Best San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 3,128 mile move from California to Florida go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 47 San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale 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 $3,000 - $10,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in San Francisco compared to Fort Lauderdale. 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 San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1OCD Moving Services LLC9.669.47Authorized For HHGContact
2Easy Florida Moving LLC9.549.52Authorized For HHGContact
3Our Family Moving and Storage LLC9.549.24Authorized For HHGContact
4Bay - L.A. Express Moving9.329.49Authorized For HHGContact
5Careful Movers9.318.63Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 3,128 miles from San Francisco, CA to Fort Lauderdale, FL will cost on average $4,441 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale move is roughly $10,746. 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$2,976300 ft³9.92
1 Bedroom$4,441450 ft³9.87
2 Bedrooms$7,365750 ft³9.82
3 Bedrooms$10,7461100 ft³9.77
4 Bedrooms$15,5511600 ft³9.72
5+ Bedrooms$17,4051800 ft³9.67
*Please note: These California to Florida moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & Florida. 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 CA to FL mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco guide.

Compare the 5 Best San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale 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
Easy Florida Moving LLC Logo

Easy Florida Moving LLC

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.54/10
based on 1,244+ data points

319 NW 10th Terrace

Hallandale Beach, FL, 33009

About Easy Florida Moving LLC

Easy Florida Moving LLC is a licensed and insured full-service moving company based in South Florida. Established in 2017, the company...

Services

  • Long Distance Relocation
  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving (in State)

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3064335 / 57089

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved80,000 (2023)
View Full Review
2
Our Family Moving and Storage LLC Logo

Our Family Moving and Storage LLC

Exceptional9.54/10
based on 2,112+ data points

2455 Hollywood Blvd

Hollywood, FL, 33020

About Our Family Moving and Storage LLC

Based in Hollywood, FL, Our Family Moving and Storage is a local and family-owned moving business specializing in local and long-distance...

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Local Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3374772 / 1082468

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved12,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
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
4
Careful Movers Logo

Careful Movers

Exceptional9.31/10
based on 4,655+ data points

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

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1464935 / 553377

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans14
Registered Drivers14
Total Annual Miles Moved90,000 (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.

San Francisco vs. Fort Lauderdale Neighborhood Comparison

To make your move smoother from San Francisco, CA to Fort Lauderdale, FL, it's helpful to find familiar grounds in your new city. We'll compare popular neighborhoods in San Francisco, CA & Fort Lauderdale, FL to find your new favorite spot. Whether you're searching for vibrant nightlife, serene parks, or cultural hotspots, understanding the similarities between neighborhoods can ease your transition.

San FranciscoFort LauderdaleHow They're Similar
Marina DistrictLauderdale BeachWaterfront views, upscale living
Haight-AshburyWilton ManorsDiverse, vibrant nightlife
North BeachLas Olas IslesRich history, waterfront dining
Mission DistrictFlagler VillageArtsy, hipster vibe with murals and breweries
SOMADowntown Fort LauderdaleModern, with tech and design spaces
Pacific HeightsRio VistaLuxurious homes, picturesque streets
Noe ValleyVictoria ParkFamily-friendly, community-focused
The CastroWilton ManorsLGBTQ+-friendly, lively community events
Russian HillHarbor BeachExclusive, serene with exceptional views
Nob HillColee HammockHistoric, with a touch of luxury

Exploring the comparisons further, Pacific Heights and Rio Vista share an air of exclusivity and refinement. Walk down the picturesque streets of Rio Vista, and you'll be reminded of the stately homes and lush greenery that Pacific Heights is known for. Meanwhile, if the creative energy and vibrant street art of the Mission District captivate you, Flagler Village's innovative murals and bustling breweries like Funky Buddha Brewery offer a slice of artistic paradise reminiscent of San Francisco's hipster haven. For those enthralled by waterfront dining and historical neighborhoods, North Beach's counterpart, Las Olas Isles, provides an enchanting setting with spots like Louie Bossi's Ristorante that mirror the charm and culinary delight of San Francisco's own Italian eateries.

