Best San Francisco to Vancouver Movers + Moving Guide

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

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1OCD Moving Services LLC9.669.47Authorized For HHGContact
2Bay - L.A. Express Moving9.329.49Authorized For HHGContact
3Careful Movers9.318.63Authorized For HHGContact
4Northwest Grace Moving9.299.28Authorized For HHGContact
5All Service Moving9.278.91Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from San Francisco to Vancouver

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 644 miles from San Francisco, CA to Vancouver, WA will cost on average $2,329 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom San Francisco to Vancouver 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 California to Washington moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & Washington. 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 WA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Vancouver to San Francisco guide.

Compare the 5 Best San Francisco to Vancouver 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
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
3
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
4
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
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. Vancouver Neighborhood Comparison

Relocating can feel overwhelming, especially when diving into a new city's neighborhood landscape. To ease this transition, we've created a guide that leverages your familiarity with San Francisco, CA & Vancouver, WA neighborhoods to help you find your new community. This comparative overview aims to match the vibes, amenities, and lifestyles of neighborhoods from both cities.

San FranciscoVancouverHow They're Similar
Marina DistrictFisher's Landing Eastwaterfront views, active lifestyle
Hayes ValleyUptown Villagevibrant arts scene, upscale boutiques
Mission DistrictDowntown Vancouverdiverse dining options, cultural experiences
SOMA (South of Market)Columbia Waytech hubs, modern living
Haight-AshburyArnadahistoric homes, bohemian vibes
Nob HillShumwayquiet, upscale living with city views
Pacific HeightsDubois Parkaffluent, serene neighborhood vibes
Russian HillCarter Parkscenic views, family-friendly atmosphere
North BeachEsther Shortrich cultural heritage, public events
CastroHoughlively community spirit, inclusive atmosphere

For those charmed by the vibrant arts scene and communal vibe in Hayes Valley, you'll find Uptown Village in Vancouver, WA, a delightful alternative with its eclectic mix of local art galleries and sophisticated boutiques. Similarly, if the historic and bohemian spirit of Haight-Ashbury is what captivates you, Arnada's turn-of-the-century homes and community-focused atmosphere offer a comparable allure. Those moving from the tech-savvy environment of SOMA will appreciate Columbia Way's innovative spirit and waterfront living that echoes SOMA's urban edge but with a uniquely Pacific Northwest flair. Whether it's the urban sophistication, historic charm, or the arts and tech scene that you're seeking, transitioning from San Francisco to Vancouver allows you to find neighborhoods resonating with familiar comforts amidst new opportunities.

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Things to Do in Vancouver

  • Explore Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.
  • Stroll along Vancouver Waterfront Park.
  • Attend summer concerts at Esther Short Park.
  • Visit Pearson Air Museum.
  • Enjoy wine tasting at Maryhill Winery Tasting Room.
  • Take kids to Marshall Community Park.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from San Francisco to Vancouver

Moving from one city to another comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of San Francisco, CA to Vancouver, WA, detailing the good and the bad to help you make a well-informed decision. By examining the pros and cons, you can better understand what awaits you in your new city.

CONs
PROs
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • High cost of living
  • Dense population
  • Frequent fogs
  • Long commute times
Vancouver, WA iconVancouver, WA
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less crowded
  • Mild climate
  • Easier commutes
Vancouver, WA iconVancouver, WA
  • Smaller cultural scene
  • Fewer tech opportunities
  • Less culinary diversity
  • Fewer landmarks
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • Vibrant culture
  • Tech hub
  • Diverse cuisine
  • Iconic landmarks

While San Francisco offers a bustling, vibrant lifestyle with its renowned tech scene and diverse culinary offerings, there are undeniable advantages to moving to Vancouver. The Lower Columbia Pacific Northwest vibe is palpable in Vancouver's serene neighborhood parks such as Esther Short Park and its upcoming restaurants like The Grant House. Though you might miss the iconic Golden Gate Bridge or the cultural diversity of neighborhoods like the Mission District, Vancouver brings its own charm with sights like the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, which caters to history enthusiasts. The mild climate and smaller cultural scene of Vancouver offer a refreshing change, providing a quieter daily life while still being within reach of Portland's larger urban offerings.

San Francisco vs. Vancouver Food Guide

Food plays a pivotal role in understanding the cultural heartbeat of a location, and what daily life may look like there. This guide offers a detailed comparison of the local cuisine between San Francisco, CA & Vancouver, WA . It aims to arm you with insights into the food scenes of both, helping you acquaint yourself with your new home.

