How to move to San Francisco

Phase 0: Before you decide

• Check the cost of living. SF is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Check the cost of living in SF
• Save for the "Landing". You'll need at least $10,000–$15,000 in liquid savings to cover the first month's rent, deposit, and temporary housing. Move-in calculation

Phase 1: Before you pack your bags

• Find temporary housing: book a "landing pad" for 2–4 weeks. Where to stay when you arrive
• Apply for your SSN as early as possible. If your immigration workflow supports it, request the number there; otherwise plan a visit to the Social Security office after arrival. You will need it for bank accounts, utilities, and credit.
• Port your credit history if you can. Ask whether your bank or card issuer supports international-credit recognition before you land. Services like Nova Credit and American Express Global Transfer can sometimes help with approvals and deposits.
• Check pet import rules before flying. If you are bringing a dog, review CDC and USDA requirements early so you have the right microchip, rabies documentation, and import paperwork at the border.

Phase 2: Your first month in SF

• Get a US phone number. You will need a local number for rental applications, delivery services, and most account verification flows.
• Open a bank account. Many landlords expect a local cashier's check or a US bank transfer for the deposit the day you sign. How to open a bank account
• Get health insurance on day 1. Make sure your travel or expat coverage does not lapse before your employer plan or Covered California coverage starts. California residents are expected to maintain qualifying coverage or claim an exemption, or they may owe a state tax penalty. Health insurance for newcomers
• Prepare your rental folder. Have your offer letter, credit report, and checkbook ready. Documents you need to rent a place
• Find a permanent apartment. Before you sign, confirm the pet policy, renter's insurance requirement, and which internet providers actually serve the building. How to find an apartment in SF
• Set up Utilities. You need to coordinate with PG&E (Power), SFPUC (Water), and Recology (Trash), and it is worth checking whether the building has Sonic, Monkeybrains, or another usable internet option before you commit. How to set up electricity, water, and trash
• Get a virtual Clipper Card. Add it directly to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet; there is no need to hunt for a plastic card first. Muni is the city system, while BART is the regional rail system. How to use public transit
• Buy renter's insurance. Most landlords and corporate buildings want proof before handoff, and the policy is usually cheap relative to the damage it can prevent.

Phase 3: Settling the Bureaucracy

• Register with the DMV. Plan for the written knowledge test, and apply for a REAL ID rather than a standard license if you want to use it for domestic flights. You have 10 days to get a CA license and 20 days to register your car. A Vehicle in San Francisco
• Apply for a Residential Parking Permit (RPP). If your street requires a permit, you'll need this to park longer than 2 hours. A Vehicle in San Francisco
• License your Dog. All dogs over 4 months must be registered with the city.

Phase 4: After you settle

• Build your credit score. Start building your US financial reputation. How to build credit from scratch
• Get an SF City ID. A free ID that doubles as a library card and museum discount card.
• Keep California coverage current. If you change jobs or lose employer coverage, make sure your new plan is active before the old one ends so you do not create a gap that turns into a state tax issue.
• Build a 72-hour earthquake go-bag. Water, food, flashlight, batteries, copies of documents, and a power bank should be easy to grab. Check whether your building has been retrofitted.
• Learn the "Street Smarts". Avoid "bippin" and stay safe. Staying safe in San Francisco
• Join the Community. Find your people in local subreddits and neighborhood groups.