Quick answer: Expect to pay $643 – $6,321 when moving from Tucson to San Jose, with most moves taking two to seven days. Prices depend on load size, timing, and whether you move yourself or hire help for the 821 miles.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our guide to moving from San Jose to Tucson.
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Best professional movers from Tucson to San Jose
When you’d rather skip the packing tape, heavy lifting, and scheduling hassles for your interstate move from Tucson 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.
There are 13 interstate moving companies in Tucson, here are our picks for the most reliable full-service movers ready to take you to San Jose without the headaches.
What moving services are available in Tucson?
How we chose the best movers AZ→CA movers
Top-rated movers to make your Tucson to San Jose move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Tucson that offers long-distance services to San Jose can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed top local movers in Tucson who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Tucson to San Jose.
- Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- E-Z Move: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Abba & Sons Moving LLC: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Daniel’s Moving and Storage, Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 667348
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 1966983
Alternate Names: Tucson Moving Systems, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 1921793
Alternate Names: Abba and Sons Moving, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 47
DOT #: 1293335
Alternate Names: Atlas Van Lines, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Black Wolf Moving Arizona, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Tucson to San Jose?
In Arizona, moving services typically cost around $157 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,207 – $4,150 | $823 – $1,957 | $572 – $1,134 |
2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,517 – $6,321 | $1,408 – $2,972 | $643 – $1,361 |
4+ bedrooms | $4,118 – $8,042 | $1,870 – $3,841 | $757 – $1,682 |
Cost to hire movers from Tucson to San Jose
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to San Jose from Tucson, you can expect prices to land between $1,207 and $4,150. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,517 to $6,321 for the trip from Tucson to San Jose. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $4,118 and $8,042.
Cost of moving containers from Tucson to San Jose
Moving containers from Tucson to San Jose will cost you $823 to $1,957 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,408 to $2,972. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,870 to $3,841. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Arizona.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Tucson to San Jose
Renting a moving truck from Tucson to San Jose typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $572 and $1,134 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $643 to $1,361. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $757 to $1,682.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Tucson to San Jose move

What to know before moving from Tucson to San Jose
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – San Jose runs about 54% higher for singles and 38% higher for families than Tucson.
Singles spend around $3,674 in Tucson versus $2,390 in Tucson; families pay $8,354 compared with $6,043.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
Tucson | San Jose | |
---|---|---|
Average 1 BR rent | $1,265 | $3,027 |
Average 3 BR rent | $2,177 | $5,240 |
Average home value | $327,203 | $1,453,657 |
Average income (per capita) | $61,749 | $83,421 |
Unemployment rate | 7.4% | 6.6% |
Sales tax | 8.7% | 9.38% |
State income tax | 2.5% | 13.3% |
- Planning a move to San Jose? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 139% higher than in Tucson, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in San Jose are about 344% higher than those in Tucson.
- Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 35% higher in San Jose compared to Tucson, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in San Jose, as living costs for a single person are 54% higher than in Tucson. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- 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 38% higher than in Tucson.
- The unemployment rate in San Jose is about 11% lower than in Tucson. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes in San Jose are 8% more than in Tucson, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in California are 432% above those in Arizona. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Tucson and San Jose:
Living Expense | Tucson | San Jose |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $271.98 | $293.08 |
Cell phone plan | $70.53 | $48.44 |
Dozen eggs | $4.22 | $4.80 |
Loaf of bread | $3.33 | $4.93 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $20.50 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $100.00 |
Gym membership | $35.28 | $123.75 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Tucson than in San Jose, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Tucson than in San Jose.
- Eggs are less expensive in Tucson than in San Jose.
- Bread costs less in Tucson than in San Jose.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Tucson than in San Jose.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Tucson than in San Jose.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Tucson than in San Jose.
How life is different in Tucson vs. San Jose
Tucson | San Jose | |
---|---|---|
Population | 542,629 | 971,233 |
Transportation score | 5 | 7 |
Walkability score | 43 | 51 |
Bike friendliness score | 66 | 62 |
Crime index | 54.43 | 47.73 |
Safety index | 45.57 | 52.27 |
Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- San Jose’s population is about 79% greater than Tucson.
- San Jose’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Tucson’s score of 5.
- San Jose is more walkable than Tucson with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Tucson’s 43 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 Tucson, which has a score of 66.
- San Jose’s crime rate is lower than Tucson with a score of 47.73 compared to Tucson’s 54.43. This means that San Jose neighborhoods are safer than 47.73% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tucson neighborhoods are safer than 54.43%.
- San Jose is considered to be safer than Tucson with a safety index of 52.27 vs Tucson’s 45.57.
- Air quality in San Jose is Moderate, and in Tucson it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Tucson to San Jose move
- 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, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: California’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- 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: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to San Jose. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in San Jose
Planning your move to Man Jose? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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
After settling into your new California home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, San Jose has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- 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, 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 — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering 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
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