Moving from Houston, TX, to San Francisco, CA

Lifting off from Space City to the Golden Gate

As two of the nation’s most influential economic and cultural hubs, Houston, TX, and San Francisco, CA, offer distinctly different experiences. Houston is more populated, with 2.3 million residents, and about 14 times larger geographically than San Francisco. But the City by the Bay is home to nearly a million people sharing space within just 50 square miles, making it the second-most densely populated major U.S. city after New York City!

Planning a move from Houston to San Francisco will raise many questions, so you’ll need to know what else to expect — and about an efficient, economical way to move long distance. We can help!

Say ‘so long’ to those sweltering Gulf Coast summers

While both cities get plenty of sunshine (well over 200 days per year), Houston stands out as one of the most humid areas in the country because of its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. There’s occasional severe weather (flooding and hurricanes) to contend with.

In San Francisco, you’ll experience more steady temperatures year-round, averaging between 45 and 72 degrees. This makes for comfortable summers and mild winters, but the area's unique microclimates can be unpredictable (like heavy fog).

Bay Area living: It just costs more

Sticker shock will likely be more intense than culture shock when moving cross country from Southeast Texas to California’s Bay Area. San Francisco’s cost of living is nearly 80 percent higher than Houston’s, mainly because California is one of the nation’s most expensive housing markets. Be sure to also factor in California’s higher tax rate vs. no state income tax in Texas.

10 sights that showcase San Francisco

One key thing Houston and San Francisco have in common is a commitment to cultural diversity in everything from food to art, museums and festivals. After arriving from Houston, explore these popular San Francisco spots (in no particular order) as you get acquainted with your new city!

  1. Alcatraz Island 

  2. Chinatown 

  3. Exploratorium 

  4. Ferry Building Marketplace 

  5. Fisherman’s Wharf 

  6. Golden Gate Bridge 

  7. Golden Gate Park 

  8. Haight-Ashbury 

  9. Mission District 

  10. Presidio Tunnel Tops 

Breathe (and move) easier with U-Pack

With a 1,900-mile trek ahead, wouldn’t having experienced professionals transport your belongings from Houston to San Francisco would be nice? U-Pack can help! Our unique service lets you load into our equipment while we drive, saving you time and money.

Locate a service center near you within our nationwide network. Get your free quote online or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 today!