($1,245) Cost to Move From Portland, OR to San Jose, CA

1. PDX Movers: 4.78 out of 5 stars
2. All Service Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
3. 2 Brothers Moving & Delivery: 4.62 out of 5 stars
4. ANC Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
5. You Move Me: 4.62 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Portland to San Jose

When planning a move to San Jose from Portland, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,245 and $4,041. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,488 and $6,143 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,200 to $8,712.

Cost of moving containers from Portland to San Jose

When you’re heading from Portland to San Jose, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $706 and $1,689. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,258 and $2,407. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,803 to $3,380. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Oregon easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Portland to San Jose

A moving rental truck from Portland to San Jose is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $488 to $913. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $516 to $1,041, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Portland to San Jose costs around $683 to $1,350.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 102% more expensive in San Jose than in Portland. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
• Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 178% steeper in San Jose compared to Portland.
• There’s good news: the average income differences between San Jose and Portland are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
• Prepare for elevated costs in San Jose, with the cost of living for a single person being 43% more than in Portland. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
• When considering a family move to San Jose, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 37% higher than in Portland.
• San Jose and Portland have roughly the same unemployment rate (within about 5%), so you likely won’t see a major shift in job availability or competition from what you’re used to.
• San Jose has a sales tax, while Portland does not. That means you’ll pay more at checkout after your move, adding extra cost to everyday purchases.
• Income taxes are 34% more in California than in Oregon. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.

• San Jose’s population is about 49% greater than Portland.
• San Jose’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is lower than Portland’s score of 8.
• San Jose is less walkable than Portland with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Portland’s 81 out of 100.
• San Jose has a bike-friendliness score of 62 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 92.
• San Jose’s crime rate is lower than Portland with a score of 47.73 compared to Portland’s 57.37. This means that San Jose neighborhoods are safer than 47.73% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 57.37%.
• San Jose is considered to be safer than Portland with a safety index of 52.27 vs Portland’s 42.63.
• Air quality in San Jose is Moderate, and in Portland it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Portland and San Jose are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in California, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in California, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
• Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to San Jose. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

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

With your move to California complete, you can dive right into experiencing San Jose. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:

• Arts and culture: San Jose is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, Children’s Discovery Museum, The Tech Interactive, and San Jose Museum of Art.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Almaden Quicksilver County Park, Alum Rock Park, Emma Prusch Farm Park, and Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
• Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an San Jose Barracuda (AHL)San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)San Jose Giants (California League)San Jose Sharks (NHL) game.