($1,045+) San Jose, CA to San Antonio, TX Movers
The cost to move from San Jose, CA to San Antonio, TX ranges from $1,283 to $9,975, with an average cost of $3,950. Moves can be as low as $1,045 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,690 miles and usually takes 4 to 15 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from San Jose, CA to San Antonio, TX
Moving options from San Jose to San Antonio fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,283 - $9,975 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,950, 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 1,690 miles and typically takes 4 to 15 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,690-mile route from San Jose to San Antonio, 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 $1,283 - $5,676 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,510 - $2,728), rental truck ($1,034 - $2,026), or freight trailer ($1,441 - $2,688). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,264 - $7,436 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $9,975.
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 San Antonio, TX
For the 1,690-mile move from San Jose, California, to San Antonio, Texas, full-service movers cost between $1,283 and $9,975. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $525 - $3,500 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in San Jose generally start around $316 plus $119 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Jose to San Antonio:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,283 - $5,676
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,264 - $7,436
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,972 - $9,975
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 San Antonio.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Texas. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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.
Specialty moving services from San Jose, CA to San Antonio, TX
Specialty needs vary by market — 81% of San Jose movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In San Antonio, 90% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing97% of local movers | $875 - $8,750 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready81% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Fairprice Movers | $350 - $2,100/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $525 - $4,200 |
| 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 | $1,750 - $5,250 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,375 - $17,500 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,311 - $2,490 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items68% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Fairprice Movers | $1,750 - $4,375 |
| Piano | Any piano type77% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Fairprice Movers | $1,400 - $6,125 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling37% of local movers | $525 - $2,625 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Arnoni Moving Services LLC | $1,138 - $3,500 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $525 - $26,250+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $525 - $6,125+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Jose to San Antonio?
Look for Southwest Movers Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Texas beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
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 San Antonio, TX
Moving containers from San Jose, California, to San Antonio, Texas, cost between $1,510 and $5,170. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in San Jose runs about $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Jose to San Antonio:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,510 - $2,728
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,910 - $3,897
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,687 - $5,170
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $1,225 in San Jose, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $131 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $263 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your San Antonio, TX, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Texas 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 $1,510. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,910 - $3,897, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers San Jose to San Antonio?
- 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 San Antonio, TX
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,690 miles from San Jose, California, to San Antonio, Texas, running $1,034 - $2,831. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $941 - $1,075
- Daily insurance: $53/day
- Equipment rentals: $12 - $35
- 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 San Antonio based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,034 - $2,026
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,118 - $2,434
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,481 - $2,831
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,034 - $2,831 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from San Jose to San Antonio. Fuel ($941 - $1,075) , lodging at around $263/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?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $131 and $613.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $263.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $941 and $1,075 for the 1,690-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $1,225 for 2 movers in San Jose, California, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Jose to San Antonio?
- 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 San Antonio, TX
If you're moving a larger household from San Jose, California, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to San Antonio, Texas.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,528 and $3,085.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Jose to San Antonio:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,441 - $2,688
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,528 - $3,085
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,256 - $4,222
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $131 - $263 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in San Jose, California, for about five hours typically runs $1,225.
What are the best freight companies from San Jose to San Antonio?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- PRO Logistics (4.54/5 stars): PRO Logistics is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from San Jose to San Antonio, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: San Jose, CA vs San Antonio, TX
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in San Antonio, side by side with San Jose on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Jose, CA | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 231 | 91 |
| Average rent | $3,095/mo | $1,496/mo |
| Median home value | $1,184,000 | $216,453 |
| Average income | $141,565/yr | $62,917/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 3.8% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | None |
| Walkability score | 51/100 | 37/100 |
| Safety index | 52.27/100 | 51.94/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
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 San Antonio, TX 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 Texas, 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 1,690-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from San Jose, CA, to San Antonio, TX, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,283 - $9,975 on the 1,690-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,510 - $5,170 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,034 - $2,831 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,264 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to San Antonio tend to point to diversity and sight-seeing, though abundant stray pets and brutal summers come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Joint Base San Antonio (Three Military Bases) and H-E-B.
FAQs: Moving from San Jose, CA, to San Antonio, TX
What do local movers charge in San Jose?
Local movers based in San Jose typically start around $316 as a base rate, plus $119/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in San Antonio run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from San Jose, CA to San Antonio, TX?
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.
How much does it cost to move from San Jose, CA to San Antonio, TX?
Costs on this route range from around $1,283 to $9,975, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,283 and $9,975, 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.
How walkable is San Antonio?
San Antonio has a walkability score of 37 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 45, 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.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($941 - $1,075), daily insurance ($53/day), and equipment rentals ($12 - $35) on top. Overnight stops can add another $263/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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.
