Why Are People Really Leaving San Francisco, and What Does Moving There Cost Anyway?

When you think of San Francisco, you probably conjure images of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, tech giants, and perhaps the steep price of living. However, there’s a growing trend of people moving out, and the reasons might surprise you.

The Real Cost of Moving in San Francisco

First, let’s talk dollars. How much does it actually cost to hire movers in San Francisco? According to data from My Moving Reviews, the average cost of moving within San Francisco can set you back between $800 and $2,500 for a local move. Long-distance movers obviously climb higher, with costs easily hitting the $4,000 mark or more depending on the destination and the bulk of your belongings.

This might not shock you given that everything in San Francisco seems to carry a premium price tag. What’s interesting, though, is that while these costs are significant, they’re comparable to other major cities. So, if it’s not just the high costs, what’s driving people away?

Unraveling the Migration Mystery

The exodus from San Francisco isn’t just about money—there’s more beneath the surface. Traditionally, people assume that most are fleeing due to the cost of living or to escape the hustle of city life. While these factors do play a role, there’s a cultural shift happening. Residents are seeking communities that offer not just affordability, but also a slower pace of life and a stronger sense of community. The cultural fabric of San Francisco, with its emphasis on tech and innovation, might be losing its charm for those not working in tech or those feeling left out of the economic benefits it brings. Even though the migration is not as steep as it was around the pandemic, people are still moving out of the city.

Where Are San Franciscans Going?

You might think that these former San Franciscans are moving to cheaper nearby cities or out to idyllic rural areas. While there is a trend towards suburban and rural relocation, many are actually gravitating towards other tech hubs like Austin, Texas, and Denver, Colorado. These cities offer many of the same employment opportunities but with a lower cost of living and, arguably, a better quality of life.

Another interesting shift is the move to what could be considered secondary cities—places like Sacramento and Las Vegas. These locales have traditionally been overlooked by those making a home in California but are now seeing an influx of new residents from pricier urban centers.

So, What’s the Real Story?

It’s easy to chalk up the migration from San Francisco to simple economic migration, but it’s essential to look deeper. The move away from San Francisco represents a broader search for balance—between work and life, community and individuality, innovation and tradition. It seems people are searching for places where they can make a real impact, both in their careers and their communities, without the overwhelming pressures that come with a high-cost, high-stakes urban environment.

As a real estate enthusiast and an expat who has seen various global housing markets, this trend fascinates me. It’s not just about affordability; it’s about finding a locale that resonates on a deeper level with one’s lifestyle and values.

So, while the costs to move might be straightforward, the underlying reasons for relocating are complex and deeply personal. San Francisco is not losing its charm, but it is definitely redistributing its population, seeding its unique culture far beyond the Bay Area.

Roberta Silverglate, California Business Journal