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Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale

  • Tour the historic Bonnet House.
  • Relax on Fort Lauderdale Beach.
  • Explore Flamingo Gardens.
  • Shop at The Galleria.
  • Take a Water Taxi ride.
  • Enjoy Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale

Deciding to move across the country from San Francisco, CA to Fort Lauderdale, FL involves considering various factors. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation by comparing key aspects of both cities. Understand the changes awaiting you through a detailed pros and cons comparison.

CONs
PROs
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • High cost of living
  • Dense fog
  • Steeper hills
  • Less beach access
  • Longer commutes
Fort Lauderdale, FL iconFort Lauderdale, FL
  • More affordable
  • Sunnier days
  • Flatter terrain
  • Better beach access
  • Shorter commutes
Fort Lauderdale, FL iconFort Lauderdale, FL
  • Smaller cultural scene
  • Fewer landmarks
  • Less tech jobs
  • Limited dining options
  • Fewer parks
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • Cultural diversity
  • Iconic landmarks
  • Strong tech scene
  • Vibrant dining scene
  • Multiple parks

When you move from San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale, you'll notice direct benefits like a more affordable cost of living, allowing you to enjoy larger living spaces for less. Fort Lauderdale greets you with its sunny days and easier access to beautiful beaches like Las Olas Beach, making it a haven for lovers of sun and sea. Despite missing San Francisco's iconic Golden Gate Park, you'll find Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, a lush getaway in Fort Lauderdale. While you might miss the immense cultural and dining diversity of San Francisco's neighborhoods, such as the Mission District known for its dynamic culinary scene, Fort Lauderdale offers its unique charm with vibrant districts like Las Olas Boulevard, renowned for its art galleries, shops, and restaurants like El Camino where Mexican cuisine meets a lively atmosphere. This move is a gateway to exploring new local spots, each with its story and ambiance, setting the stage for new experiences and discoveries.

San Francisco vs. Fort Lauderdale Food Guide

Food is a vibrant and essential part of local culture, reflecting what life is like in any given area. Understanding the culinary scene can significantly enhance your relocation experience. For those considering a move, we've compiled an insightful comparison of the local cuisine between San Francisco & Fort Lauderdale to help you get a taste of what each city offers.

San FranciscoFort Lauderdale
Most iconic local food itemSourdough BreadStone Crab
Most popular meat dishCIoppinoConch Fritters
Most popular street food itemMission BurritoCuban Sandwich
Most popular vegan foodAvocado ToastJackfruit Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • The Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton
  • Tartine Bakery
  • Nopalito
  • Casa Sensei
  • Takato
  • 15th Street Fisheries
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In San Francisco, the Mission District is renowned for its vibrant street food scene, with Mission Burrito standing out as a local favorite. For an iconic taste of the city, Tartine Bakery offers an unrivaled sourdough bread that embodies the essence of San Francisco cuisine. On the other hand, Fort Lauderdale shines with its coastal flavors. Seafood, particularly Stone Crab, is a staple, and can be enjoyed at local favorites like 15th Street Fisheries. Fort Lauderdale's culinary scene also embraces diversity, with restaurants like Casa Sensei offering a fusion of Latin and Asian cuisines, making it a unique gastronomic destination.

San Francisco vs. Fort Lauderdale Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a pivotal role in making a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison guide will seamlessly transition your taste buds from San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale , helping you discover your next favorite dining spots with ease.

