Factors influencing moving costs from San Jose to Baltimoretoggle

The cost of San Jose movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from San Jose to Baltimore can be as low as $1,703 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 13,504.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in San Jose, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,864 to $4,964. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from San Jose to Baltimore

Moving from San Jose to Baltimore 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 Baltimore, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how San Jose compares to Baltimore so you know what to expect before you relocate:

San Jose Baltimore
Average rent cost $3,095 $1,600
Average home value $1,453,657 $180,790
Average income (per capita) $83,421 $58,349
Cost of living (single person) $3,674 $2,223
Cost of living (family of 4) $8,354 $5,088
Unemployment rate 6.6% 7.9%
Sales tax 9.38% 6.0%
State income tax 13.3% 5.75%
  • Rent prices in Baltimore are 48% 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 Baltimore.
    Home prices in Baltimore are 87.6% lower than in San Jose.
  • Income in Baltimore is 30.1% lower than in San Jose, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Baltimore include Social Security Administration, Laureate International Universities, and Fitch Co.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Baltimore is 39.5% lower than in San Jose. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Baltimore is 39.1% lower than in San Jose.
  • The unemployment rate in Baltimore is 19.70% higher than in San Jose.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Baltimore, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Baltimore are 36.03% lower than in San Jose.
  • One perk of moving to Baltimore is paying less in state income taxes, which are 56.77% lower than in San Jose.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,815.19 in Baltimore 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. Baltimore

Baltimore San Jose
Population 585,708 971,233
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 7
Walkability score 64 51
Bike friendliness score 53 62
Crime Index 72.72 47.73
Safety Index 27.28 52.27
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Baltimore's population is about 40% less than San Jose.
  • Baltimore's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus San Jose's lower score of 7.
  • Baltimore is more walkable than San Jose with a score of 64 out of 100 vs San Jose's 51 out of 100.
  • Baltimore has a bike-friendliness score 53 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as San Jose, which has a score of 62 out of 100.
  • Baltimore's crime rate is higher than San Jose with a score of 72.72 compared to San Jose's 47.73. This means that Baltimore neighborhoods are safer than 72.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Jose neighborhoods are safer than 47.73%.
  • Baltimore is considered to be less safe than San Jose with a score of 27.28 vs San Jose's 52.27.
  • Air quality in Baltimore is good, and in San Jose it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your San Jose vs. Baltimore move

  • Weather: Baltimore has long hot summers, cool winters, and a summer peak to annual precipitation. Spring and autumn are warm, with spring being the wettest season in terms of the number of precipitation days.
  • 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: Although a local license is not required in Maryland, make sure the moving company youโ€™ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโ€™re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Maryland moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Maryland 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 Baltimore. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.In Alabama, Released Value Protection stands out as the most economical option, incurring no additional costs. Provided by movers at no extra charge, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For those seeking comprehensive coverage, it is advisable to consult with your chosen moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Baltimore

Now that you've decided to make the move to "America's Comeback Cit", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Baltimore.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Federal Hill
  • Fells Point
  • Mid-Town Belvedere
  • Mount Vernon
  • South Baltimore

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Catonsville
  • Mount Washington
  • Pikesville
  • Roland Park
  • Towson

Things to do in Baltimore

Now that you've made the move to Maryland, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Baltimore. 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 Baltimore, such as the The Walters Art Museum, American Visionary Art Museum, Baltimore Museum of Art, B&O Railroad Museum, and Baltimore Museum of Industry.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Federal Hill Park, Patterson Park, Canton Waterfront Park, and Leakin Park 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 Baltimore Orioles (MLB) and Baltimore Ravens (NFL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from San Jose to Baltimore?

The best time to move from San Jose to Baltimore is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in San Jose.

When is the cheapest time to move from San Jose to Baltimore?

Because most people are moving from San Jose to Baltimore in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from San Jose to Baltimore take?

The 2,846-mile move from San Jose, CA, to Baltimore, MD, takes seven to 21 days. Some San Jose movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Baltimore.

Helpful moving resources