Sacramento to San Jose Movers & Costs (2026)
Fact Checked by:
Moving from Sacramento to San Jose, CA (~119 miles) costs between $126 and $4,241, depending on home size and move type.
Local movers such as Two Men and a Truck Moving, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.58 out of 5 stars across 570 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $130/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
September availability is going fast in Sacramento
Summer is the busiest time to move. Prices run 20 - 30% above the annual average and movers fill weeks in advance. Book now to secure your preferred date.
What are the best ways to move from Sacramento to San Jose?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Sacramento to San Jose are regulated by California law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid California intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.
This is a local move, typically billed hourly by California companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.
For full-service moves, we recommend Two Men and a Truck Moving (4.58/5) as the top local pick, followed by A Better Moving (4.58/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most Sacramento to San Jose moves complete in 1 - 2 days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 374+ California movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Sacramento to San Jose?
Movers typically charge between $126 and $4,241* for a Sacramento to San Jose move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Your final price depends on the service type and home size you choose.
Here's what each option costs:
- Full-service movers: $612 - $4,241
- Moving containers: $759 - $1,965
- Rental trucks: $126 - $255
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves price in packing, loading, transport, and unloading together. Just the professional packing piece adds $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers reduce costs by putting the loading and unloading on you while the company handles the long-haul drive.
- Rental trucks save about 30% over full-service, but you'll need to drive the truck yourself, plus line up or hire moving help.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator typically helps movers cut 30% off their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $612 - $2,852 | $759 - $1,261 | $126 - $183 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,212 - $3,550 | $899 - $1,632 | $129 - $219 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,598 - $4,241 | $1,187 - $1,965 | $156 - $255 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 374+ California moving companies, and are updated as of September 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
Learn more about the cost of Sacramento, CA movers.
How Sacramento to San Jose moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $130 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $1,560.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15 - $0.21 per lb. 16% of Sacramento movers offer fragile-only packing, vs 24% nationally |
Full-service movers |
| Fuel surcharge | $100 - $400 (or 8% - 15% of transport charges) | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08 - $0.12 per lb. ($200 minimum) | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75 - $500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150 - $400 per item 40% of Sacramento movers handle hot tubs, vs 22% nationally. Top pick: A Better Moving |
Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Contents coverage plan | 1% - 2% of the total value of your belongings | All move types |
Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Sacramento to San Jose
Moving from Sacramento to San Jose is a job for local and regional California movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. Two Men and a Truck Moving leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.58 out of 5 stars across 570 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Sacramento to San Jose
Local movers operating within California know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.
rating
Our top local picks:
- Two Men and a Truck Moving (4.58/5 stars): 71.6% positive customer ratings.
- A Better Moving (4.58/5 stars): 80.8% positive customer ratings.
- Double Move (4.58/5 stars): 94.8% positive customer ratings.
- Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. (4.42/5 stars): 83.1% positive customer ratings.
- California Moving Systems, Inc. (4.48/5 stars): 89.8% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 25 movers in Sacramento, drawing on 4,638 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Sacramento to San Jose
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
Our top national picks:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
- North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
- International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.
More popular routes from Sacramento, CA
Sacramento residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More California moving resources
How does San Jose compare to Sacramento?
Cost of living: Sacramento vs. San Jose
A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.
| 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% |
Cost-of-living data for Sacramento and San Jose comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated September 2026 across 374+ California moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in San Jose are 63% higher than in Sacramento. A renter relocating without a salary increase will see roughly 63% more of monthly income absorbed by housing.
- Home prices in San Jose are 145% higher than Sacramento. Existing homeowners trading up to similar square footage face a meaningful jump in down payment and monthly mortgage.
- Average income in San Jose is 69% higher than Sacramento. Negotiating a cost-of-living raise is realistic if you're transferring within the same employer.
- Cost of living for one person in San Jose is 38% higher than Sacramento. Plan to add roughly 38% to your current monthly budget for a like-for-like lifestyle.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in San Jose is 35% higher than Sacramento. Childcare, healthcare, and housing typically drive the gap.
- Unemployment in San Jose runs 14% lower than Sacramento. Hiring is more competitive, which typically supports faster offers and wage growth.
- Sales taxes in San Jose are 7% higher than Sacramento. The difference adds up on big-ticket purchases like appliances, electronics, and furniture.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,140 in San Jose to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Sacramento.
How life is different in Sacramento vs. San Jose
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in San Jose might look different from Sacramento in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| 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 |
Did you know: Summer moves in California can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 22% of movers in California, vs 33% nationally).
- San Jose is 85% larger in size than Sacramento. Larger metros offer deeper job markets and more amenities, but cost of living and commute times typically rise with size.
- In the last presidential election, both Sacramento and San Jose voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in San Jose top out at 82°F, vs. 93°F in Sacramento. Lower cooling costs and longer comfortable outdoor windows are the practical upside.
- Winter lows in Sacramento (39°F) and San Jose (42°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Sacramento (20 inches) and San Jose (17 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in Sacramento and San Jose is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime indexes in San Jose (47.73) and Sacramento (49.21) are similar. Safety considerations apply at the neighborhood level, not the city level.
Things to do in San Jose
Outdoor recreation, cultural institutions, professional sports, and higher education shape daily life in San Jose. The lineup below names the most-visited venues in each category.
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
Final verdict: Sacramento to San Jose movers
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide California service. For smaller moves, Two Men and a Truck Moving (4.58/5) is the top local choice, with 71.6% positive reviews across 570 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $126 - $4,241, based on our analysis of 374+ California movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Sacramento to San Jose
What percentage of Sacramento movers handle piano or antique moves?
About 88% of movers in Sacramento handle piano moves, and 64% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to San Jose?
The cheapest time to move to San Jose is between early October and late April, outside the industry's peak season of May through September. Demand and prices both drop once summer ends, so timing your move in the off-season saves money.
How much are moving container companies from Sacramento to San Jose?
Moving containers from Sacramento to San Jose cost $476 - $1,124 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. A 2 - 3 bedroom move runs $899 - $1,632, and a larger home costs $1,187 - $1,965.
How many movers in Sacramento offer labor-only help?
52% of movers in Sacramento offer labor-only help for loading or unloading a truck or container you rent yourself, compared to 56% nationally.
Is moving from Sacramento to San Jose considered a long-distance move?
A move from Sacramento to San Jose is classified as an intrastate move, governed by California law rather than federal DOT rules for interstate moves. Most full-service movers price intrastate moves over 50 miles by weight and mileage rather than an hourly rate. Confirm your mover holds a valid California intrastate operating authority, not just a USDOT number, before signing.
