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Moving to Daly City, CA

Complete 2026 relocation guide with costs, neighborhoods, and quality of life data

Quick Summary (TL;DR)

**Moving to Daly City, CA:** Average 2BR move costs $3,020 inbound. Cost of living is 32% above the national average (index: 132.3). The city has undefined for moving services. Population: 104,901. Safety rating: average safety (54/100). Key industries: Retail, Healthcare, Education.

Data Sources: MoveSmart_City_Analysis_2026, Census_ACS_2024, BLS_Employment_2026
105K
Population
$3,020
Avg Move Cost
132.3
Cost Index
54/100
Safety Score
$1.7K
Avg 1BR Rent
0%
Unemployment
Last Updated: 2026-04-19Data verified by Sarah Jenkins40,000+ moves analyzed

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Neighborhoods in Daly City

Finding the right area for your lifestyle

Daly City offers a diverse array of neighborhoods, each with its own character. Westlake is renowned for its iconic mid-century modern architecture, tract homes, and proximity to the coast, offering a distinct suburban feel. Serramonte serves as a bustling commercial hub centered around the Serramonte Center, providing extensive shopping and dining options alongside residential zones. St. Francis is primarily residential, featuring a mix of housing styles and often enjoying the refreshing coastal fog and ocean breezes. Top of the Hill represents the historic downtown area, characterized by its commercial strip, diverse eateries, and a blend of older homes and apartments. Southern Hills is a residential neighborhood offering panoramic views of the bay and city, with a suburban feel and winding streets. Crocker Amazon, bordering San Francisco, provides convenient access to both cities and boasts a diverse community with a mix of housing.

Average 1BR Rent
$1,652
Monthly
Average 2BR Rent
$2,147
Monthly
Walkability Score
54/100
Somewhat Walkable
Neighborhood Selection Tips
  • •Safety varies significantly by Daly City neighborhood — citywide average (54/100) can mask block-by-block differences.
Data Sources: Zillow_Rent_Index_2026, WalkScore_API, Census_ACS_2024

Local Moving Challenges in Daly City

City-specific obstacles and how to handle them

Daly City's smaller footprint generally makes moving logistics more straightforward than major metros. However, some residential areas may have narrow streets or limited truck access that requires planning.

Parking & Permit Requirements

Moving day parking in Daly City requires attention to posted signs, especially for street cleaning schedules which are strictly enforced in many residential areas. Commercial zones and areas around shopping centers like Serramonte or Westlake may have time-limited or metered parking. For extended parking or blocking a lane, an Encroachment Permit from the Public Works Department may be necessary to avoid citations.

Neighborhood Moving Tips

  • Ask your new Daly City neighbors about moving day logistics specific to your building or street. Local knowledge prevents surprises.
  • Join Daly City community groups online before your move to get neighborhood-specific tips from residents.

Moving Costs: Daly City

Inbound and outbound cost analysis

Moving TO Daly City

Moving TO Daly City: The average cost for a 2-bedroom move is $3,020. Daly City experiences undefined. Limited backhaul discounts available for this direction.

$3,020avg 2BR
Moving FROM Daly City

Moving FROM Daly City: The average cost for a 2-bedroom move is $2,728. Outbound moves are typically cheaper due to migration patterns.

$2,728avg 2BR

Moving Costs by Home Size

Home SizeWeightInbound CostOutbound Cost
Studio/1BR2,000-3,000 lbs$1,812-$2,265$1,637-$2,046
2BR5,000-6,000 lbs$2,567-$3,473$2,319-$3,137
3BR8,000-10,000 lbs$3,926-$4,832$3,546-$4,365
4BR+12,000-15,000 lbs$5,436-$6,644$4,910-$6,002
Seasonal Factors

Daly City has year-round moving conditions. Peak season (June-August) sees 15-30% higher rates. Consider September-October for mild weather and lower demand.

Money-Saving Tips for Daly City Moves
  • $Be aware of local access challenges: Many residential streets in Daly City, particularly in older neighborhoods like Top of the Hill or the winding roads of Southern Hills, can be narrow and steep, making navigation challenging for large moving trucks. Parking on these inclines also requires extra caution and skill. Areas with dense housing or limited off-street parking, common in parts of Westlake and St. Francis, can further complicate truck placement and loading operations.. Mention these upfront to avoid surprise fees.
  • $Book 4-6 weeks ahead for Daly City moves to lock in the best rates.
  • $Mid-month, mid-week moves to Daly City are typically 10-15% cheaper than month-end weekends.
  • $Check permit requirements: The City of Daly City's Public Works Department issues Encroachment Permits for temporary use of public right-of-way, which may be required for moving trucks that need to block a street or occupy a significant portion of the curb lane. Applications and fees are typically processed through their office, and it's advisable to apply well in advance of your moving date.
Data Sources: MoveSmart_Cost_Analysis_2026, EIA_STEO_2026, FMCSA_Carrier_Database
In-Depth Guide

