($576+) San Jose, CA to Olympia, WA Movers
The cost to move from San Jose, CA to Olympia, WA ranges from $1,217 to $8,620, with an average cost of $2,950. Moves can be as low as $576 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 780 miles and usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from San Jose, CA to Olympia, WA
Moving options from San Jose to Olympia fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,217 - $8,620 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $2,950, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 780 miles and typically takes 2 to 7 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 780-mile route from San Jose to Olympia, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,217 - $4,815 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,118 - $2,057), rental truck ($565 - $1,108), or freight trailer ($966 - $1,796). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,419 - $5,741 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,620.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from San Jose, CA to Olympia, WA
Hiring full-service movers from San Jose, California, to Olympia, Washington, costs between $1,217 and $8,620. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 780-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $550 - $3,668, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between San Jose and Olympia. For a rough baseline, movers based in San Jose tend to start around $316 plus $119/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Jose to Olympia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,217 - $4,815
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,419 - $5,741
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,303 - $8,620
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from San Jose to Olympia.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Washington. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from San Jose, CA to Olympia, WA
Specialty needs vary by market — 81% of San Jose movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Olympia, 97% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing97% of local movers | $917 - $9,170 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready81% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Fairprice Movers | $367 - $2,201/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $550 - $4,402 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage47% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs44% of local movers | $1,834 - $5,502 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,585 - $18,340 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,374 - $2,610 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items68% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Fairprice Movers | $1,834 - $4,585 |
| Piano | Any piano type77% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Fairprice Movers | $1,467 - $6,419 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling37% of local movers | $550 - $2,751 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Arnoni Moving Services LLC | $1,192 - $3,668 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $550 - $27,510+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $550 - $6,419+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Jose to Olympia?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Washington Movers Conference is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in San Jose, CA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from San Jose, CA to Olympia, WA
Moving containers from San Jose, California, to Olympia, Washington, cost between $1,118 and $3,535. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in San Jose typically runs around $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Jose to Olympia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,118 - $2,057
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,465 - $2,965
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,869 - $3,535
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both San Jose, CA and Olympia, WA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $1,284 in San Jose, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $138 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $275 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Washington move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,118. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,465 - $2,965, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers San Jose to Olympia?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in San Jose to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in San Jose:
- Best California Movers (5.0/5), 7 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (5.0/5), 16 years in business
- Trek Movers (4.8/5), 10 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Jose, CA to Olympia, WA
Plan on $565 - $1,595 for a rental moving truck on the 780-mile route from San Jose, California, to Olympia, Washington. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $455 - $520
- Daily insurance: $55/day
- Equipment rentals: $13 - $37
- San Jose daily rental rate: $19 - $49
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from San Jose to Olympia based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $565 - $1,108
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $648 - $1,251
- 4+ bedrooms: $803 - $1,595
Pro tip: The base rate of $565 - $1,595 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from San Jose to Olympia. Fuel ($455 - $520) , lodging at around $275/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $455 - $520 for the 780-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in San Jose, California, for about 5 hours typically costs around $1,284.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 780-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $275 per night, adding $550 - $825 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $92 and $550.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Jose to Olympia?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from San Jose, CA to Olympia, WA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from San Jose, California, to Olympia, Washington, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,207 and $2,304.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Jose to Olympia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $966 - $1,796
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,207 - $2,304
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,495 - $2,798
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In San Jose, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $1,284.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $138 - $275 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from San Jose to Olympia?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- PRO Logistics (4.54/5 stars): PRO Logistics is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Olympia quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: San Jose, CA vs Olympia, WA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Olympia, side by side with San Jose on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Jose, CA | Olympia, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 231 | 112 |
| Average rent | $3,095/mo | $1,895/mo |
| Median home value | $1,184,000 | $457,660 |
| Average income | $141,565/yr | $76,930/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 5.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
| Walkability score | 51/100 | 39/100 |
| Safety index | 52.27/100 | 62.25/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Olympia, WA to San Jose, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from California to Washington, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 374 movers in California, so you have real options to compare for this 780-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 780-mile route from San Jose, CA, to Olympia, WA, run $1,217 - $8,620 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,118 - $3,535, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $565 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,419, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Washington State ESD and The Evergreen State College.
FAQs: Moving from San Jose, CA, to Olympia, WA
How do I know a mover is licensed in Washington?
Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($455 - $520), daily insurance ($55/day), and equipment rentals ($13 - $37) on top. Overnight stops can add another $275/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Olympia?
Olympia has a walkability score of 39 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 59, compared to 51 and 62 in San Jose. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from San Jose, CA to Olympia, WA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,217 to $8,620, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,217 and $8,620, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from San Jose, CA to Olympia, WA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What percentage of San Jose movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 77% of movers in San Jose handle piano moves, and 68% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
