparison aims to better understand the daily commute and traffic in Vancouver, WA vs. San Francisco, CA, highlighting the differences in driving and transiting experiences to assist in your move.

ComparisonVancouverSan Francisco
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2534
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?ChallengingYes

While Vancouver offers a somewhat serene commuting experience with less traffic congestion and relatively short average commute times, living there without a car can be challenging. On the other hand, San Francisco's bustling streets pose a higher traffic congestion level, which might extend your average commute time. However, its public transportation system is robust, making it perfectly feasible to navigate the city without a personal vehicle. This stark difference in the availability of public transit plays a significant role in the everyday life of residents, often influencing their choice of residence based on commute preferences.

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