($513+) Scottsdale, AZ to San Jose, CA Movers
Moving from Scottsdale, AZ, to San Jose, CA, runs anywhere from $513 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,824 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 719 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,635, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,824 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,024 - $3,447, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $513 - $1,386.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Scottsdale, AZ, to San Jose, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,304 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Scottsdale, AZ to San Jose, CA
Moving options from Scottsdale to San Jose fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,304 - $5,536 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 45% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 76% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 719 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 719-mile route from Scottsdale to San Jose, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,635 - $4,348, container $1,024 - $1,877, rental truck $513 - $915, freight trailer $941 - $1,655.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,304 - $5,536, container $1,262 - $2,627, rental truck $542 - $1,144, freight trailer $1,031 - $1,977.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $3,927 - $7,824, container $1,760 - $3,447, rental truck $728 - $1,386, freight trailer $1,395 - $2,811.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Scottsdale, AZ to San Jose, CA
Hiring full-service movers from Scottsdale, Arizona, to San Jose, California, costs between $1,635 and $7,824. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 719-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $481 - $3,204, 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 Scottsdale and San Jose. For a rough baseline, movers based in Scottsdale tend to start around $155 plus $85/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 Scottsdale to San Jose:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,635 - $4,348
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,304 - $5,536
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,927 - $7,824
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 Scottsdale to San Jose.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Scottsdale, AZ to San Jose, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 66% of Scottsdale movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In San Jose, 55% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $801 - $8,010 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready66% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Camelback Moving | $320 - $1,922/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $481 - $3,845 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,602 - $4,806 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,005 - $16,020 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,200 - $2,280 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving Team Six LLC | $1,602 - $4,005 |
| Piano | Any piano type35% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc. (AZ) | $1,282 - $5,607 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $481 - $2,403 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc. (AZ) | $1,041 - $3,204 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $481 - $24,030+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $481 - $5,607+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Scottsdale to San Jose?
Look for California Moving & Storage Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in California 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 full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Scottsdale, AZ. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Scottsdale, AZ to San Jose, CA
Moving containers from Scottsdale, Arizona, to San Jose, California, cost between $1,024 and $3,447. 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 Scottsdale typically runs around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Scottsdale to San Jose:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,024 - $1,877
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,262 - $2,627
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,760 - $3,447
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Scottsdale, AZ and San Jose, CA. 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 $1,121 in Scottsdale, AZ, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $120 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $240 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 Arizona to California 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 $1,024. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,262 - $2,627.
What are the best moving containers Scottsdale to San Jose?
- 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 Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale:
- B Line Movers (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.2/5), 15 years in business
- Aardvark Movers Inc (4.5/5), 23 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Scottsdale, AZ to San Jose, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 719 miles from Scottsdale, Arizona, to San Jose, California, running $513 - $1,386. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $366 - $419
- Daily insurance: $48/day
- Equipment rentals: $11 - $32
- Scottsdale daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 Scottsdale to San Jose based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $513 - $915
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $542 - $1,144
- 4+ bedrooms: $728 - $1,386
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Scottsdale to San Jose starts at $513 - $1,386, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($366 - $419), overnight lodging ($240/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
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 $120 and $561.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $240.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $366 and $419 for the 719-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 $1,121 for 2 movers in Scottsdale, Arizona, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Scottsdale to San Jose?
- 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 Scottsdale, AZ to San Jose, CA
If you're moving a larger household from Scottsdale, Arizona, 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 Jose, California.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,031 and $1,977.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Scottsdale to San Jose:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $941 - $1,655
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,031 - $1,977
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,395 - $2,811
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Scottsdale, Arizona, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $1,121.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $120 and $240 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Scottsdale to San Jose?
- 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 tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Scottsdale to San Jose. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Scottsdale, AZ vs San Jose, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in San Jose, side by side with Scottsdale on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Scottsdale, AZ | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 231 |
| Average rent | $3,300/mo | $3,095/mo |
| Median home value | $709,486 | $1,184,000 |
| Average income | $107,372/yr | $141,565/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 6.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 2.5% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 32/100 | 51/100 |
| Safety index | 74.2/100 | 52.27/100 |
| Air quality | Good | 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 Jose, CA to Scottsdale, AZ guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Arizona to California, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 228 movers licensed in Arizona, useful context for sizing up this 719-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Scottsdale, AZ, to San Jose, CA, 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 $1,635 - $7,824 on the 719-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,024 - $3,447 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $513 - $1,386 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,304 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Cisco Systems and Western Digital.
FAQs: Moving from Scottsdale, AZ, to San Jose, CA
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($366 - $419), daily insurance ($48/day), and equipment rentals ($11 - $32) on top. Overnight stops can add another $240/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Scottsdale, AZ to San Jose, CA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is San Jose a safe place to live?
San Jose has a safety index of 52.27 out of 100 and a crime index of 47.73, compared to 74.2 and 25.8 in Scottsdale. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Scottsdale movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 35% of movers in Scottsdale handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.