The Complete Guide to Moving to Daly City, CA in 2026

Reviewed by Elena Rodriguez, Certified Relocation Professional (CRP)|Last verified April 2026|Editorial Standards

Table of Contents

1Why People Are Moving to Daly City

Daly City, California has become an attractive option for relocating families and professionals in 2026. With a population of 104,901, the city offers strong opportunities in Retail, Healthcare, Education. The higher cost of living is offset by improving community development and suburban character with room to grow. Whether you're relocating for a job opportunity, seeking a change of scenery, or planning retirement, understanding Daly City's unique characteristics will help you make an informed decision and plan a successful move.

2What to Expect: Cost of Living in Daly City

Understanding Daly City's cost structure is essential for planning your move. The city's Cost of Living Index of 132.3 means you'll spend about 32% more than the national average. **Housing Costs:** The median home price is $399,490, while renters pay approximately $1,652 for a 1-bedroom and $2,147 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The housing market offers reasonable options across various price points. **Income Considerations:** The median household income in Daly City is $80,083. Higher-than-average salaries help offset living costs. The unemployment rate of 0% indicates a strong job market.

3Moving Costs: Getting to Daly City

The cost of your move to Daly City depends on distance, timing, and inventory size. **Inbound**: Moving TO Daly City averages $3,020 for a 2BR. **Outbound**: Moving FROM Daly City averages $2,728. The inbound/outbound gap reflects migration patterns favoring inbound moves — useful leverage when negotiating.

4Next Steps for Your Daly City Move

For the full pre-move timeline and general moving guidance, see our [Complete Moving Guide](/guide). Below, get a personalized cost estimate for your Daly City move:
Sarah Jenkins

Sarah JenkinsVerified Expert

Military Relocation Specialist

Sarah is a former Transportation Management Officer who has overseen 500+ PCS moves across all branches of service. She specializes in military relocation logistics, DITY/PPM strategies, and GHC compliance. Her guides help service members maximize their entitlements while avoiding common pitfalls.

Certified Military Relocation Professional (MRP) Transportation Management Officer
Data Sources: MoveSmart_Research_2026, Census_ACS_2024, BLS_2026, EIA_STEO_2026

Moving Logistics for Daly City

Permits, parking, and practical considerations

Access Notes

Many residential streets in Daly City, particularly in older neighborhoods like Top of the Hill or the winding roads of Southern Hills, can be narrow and steep, making navigation challenging for large moving trucks. Parking on these inclines also requires extra caution and skill. Areas with dense housing or limited off-street parking, common in parts of Westlake and St. Francis, can further complicate truck placement and loading operations.

Parking Info

Moving day parking in Daly City requires attention to posted signs, especially for street cleaning schedules which are strictly enforced in many residential areas. Commercial zones and areas around shopping centers like Serramonte or Westlake may have time-limited or metered parking. For extended parking or blocking a lane, an Encroachment Permit from the Public Works Department may be necessary to avoid citations.

Permit Requirements

The City of Daly City's Public Works Department issues Encroachment Permits for temporary use of public right-of-way, which may be required for moving trucks that need to block a street or occupy a significant portion of the curb lane. Applications and fees are typically processed through their office, and it's advisable to apply well in advance of your moving date.

Daly City-Specific Moving Tips
  • !Confirm with your mover that crews are briefed on Daly City access requirements.
For the general moving-day checklist and timeline, see our Complete Moving Guide.

Quality of Life in Daly City

Safety, walkability, commute, and environment

Overall Quality of Life Score
73/100

Daly City scores 73/100 on our Quality of Life Index. This is an excellent score, indicating a high quality of life. Key strengths include short average commute times and excellent air quality. Areas to consider: high cost of living.

Safety

Average
54

Research specific neighborhoods - safety varies significantly across Daly City.

Walkability

Average
54

Some walkable areas, but a car is recommended for most activities.

Commute

Average
52

Average commute is 24 minutes. Reasonable commute times across the city.

Air Quality

Excellent
100

Excellent air quality year-round.

Noise Level

30

Typical urban noise levels - varies by neighborhood.

Pros of Living in Daly City
  • +Short average commute times
  • +Excellent air quality
  • +Strong job market with diverse industries
  • +Higher-than-average incomes
  • +Low unemployment rate
Considerations
  • -High cost of living
Data Sources: FBI_Crime_Stats_2024, WalkScore_API, EPA_AQI_2026, Census_Commute_Data_2024

Economy & Job Market

Employment, industries, and opportunities in Daly City

Daly City's economy is strong with an unemployment rate of 0% (below the national average of 3.7%). The median household income of $80,083 exceeds the national median.

