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Top local movers for Houston to San Jose moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Houston that also provides long-distance services to San Jose can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 49 local movers in Houston who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Houston to San Jose.
- A Better Tripp Moving & Storage: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Square Cow: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 005972633C
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 679167
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 000534796B
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1914113
Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 007018347C
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 006362543C
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1748594
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 0000005457
Years in Business: 56
DOT #: 436264
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Houston to San Jose?
Movers in Texas generally charge an average of $131 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,251 – $4,651 | $1,117 – $2,813 | $1,072 – $2,127 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,154 – $7,140 | $2,008 – $3,958 | $1,160 – $2,431 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,018 – $10,094 | $2,639 – $5,382 | $1,507 – $3,007 |
Cost to hire movers from Houston to San Jose
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Houston to San Jose typically costs between $1,251 and $4,651. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,154 and $7,140 when moving from Houston to San Jose. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Houston to San Jose, you’re looking at costs ranging from $6,018 up to $10,094.
Cost of moving containers from Houston to San Jose
If you’re relocating from Houston to San Jose, you’ll typically spend between $1,117 and $2,813 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,008 up to $3,958. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,639 and $5,382. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Texas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Houston to San Jose
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Houston to San Jose move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,072 and $2,127. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,160 to $2,431. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,507 and $3,007.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Houston to San Jose
The cost of Houston movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Houston to San Jose might be as low as $2,493, while a four-bedroom could reach $10,160.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Houston.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $1,072 to $2,773 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Houston to San Jose
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – San Jose runs about 33% higher for singles and 17% higher for families than Houston.
Singles spend around $3,674 in Houston versus $2,770 in Houston; families pay $8,354 compared with $7,157.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Houston | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,658 | $3,027 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,195 | $5,240 |
| Average home value | $263,945 | $1,453,657 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,833 | $83,421 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,770 | $3,674 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,157 | $8,354 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 9.38% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 100% higher in San Jose than in Houston, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 451% higher in San Jose than in Houston.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 19% higher in San Jose than in Houston, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in San Jose, as the cost of living for a single person in San Jose is 33% greater than in Houston. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- As you plan your move to San Jose, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 17% more than it is in Houston.
- The unemployment rate in San Jose exceeds that of Houston by about 61%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes in San Jose exceed those in Houston by 14%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- California has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Houston and San Jose, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Houston | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.52 | $293.08 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.77 | $48.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.11 | $4.80 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.05 | $4.93 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $20.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $38.29 | $123.75 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Houston than in San Jose, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Houston than in San Jose.
- Eggs are less expensive in Houston than in San Jose.
- Bread costs less in Houston than in San Jose.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Houston than in San Jose.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Houston than in San Jose.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Houston than in San Jose.
How life is different in Houston vs. San Jose
| Houston | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,301,572 | 971,233 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 47 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 49 | 62 |
| Crime index | 63.5 | 47.73 |
| Safety index | 36.5 | 52.27 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- San Jose’s population is about 58% less than Houston.
- San Jose’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Houston’s score of 5.
- San Jose is more walkable than Houston with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Houston’s 47 out of 100.
- With a score of 62 out of 100, San Jose is more bike-friendly than Houston, which has a score of 49 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- San Jose’s crime rate is lower than Houston with a score of 47.73 compared to Houston’s 63.5. This means that San Jose neighborhoods are safer than 47.73% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5%.
- San Jose is considered to be safer than Houston with a safety index of 52.27 vs Houston’s 36.5.
- Air quality in San Jose is Moderate, and in Houston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Houston to San Jose move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in California, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to San Jose without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in San Jose
Ready to relocate to Man Jose? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in San Jose.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Burbank
- Downtown
- Evergreen
- West San Jose
- Willow Glen
Best neighborhoods for families
- Berryessa
- Cambrian Park
- Evergreen
- West San Jose
- Willow Glen
Things to do in San Jose
Now that you’ve made the move to California, it’s the perfect time to explore San Jose. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in San Jose include museums and art centers like the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, Children’s Discovery Museum, The Tech Interactive, and San Jose Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Almaden Quicksilver County Park, Alum Rock Park, Emma Prusch Farm Park, and Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an San Jose Barracuda (AHL)San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)San Jose Giants (California League)San Jose Sharks (NHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Houston to San Jose?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Houston to San Jose. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Houston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Houston to San Jose?
With many people choosing to move from Houston to San Jose in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Houston to San Jose take?
Covering 1,886 miles, the move from Houston, TX to San Jose, typically takes five to 16 days. Some Houston movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in San Jose can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Houston offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 2 movers provide military discounts. 2 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Houston can handle specialty items for my move to San Jose?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Houston, 27 movers can handle pianos. 15 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of TX, there are 180 piano movers and 125 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
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Houston moving services
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