Moving from Sacramento to San Jose, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Sacramento to San Jose costs between $133 to $5,064 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 119-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Sacramento to San Jose
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Sacramento to San Jose are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Sacramento to driving and unloading in San Jose, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 119 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,351 - $3,918 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,042 - $1,968 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $146 - $259 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Two Men and a Truck Moving | $130/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Sacramento to San Jose?
It costs between $133 to $5,064 to move from Sacramento to San Jose. The prices below break down your 119-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $761 - $5,064
- Moving containers: $788 - $2,255
- Rental trucks: $133 - $289
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $761 - $3,371 | $788 - $1,363 | $133 - $213 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,351 - $3,918 | $1,042 - $1,968 | $146 - $259 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,925 - $5,064 | $1,431 - $2,255 | $170 - $289 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $381 - $3,175+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $130/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $120/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $254 - $1,016 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $64 - $254 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Sacramento to San Jose
At 119 miles, your Sacramento to San Jose move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Sacramento to San Jose. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 119 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Double Move is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Sacramento to San Jose. They've been in business since 2024 (2 years of experience) and 98.5% of their 203 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our San Jose to Sacramento guide.
Considerations when moving from Sacramento to San Jose
Cost of living: Sacramento vs. San Jose
The cost of living in Sacramento vs. San Jose goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in San Jose stacks up against Sacramento.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Sacramento | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,899 | $3,095 |
| Average home cost | $483,739 | $1,184,000 |
| Average income (per capita) | $83,753 | $141,565 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,656 | $3,674 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,191 | $8,354 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.7% | 6.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.75% | 9.38% |
- Rent prices in San Jose are 63% higher than in Sacramento. That means you might end up spending more of your income on housing, leaving less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in San Jose are 145% higher than in Sacramento. If you’re planning to buy a home, be prepared for a bigger down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments.
- You could boost your income and enjoy more financial stability in San Jose, where the average salary is 69% higher than in Sacramento, especially if your income aligns with local averages.
- The cost of living for a single person in San Jose is 38% higher than in Sacramento, you'll likely need to adjust your budget to accommodate increased expenses.
- Moving your family to San Jose? Get ready for living expenses to be about 35% higher than in Sacramento. Expect to pay more for essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare. Overall, San Jose is a pricier place for families.
- The unemployment rate in San Jose is 14% lower than in Sacramento, which means you’ll find a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- In San Jose, sales taxes are 7% higher than in Sacramento. That means everyday buys — from groceries to gadgets — could end up costing you more.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Sacramento, expect to budget around $4,140 to maintain the same lifestyle in San Jose.
How life is different in Sacramento vs. San Jose
As you plan your move, comparing life in Sacramento vs. San Jose is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and needs. Factors like population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety can significantly impact your experience in a new place. Below is a side-by-side breakdown of key differences between Sacramento and San Jose to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Sacramento | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 524,943 | 971,233 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-46 | Democratic 73-25 |
| Summer high | 93ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 39ºF | 42ºF |
| Annual rain | 20" | 17" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 49.21 | 47.73 |
San Jose sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- San Jose is about 85% larger than Sacramento. Moving to a bigger city means more people, opportunities, and cultural experiences, plus higher costs and a faster pace. Whether that's exciting or overwhelming depends on what you want from your new home.
- The last presidential election saw both Sacramento and San Jose siding with the Democratic party.
- San Jose typically records highs of 82°F, cooler than Sacramento where averages hit 93°F. Expect relief from harsh heat and lower energy bills.
- During the coldest months, both Sacramento and San Jose experience similar chilly lows, with temperatures near 39°F and 42°F.
- You won’t have to adjust to new weather conditions when you move from Sacramento to San Jose. Both spots see about the same amount of rain each year: 20 inches in Sacramento and 17 inches in San Jose.
- Both Sacramento and San Jose receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Crime levels in San Jose and Sacramento are about the same, with index scores close to one another.
Things to do in San Jose
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? San Jose has something for everyone.
Museums in San Jose
- Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
- Children's Discovery Museum
- The Tech Interactive
- San Jose Museum of Art
- New Almaden Mercury Mining Museum
Parks in San Jose
- Almaden Quicksilver County Park
- Alum Rock Park
- Emma Prusch Farm Park
- Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park
- Joseph D. Grant County Park
Sports teams in San Jose
- San Jose Barracuda (AHL)
- San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
- San Jose Giants (California League)
- San Jose Sharks (NHL)
Universities in San Jose
- San Jose State University
- San Jose City College
- Evergreen Valley College
- International Technological University
- WestMed College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Sacramento to San Jose?
Moving your furniture from Sacramento to San Jose with a professional moving company usually ranges from $680 to $2,701. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $1,351 and $3,918. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $1,925 to $5,064 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Sacramento to San Jose?
If you’re moving from Sacramento to San Jose and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $580 to $1,398. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $1,042 and $1,968. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,431 to $2,255.
How much is a moving truck from Sacramento to San Jose?
Want to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest bet. Just remember, you’ll be in charge of both the driving and the heavy lifting. To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve included average fuel costs in our pricing so you’re not caught off guard.
Renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move will typically set you back between $143 and $226. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $146 to $259. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Sacramento to San Jose, rental prices generally fall between $170 and $289.
How far in advance should I book Sacramento-to-San Jose movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Sacramento to San Jose at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, it’s best to book your movers at least three months ahead. The sooner you reserve your Sacramento-to-San Jose movers, the better the chance you’ll get affordable rates and secure the exact moving date you need. Some movers even offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to San Jose?
If you want to save money on your move to San Jose, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May to September), when most people relocate and prices soar. By steering clear of the busy summer months, you’ll take advantage of lower demand and lower rates.