San FranciscoVancouver
Most iconic local food itemSourdough BreadSmoked Salmon
Most popular meat dishCioppinoPacific Northwest Steak
Most popular street food itemMission BurritoFish Tacos
Most popular vegan foodAvocado ToastTempeh Reuben
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Tadich Grill
  • Foreign Cinema
  • Swan Oyster Depot
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

San Francisco, with its iconic sourdough bread and the rich seafood stew Cioppino, showcases a versatile food landscape deeply rooted in global influences, thanks to its cosmopolitan demographics. Places like the Mission District are synonymous with innovative street food like the Mission Burrito, while the city's fitness and health conscientious rating is notably high, reflecting its abundance of vegan options and outdoor activities. On the other hand, Vancouver, WA, highlights the Pacific Northwest's bounty with its smoked salmon and locally sourced steaks. Vancouver's culinary scene might be quieter but is equally passionate, hosting gems like Beaches Restaurant and Bar on the waterfront, illustrating the city's love for fresh, local ingredients. Vancouver offers a more intimate foodie scene, with a growing number of establishments catering to health-conscious and vegan patrons.

San Francisco vs. Vancouver Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a crucial role in making a new city feel like home. To ease your transition from San Francisco to Vancouver , we've compared top dining spots in San Francisco with their closest counterparts in Vancouver . This guide aims to help you discover your new favorite eateries by using familiar favorites as a baseline.

San FranciscoVancouverWhat You'll Love
State Bird ProvisionsThe Grant HouseCreative American cuisine with a unique twist
Tartine Bakerybleu door bakeryExceptional baked goods and a cozy vibe
Zuni CaféLa BottegaItalian comfort food with a cozy atmosphere
NopaUptown Barrel RoomRustic ambience with innovative American dishes
La TaqueriaTaqueria El AntojoAuthentic and vibrant Mexican flavors
Swan Oyster DepotWildFin American GrillFresh seafood with a Pacific Northwest flair
Bi-Rite CreameryIce Cream RenaissanceHandcrafted ice cream and unique flavors
Mission Chinese FoodTaste of AsiaEclectic Asian dishes with bold flavors
Four Barrel CoffeeCompass CoffeeArtisan coffee with a strong community vibe
Brenda's French Soul FoodAmelia's Rustic Mexican RestaurantWarm, soulful dishes with a homemade feel

Every restaurant has its unique charm and flavors that make it a beloved spot among locals. For instance, like State Bird Provisions in San Francisco, The Grant House in Vancouver offers a unique twist on American cuisine, making it a must-visit for those seeking culinary creativity. Similarly, Tartine Bakery's legendary baked goods find a close cousin in Vancouver's bleu door bakery, where the pastries are just as delectable, promising a taste of comfort away from home. On days when you're missing the vibrant Mexican flavors of La Taqueria, Taqueria El Antojo steps up to the plate with authentically prepared Mexican dishes that are sure to hit the spot. These comparisons show not just the variety and quality of Vancouver's dining scene, but also how it can offer a sense of culinary familiarity and comfort to those moving from San Francisco.

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San Francisco vs. Vancouver Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a pivotal factor when relocating. Comparing these elements between San Francisco, CA and Vancouver, WA reveals vital differences and similarities, grounding your decision-making in concrete data related to housing, cost, and lifestyle.

ComparisonSan FranciscoVancouver
Typical Architecture StyleVictorian, ModernRanch, Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingViews, Luxury FeaturesFamily-Friendly, Spacious Yards

Moving from San Francisco to Vancouver involves transitioning from a high-cost living area to a more affordable one, without sacrificing the quality of life. San Francisco's real estate market is known for its Victorian houses and modern apartments that command steep prices, both in buying and renting. In contrast, Vancouver offers a more suburban feel, with ranch and craftsman homes that provide more space for your dollar. Walkability in San Francisco is significantly higher, fitting its urban lifestyle, whereas Vancouver champions a more laid-back, spacious setting. Understanding these differences can help you weigh priorities like being closer to urban amenities versus enjoying bigger living spaces and quieter neighborhoods.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Vancouver, WA

1. Fisher's Landing East: Known for its extensive walking trails and dog-friendly parks, such as the popular Dogwood Dog Park, Fisher's Landing East is perfect for pets who love to explore outdoors.

