Key factors that impact the cost of your San Jose to Port St. Lucie movetoggle

The cost of San Jose movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from San Jose to Port St. Lucie (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,687, while larger moves may reach $14,192 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in San Jose.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,988 to $4,800, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from San Jose to Port St. Lucie

Moving from San Jose to Port St. Lucie means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in San Jose than in Port St. Lucie, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how San Jose compares to Port St. Lucie so you know what to expect before you relocate:

San Jose Port St. Lucie
Average rent cost $3,095 $2,630
Average home value $1,453,657 $391,763
Average income (per capita) $83,421 $68,647
Cost of living (single person) $3,674 $2,443
Cost of living (family of 4) $8,354 $5,537
Unemployment rate 6.6% 4.9%
Sales tax 9.38% 7.0%
State income tax 13.3% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Port St. Lucie are 15% lower than in San Jose, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Port St. Lucie.
    Home prices in Port St. Lucie are 73.0% lower than in San Jose.
  • Income in Port St. Lucie is 17.7% lower than in San Jose, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Port St. Lucie include Liberty Healthcare Group, Gerelco Electrical Contractors, and St. Lucie Medical Center.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Port St. Lucie is 33.5% lower than in San Jose. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Port St. Lucie is 33.7% lower than in San Jose.
  • The unemployment rate in Port St. Lucie is 25.76% lower than in San Jose.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Port St. Lucie, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Port St. Lucie are 25.37% lower than in San Jose.
  • One perk of moving to Port St. Lucie is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in San Jose.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,994.83 in Port St. Lucie to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Jose.

How life is different in San Jose vs. Port St. Lucie

Port St. Lucie San Jose
Population 204,851 971,233
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 1 7
Walkability score 13 51
Bike friendliness score 36 62
Crime Index 35.03 47.73
Safety Index 64.97 52.27
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Port St. Lucie might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 79% less than San Jose.
  • Getting around Port St. Lucie without a car might be more difficult than in San Jose. Port St. Lucie has a public transportation score of 1 out of 10, whereas San Jose is ranked 7. Ratings are based on a cityโ€™s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Port St. Lucie neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as San Jose. Based on its score of 13 out of 100, Port St. Lucie isnโ€™t as walkable as San Jose, which has a score of 51 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
  • You probably wonโ€™t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Port St. Lucie, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than San Jose. While San Jose has a bike-friendliness score of 62 out of 100, Port St. Lucie earned a 36. 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.
  • Port St. Lucie has a lower crime rate than San Jose based on scores of 35.03 and San Jose's 47.73, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
  • You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Port St. Lucie than in San Jose, based on Port St. Lucieโ€™s safety index of 64.97 versus 52.27 for San Jose. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • You can breathe easy knowing that Port St. Lucie has better air quality than in San Jose. Port St. Lucie has Good air quality, compared to moderate in San Jose. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.

Other things to consider for your San Jose vs. Port St. Lucie move

  • Weather: Port St. Lucie summers are usually hot, with high temperatures averaging in the low 90s. Winters are usually mild to warm, with average high temperatures in the 70s. Port St. Lucie is also vulnerable to hurricanes.
  • 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: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services โ€“ Division of Consumer Services. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Florida moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Florida does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Port St. Lucie. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover's liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Port St. Lucie

Now that you've decided to make the move to "PSL", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Port St. Lucie.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown
  • Sandpiper Bay
  • Torino
  • Southbend
  • River Park

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Tradition
  • St. Lucie West
  • Becker Ridge
  • Gatlin Pines
  • Magnolia Lakes

Things to do in Port St. Lucie

Now that you've made the move to Florida, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Port St. Lucie. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Port St. Lucie, such as the Treasure Coast Model Railroad Club and PGA Historical Center.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Veterans Park at Rivergate, Oak Hammock Park, and River Park Marina โ€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an St. Lucie Mets (Low-A) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from San Jose to Port St. Lucie?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from San Jose to Port St. Lucie are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in San Jose are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from San Jose to Port St. Lucie?

With many people choosing to move from San Jose to Port St. Lucie 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 San Jose to Port St. Lucie take?

Moving from San Jose, CA to Port St. Lucie, FL covers 2,884 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days. Need to move faster? Some San Jose movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Port St. Lucie.

Helpful moving resources