San FranciscoFort LauderdaleWhat You'll Love
Foreign CinemaLouie Bossi’s RistoranteOffers a vibrant ambiance and a creative menu that parallels the unique cinematic and culinary experience at Foreign Cinema.
NopaBoatyardBoth are known for their exceptional use of local ingredients and offer a contemporary, upscale dining environment.
Zuni CaféCasa SenseiCombining global flavors with a cozy atmosphere, it mirrors Zuni Café’s diverse and welcoming vibe.
Tartine BakeryLaspada’s Original HoagiesThough offering different cuisines, both pride themselves on high-quality, beloved eats that draw in locals and tourists alike.
The Slanted DoorTemple Street EateryOffers Asian fusion dishes in a casual yet trendy setting, reminiscent of The Slanted Door’s innovative menu and aesthetic.
La TaqueriaTacos BarDelivers authentic and flavorful tacos that can rival the iconic offerings of La Taqueria, a flagship of the Mission District.
Swan Oyster DepotSouthport Raw Bar & RestaurantBoth are cherished for their fresh seafood and casual, no-frills dining experience.
BenuSteak 954While Benu is known for its exquisite Asian cuisine, Steak 954 offers a similarly high-end dining experience with sophisticated steak and seafood dishes.
Liholiho Yacht ClubBoatyardJust like Liholiho, it brings a fresh and innovative approach to contemporary cuisine, with a focus on seafood.
Gary DankoCapital GrilleBoth provide a luxurious dining experience, specializing in meticulously prepared dishes and an extensive wine selection.

For instance, stepping into Louie Bossi’s Ristorante in Fort Lauderdale might evoke the eclectic and lively atmosphere of Foreign Cinema in San Francisco, blending the love for film and innovative dishes. Similarly, Boatyard in Fort Lauderdale captures the essence of San Francisco's beloved Nopa with its emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and sophisticated, yet approachable ambiance. And for those mornings when nothing but a hearty sandwich will do, Laspada’s Original Hoagies offers a taste of comfort reminiscent of Tartine Bakery's acclaimed offerings. Whether you’re seeking the creativity of Asian fusion from The Slanted Door or the comforting simplicity of La Taqueria's tacos, Fort Lauderdale's dining scene offers compelling parallels that promise to satisfy your culinary cravings.

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San Francisco vs. Fort Lauderdale Real Estate & Living Facts

When considering a move, comparing real estate between your current and potential new home is crucial. This guide delves into the essential aspects of housing to help you understand how San Francisco and Fort Lauderdale stack up. From the cost of living to the lifestyle, these comparisons aim to provide a clear picture of what to expect in each city.

ComparisonSan FranciscoFort Lauderdale
Typical Architecture StyleVictorian and ModernMediterranean and Modern
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingGolden Gate views, tech amenitiesBeach access, boating amenities

In comparing housing between San Francisco and Fort Lauderdale, it's evident that your lifestyle and budget can dramatically shift depending on your choice. For those enamored with urban living and don't mind the steep price tag, San Francisco offers a vibrant city life with iconic architecture like Victorian homes and unparalleled walkability. However, if a more relaxed lifestyle with access to beaches and a significantly lower cost of living piques your interest, Fort Lauderdale presents a compelling case. The city boasts a mix of Mediterranean and modern architecture, with real estate listings frequently highlighting beach and boating amenities. Each city has its unique allure, catering to different preferences and priorities in housing and lifestyle.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale, FL

1. Victoria Park: This neighborhood is known for its walkability and close proximity to Holiday Park, making it perfect for your daily dog walks and outdoor activities.

2. River Oaks: With its spacious homes and large yards, River Oaks provides plenty of room for your pets to play, not to mention the easy access to the River Oaks Park for outdoor enjoyment.

3. Harbor Beach: Harbor Beach offers pet-friendly beaches where your dogs can enjoy the sand and sea, and it's close to several high-rated pet-friendly restaurants for a relaxing meal with your furry friend.

San Francisco vs. Fort Lauderdale Weather Considerations

Understanding the weather differences is crucial when moving from one location to another. This comparison aims to highlight how the weather in San Francisco, CA contrasts with that in Fort Lauderdale, FL , helping you adjust to your new environment more easily.