2. Lincoln: With its welcoming vibe, Lincoln boasts pet-friendly dining options and the beautiful Esther Short Park, where you can enjoy open spaces and community events with your four-legged friends.

3. Shumway: Close to the heart of Vancouver, Shumway offers easy access to pet services and supplies, including numerous Petco locations, and is a stone's throw away from several pet-friendly cafes and shops.

San Francisco vs. Vancouver Weather Considerations

When planning a move from San Francisco, CA to Vancouver, WA, it's crucial to understand the weather differences . Knowing how the climate in Vancouver compares to San Francisco will help you prepare for the change in your living environment.

Summer icon
67°F / 53°F

San Francisco, CA

79°F / 58°F

Vancouver, WA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
57°F / 46°F

San Francisco, CA

47°F / 36°F

Vancouver, WA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
23.65

San Francisco, CA

41.5

Vancouver, WA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

San Francisco, CA

4.3

Vancouver, WA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSan FranciscoVancouver
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, FiresFloods, Earthquakes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Despite both cities being on the West Coast, you'll find a significant difference in weather patterns between San Francisco and Vancouver. San Francisco offers a more consistent, mild climate year-round, with an ample amount of sunshine. Conversely, Vancouver experiences a broader range of temperatures with distinct seasons, including colder winters with some snowfall. Notably, Vancouver's higher annual rainfall and fewer sunny days highlight the more humid, Pacific Northwest climate, in contrast to San Francisco's drier conditions.

Ready to start your move?

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

When considering a move from San Francisco, CA to Vancouver, WA, understanding the differences in the financial landscape is crucial. This comparison will give you insights into how the cost of living, taxes, and average income in these two cities could impact your budget and lifestyle.

ComparisonSan FranciscoVancouver
Avg. Household Income$121,826$69,993
Cost of Living Index16494.8
State Income Tax13.3%0%
Avg. Property Tax0.6%0.98%
Avg. Sales Tax8.5%8.4%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Finance, TourismTechnology, Health Care, Manufacturing
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessHighLow to Moderate

When you compare San Francisco and Vancouver, WA, the contrast in the cost of living is stark, with San Francisco being one of the most expensive cities in the U.S. Vancouver offers a more affordable alternative without the burden of state income tax, which may significantly increase your take-home pay. However, the average household income in Vancouver is lower. It's also important to consider the industries predominant in each area, as this may affect job opportunities. While both cities have technology as a key industry, their economic landscapes diverge significantly beyond this sector.

San Francisco vs. Vancouver Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from San Francisco, CA, to Vancouver, WA, it's crucial to understand the communities you'll be joining. This quick overview provides an at-a-glance snapshot comparing the political and religious makeup of San Francisco & Vancouver , giving you a better sense of what to expect in your new home.

San FranciscoVancouver
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocraticMixed, with a lean towards Conservative/Republican
Local PoliticsProgressive policies, strong emphasis on LGBTQ+ rights, environmental policiesMore balanced political perspective, growing emphasis on community and economic development
ReligionHighly diverse, fewer people identifying with religion compared to national averageModerately diverse, higher church attendance and Christian majority

Moving from San Francisco to Vancouver, you'll find yourself transitioning from a city known for its liberal and progressive stances to a more politically mixed environment. In Vancouver, local politics tend to balance between growth and community values, reflecting a broader spectrum of political beliefs. While San Francisco is celebrated for its diversity in beliefs and strong advocacy for minority rights, Vancouver showcases a different facet of diversity with a significant Christian community and more traditional values. This change reflects not just a shift in religious and political climate but also indicates a different social atmosphere that might influence your daily life and communal interactions.

San Francisco vs. Vancouver Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from San Francisco, CA to Vancouver, WA requires understanding the differences in their traffic and transportation options. This comparison aims to give you a clearer picture of what your daily commute might look like, helping you better plan your move and daily routines.

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

San Francisco is known for its extensive public transit options, including the BART, MUNI buses, and cable cars, making it possible to navigate the city without a personal vehicle. The average commute time may be higher, and traffic is more congested compared to Vancouver, WA. On the other hand, Vancouver offers a quieter pace with less traffic congestion and shorter average commute times, although relying solely on public transit can be more challenging than in San Francisco. Consider your lifestyle preferences and daily needs when planning your move, as each city offers distinct advantages in terms of transportation and commuting.

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