Quick answer: The cost to move from Tempe to San Jose ranges from $595 to $6,325 and the journey will take approximately one to six days. Key factors influencing these estimates include your moving volume, chosen moving date, and whether you opt for professional movers or handle the 718-mile move on your own.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from San Jose to Tempe guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
For a move from Tempe to San Jose, you’ll have no shortage of options. There are 47 interstate movers in your area, giving you plenty of choices… but also a big decision to make about whether to go full-service or take on more of the work yourself.
We reviewed every Tempe company against key criteria, including service variety, affordability, and what people are saying in online reviews. Only the best long-distance movers in Tempe made our final list.
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Best professional movers from Tempe to San Jose
When you’d rather skip the packing tape, heavy lifting, and scheduling hassles for your interstate move from Tempe to San Jose, full-service movers are the answer. They manage every step so you can keep your attention on the big decisions and the excitement of the move.
Here are our picks for the most reliable full-service movers ready to take you from Tempe to San Jose without the headaches.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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What moving services are available in Tempe?
How we chose the best moving companies for your AZ to CA move
The top local movers servicing Tempe to San Jose moves
It's not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Tempe that also handles long-distance moves to San Jose. With so many options, figuring out which ones you can trust takes time.
Luckily, we've done the research for you. We evaluated the top local movers in Tempe who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Tempe to San Jose.
- Mentors Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Gilbert Moving & Storage: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Camelback Moving: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- All Service Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2911596
Alternate Names: Mentors Moving & Storage of Arizona LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 3190108
Alternate Names: Gilbert Moving and Storage LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: Scottsdale Moving & Storage Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1635834
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
Company Info
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1863079
Alternate Names: ASM LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Tempe to San Jose?
Tempe movers charge $85 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,322 - $4,508 | $834 - $1,959 | $580 - $1,133 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,479 - $6,325 | $1,532 - $2,972 | $595 - $1,281 |
4+ bedrooms | $4,353 - $8,670 | $1,991 - $3,784 | $815 - $1,489 |
Cost to hire movers from Arizona to California
Planning a move from Arizona to California? For a studio or one-bedroom, you'll likely pay between $1,322 and $4,508. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,479 and $6,325 for the same journey (AZ to CA). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,353 to $8,670.
Cost of moving containers from Arizona to California
If you're relocating from Arizona to California, you'll typically spend between $834 and $1,959 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,532 up to $2,972. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $1,991 and $3,784. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Arizona.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Arizona to California
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you'll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $580 and $1,133. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $595 and $1,281. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You're likely looking at anywhere from $815 up to $1,489 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Tempe to San Jose
What to know before moving from Tempe to San Jose
Looking to trim monthly costs? San Jose usually runs cheaper than Tempe — about 32% for singles and 23% for families.
Singles average $3,674 in San Jose vs. $5,433 in Tempe; families see $8,354 vs. $6,810.
The breakdown below shows where those savings appear:
- You may want to budget more for rent in San Jose, since prices are typically 69% higher than in Tempe.
- The home prices in San Jose are 208.3% higher than in Tempe, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- You're likely to make a higher income living in San Jose, where incomes are, on average, 30.2% higher than in Tempe. Major employers in San Jose include Cisco Systems, Western Digital, and Infineon Technologies.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in San Jose. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 32.4% lower than in Tempe.
- If you're moving your family to San Jose, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in San Jose is 22.7% higher than in Tempe.
- The unemployment rate in San Jose is 22.22% higher than in Tempe.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in San Jose, since its sales taxes are 15.80% higher than what you are paying in Tempe.
- State income taxes in San Jose are 432.00% higher than in Tempe.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Tempe versus San Jose.
Tempe | San Jose | |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $256.54 | $293.08 |
Cell phone plan | $70.53 | $48.44 |
Dozen eggs | $4.75 | $4.8 |
Loaf of bread | $4.18 | $4.93 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.17 | $20.5 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80 | $100 |
Gym membership | $30 | $123.75 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Tempe than in San Jose, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Tempe than in San Jose.
- Eggs are less expensive in Tempe than in San Jose.
- Bread costs less in Tempe than in San Jose.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Tempe than in San Jose.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Tempe than in San Jose.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Tempe than in San Jose.
How life is different in Tempe vs. San Jose
San Jose | Tempe | |
---|---|---|
Population | 971,233 | 180,587 |
Transportation Score | 7 | 8 |
Walkability score | 51 | 54 |
Bike friendliness score | 62 | 75 |
Crime Index | 47.73 | 42.36 |
Safety Index | 52.27 | 57.64 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- The population of San Jose is about 438% greater than Tempe, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Getting around San Jose without a car might be more difficult than in Tempe. San Jose has a public transportation score of 7 out of 10, whereas Tempe is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- You'll find San Jose to be about as walkable as Tempe. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 51 and 54 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in San Jose, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Tempe. While Tempe has a bike-friendliness score of 75 out of 100, San Jose earned a 62. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- The crime rate in San Jose is higher than in Tempe, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 47.73 in San Jose, it is 42.36 in Tempe. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in San Jose. With a crime index of 52.27, San Jose ranks lower in overall safety than Tempe, whose index is 57.64. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- The air quality in San Jose isn't as good as it is in Tempe, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. San Jose has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Tempe is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.
Other things to consider for your Tempe vs. San Jose move
- Weather: San Jose, like most of the Bay Area, has warm to hot, dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters. The city is somewhat more sheltered from rain, giving it a semi-arid feel
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth 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: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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 verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- 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: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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
Now that you've chosen Man Jose as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in San Jose to check out.
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
Once you're settled into your new home in California, it's time to get out and discover what San Jose has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: San Jose features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, Children's Discovery Museum, The Tech Interactive, San Jose Museum of Art, and New Almaden Mercury Mining Museum.
- 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: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an San Jose Barracuda (AHL), San Jose Earthquakes (MLS), San Jose Giants (California League), or San Jose Sharks (NHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Tempe to San Jose?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Tempe to San Jose. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Tempe.
When is the cheapest time to move from Tempe to San Jose?
Because spring and fall moves from Tempe to San Jose are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Tempe to San Jose take?
The 718-mile journey from Tempe, AZ to San Jose, CA, typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Tempe offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in San Jose.
What kinds of discounts do Tempe movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In Tempe, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts. 2 movers offer special pricing for military members. 4 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
How many movers in Tempe can handle specialty items for my move to San Jose?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Tempe, 46 movers can handle pianos. 33 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of AZ, there are 65 piano movers and 45 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2175 and 1400 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.