Summer icon
67°F / 53°F

San Francisco, CA

89°F / 75°F

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
57°F / 46°F

San Francisco, CA

76°F / 59°F

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
23.64

San Francisco, CA

64.54

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

San Francisco, CA

0

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSan FranciscoFort Lauderdale
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakesHurricanes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While both San Francisco and Fort Lauderdale enjoy a substantial number of sunny days annually, the latter experiences higher average temperatures, particularly in summer. Moreover, the UV index in Fort Lauderdale is significantly higher, emphasizing the need for sun protection. A notable difference also exists in the types of natural disasters predominant in each area, with earthquakes more common in San Francisco, and hurricanes in Fort Lauderdale. These variations not only affect lifestyle but also might necessitate different types of insurance and preparedness measures. Transitioning between these climates requires adjustments in your daily routines, attire, and possibly even your health care considerations regarding allergies and air quality.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move, it's crucial to compare the financial landscape between your current and future homes. This guide contrasts San Francisco, CA , and Fort Lauderdale, FL , focusing on various economic factors to help you gauge what to expect money-wise.

ComparisonSan FranciscoFort Lauderdale
Avg. Household Income$121,826$64,912
Cost of Living Index164115.7
State Income Tax13.30
Avg. Property Tax0.61.0
Avg. Sales Tax8.57.0
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Finance, TourismTourism, Marine, Manufacturing
AffluenceVery HighModerate
PovertyLowHigher
HomelessnessHighModerate

Moving from San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale, you'll find significant differences in economic factors. The average household income in San Francisco dramatically exceeds that in Fort Lauderdale, reflecting the higher cost of living and concentration of high-paying tech jobs. However, Florida's lack of state income tax presents a substantial saving opportunity compared to California's steep 13.3%. While property taxes are somewhat higher in Fort Lauderdale, the overall cost of living is significantly lower, making your income stretch further. Additionally, Fort Lauderdale's thriving tourism and marine industries offer unique job opportunities compared to San Francisco's tech-dominated market.

San Francisco vs. Fort Lauderdale Political & Religious Comparison

Embarking on a move from San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale entails more than just a change of scenery. It's crucial to understand the community you're moving into. This guide provides a comparison of the politics between San Francisco & Fort Lauderdale, offering a glimpse into the political and religious makeup of their residents.

San FranciscoFort Lauderdale
Political Make-upHeavily DemocraticDemocratic-leaning
Local PoliticsProgressive policiesModerate to progressive
ReligionMore secular-orientedDiverse religious community with a significant Christian presence

While both San Francisco and Fort Lauderdale have Democratic-leaning populations, the political climate in San Francisco is considerably more progressive. This is reflected not only in voter preferences but also in local policies and social attitudes. On the other hand, Fort Lauderdale presents a slightly more moderate stance, though it still leans Democratic. The religious landscape is also noteworthy. San Francisco's residents tend toward secularism, but in Fort Lauderdale, you'll find a more pronounced religious community, predominantly Christian. Such differences highlight the unique social fabric of each city, contributing to their distinctive local cultures.

San Francisco vs. Fort Lauderdale Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from one city to another can significantly impact your daily routines, especially when it comes to commuting. To make this transition smoother, we've prepared a comparison to better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like between San Francisco & Fort Lauderdale. This guide will assist you in adjusting to your new local transportation environment.

ComparisonSan FranciscoFort Lauderdale
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3426
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?YesNo

In San Francisco, the extensive public transit system, including BART and Muni, makes it possible for residents to get around the city without a car. The average commute time is longer due to the city's high traffic congestion levels. On the flip side, Fort Lauderdale's infrastructure strongly favors personal vehicle use due to its limited public transit options, leading to a comparatively shorter average commute time. Despite lower traffic congestion, the necessity of having a car significantly impacts how you'll plan your daily commute in Fort Lauderdale.

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