Unemployment Rate
0%
Below national average
Median Household Income
$80,083
Above national median
Key Industries
4
Retail, Healthcare, Education
Major Employers
4
Seton Medical Center, Serramonte Center
Industry Landscape

The local economy is driven by Retail, Healthcare, Education, with additional opportunities in Public Administration. Major employers include Seton Medical Center, Serramonte Center, Jefferson Union High School District, City of Daly City.

RetailHealthcareEducationPublic Administration
Major Employers
Seton Medical Center
Serramonte Center
Jefferson Union High School District
City of Daly City
Job Seeker Tips for Daly City
  • •Healthcare is a major employer - research hospital systems and clinics in your specialty.
  • •Research major employers like Seton Medical Center before relocating for better job prospects.
  • •Network with Daly City professionals on LinkedIn 2-3 months before your move.
  • •Check job boards specific to CA for local opportunities not listed nationally.
Data Sources: BLS_Employment_2026, Census_ACS_2024, LinkedIn_Economic_Graph

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about moving to Daly City

The average 2-bedroom move TO Daly City costs $3,020, with studios around $1,510 and 4+ bedroom homes running $6,040+. Pricing stays relatively stable year-round on this route.

MoveSmart Rate Database, AMSA 2025
Data Sources: MoveSmart_FAQ_Database, Census_ACS_2024, FMCSA_2026

Cost of Living in Daly City

Compared to national averages

Daly City has a cost of living 32% above the national average. The primary driver is overall living expenses.

CategoryDaly CityNational AvgDifference
Cost of Living Index132.3100+32%
1BR Rent (Monthly)$1,652$1,500+10%
2BR Rent (Monthly)$2,147$1,900+13%
Median Home Price$399,490$400,000-0%
Median Household Income$80,083$75,000+7%
Sales Tax Rate0.00%7.12%-7.12%
Key Insights
  • •Daly City is a high cost-of-living city. Budget 20-30% more for daily expenses compared to the national average.
  • •Housing is relatively affordable: Rent is 25% of median income, within the healthy 30% threshold recommended by housing experts [Source: Harvard JCHS 2025].
  • •No state sales tax! This can save families $1,000-$3,000 annually on purchases.
Data Sources: Census_ACS_2024, BLS_CPI_2026, Zillow_Rent_Index_2026

Daly City at a Glance

Five metrics that shape daily life — each city's polygon tells its own story.

Safety: 54/100 (54/100)Walkability: 54/100 (54/100)Air quality: 50/100 (N/A)Short commute: 72/100 (24 min)Affordability: 35/100 (CoL 132)SafetyWalkabilityAir qualityShort commuteAffordability
Safety
54/100
54
Walkability
54/100
54
Air quality
N/A
50
Short commute
24 min
72
Affordability
CoL 132
35

Popular Moving Routes for Daly City

Real price, distance, and demand data for top corridors in and out of Daly City.

Moving FROM Daly City

DestinationMiles2BR costDemand
Los Angeles, CA345$2,270–$2,559Medium
San Diego, CA456$2,270–$3,382Medium
Las Vegas, NV418$1,844–$2,518Medium
Fresno, CA162$2,124–$1,124Medium
Sacramento, CA81$2,119–$721Medium
Long Beach, CA362$2,100–$2,483Low

Moving TO Daly City

OriginMiles2BR costDemand
Los Angeles, CA345$2,270–$2,559Medium
San Diego, CA456$2,270–$3,382Medium
Las Vegas, NV418$1,844–$2,518Medium
Fresno, CA162$2,124–$1,124Medium
Sacramento, CA81$2,119–$721Medium
Long Beach, CA362$2,100–$2,483Low

Top 5 Moving Companies Serving Daly City, CA

Verified carriers with FMCSA credentials, ranked by customer rating.

Daly City Moving Challenges & Local Tips

Daly City's smaller footprint generally makes moving logistics more straightforward than major metros. However, some residential areas may have narrow streets or limited truck access that requires planning.

Parking & Permits

Moving day parking in Daly City requires attention to posted signs, especially for street cleaning schedules which are strictly enforced in many residential areas. Commercial zones and areas around shopping centers like Serramonte or Westlake may have time-limited or metered parking. For extended parking or blocking a lane, an Encroachment Permit from the Public Works Department may be necessary to avoid citations.

Neighborhood Tips

  • Ask your new Daly City neighbors about moving day logistics specific to your building or street. Local knowledge prevents surprises.
  • Join Daly City community groups online before your move to get neighborhood-specific tips from residents.

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