Moving from Seattle, WA to San Francisco, CA
Your Complete Guide
808
Miles
12 hrs
Drive Time
I-5 South
Primary Highway
Off-Peak
Current Season
Cost of Living Comparison
Category
Seattle, WA
San Francisco, CA
Cost of Living Index
159
200
Median Home Price
$800,000
$1,400,000
Median 1BR Rent
$2,100/mo
$3,100/mo
Avg Monthly Utilities
$120
$125
Grocery Index
108
112
Best Stops Along the Way
Breaking up a 808-mile drive? Here are great places to stop between Seattle, WA and San Francisco, CA.
Sacramento, CA
California's capital city known as America's Farm-to-Fork Capital. A rapidly growing city with a revitalized downtown and proximity to wine country.
Farm-to-fork dining, Old Sacramento, and state government
Portland, OR
A creative and eco-conscious Pacific Northwest city known for its food carts, craft breweries, and quirky culture. Keep Portland Weird is the motto.
Food carts, craft beer, Powell's Books, and bike-friendly culture
State Transition Guide: Washington → California
Moving from Washington to California? Here's what you need to know about updating your documents.
Driver's License
Update within 10 days of establishing residency in California
Vehicle Registration
Register vehicle within 20 days in California
Vehicle inspection: Smog check required
Things to Know About California
- Smog certification required for vehicle registration
- Proposition 13 limits property tax increases
- Lane splitting on motorcycles is legal
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive is approximately 808 miles via I-5 South, taking about 12 hours of driving. We recommend breaking this into 2 days of driving, accounting for stops, fuel, and rest.