Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The cost to move from San Jose to Charlotte ranges from $2,063 to $9,340 and the journey will take approximately seven to 21 days. Key factors influencing these estimates include your moving volume, chosen moving date, and whether you opt for professional movers or handle the 2,674-mile move on your own.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Charlotte to San Jose guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from San Jose to Charlotte
Choosing a long-distance mover for your move from San Jose to Charlotte can be tough. With so many options, it's hard to know which companies you can actually trust.
Skip the hassle of endless research — we've narrowed down the top choices for you. We picked these movers based on real reviews, competitive pricing, and the variety of services they offer.
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Safeway Moving
 Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran ownedBest overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned |
American Van Lines
Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-ownedCertified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned |
Allied Van Lines
Specialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experienceSpecialty packing services
White-glove reputation
80+ years' experience |
Mayzlin Relocation
Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricingFamily owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing |
North American Van Lines
1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans |
How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to NC move
Local moving companies in San Jose
- Lunardi Moving: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- All Reasons Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Vector Moving and Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Trek Movers: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Ninja Movers, Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0190625
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2762936
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0189789
Years in Business: 33
DOT #: 70719
Alternate Names: All Reasons Moving and Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191802
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3152229
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191848
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2967361
Alternate Names: Ninja Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from San Jose to Charlotte?
San Jose movers charge $119 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 | $1,613 - $6,680 | $1,644 - $4,138 | $1,776 - $3,443 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,698 - $9,340 | $3,100 - $6,149 | $2,063 - $4,226 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $9,281 - $15,661 | $3,983 - $8,289 | $2,406 - $5,288 |
Cost to hire movers from California to North Carolina
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from California to North Carolina, you can expect to spend between $1,613 and $6,680. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $4,698 to $9,340 on the same route (CA to NC). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from California to North Carolina typically runs between $9,281 and $15,661.
Cost of moving containers from California to North Carolina
When you’re heading from California to North Carolina, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,644 and $4,138. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $3,100 and $6,149. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,983 to $8,289. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from California easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to North Carolina
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,776 and $3,443. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $2,063 and $4,226. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $2,406 and $5,288.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that influence moving costs from San Jose to Charlotte
What to know before moving from San Jose to Charlotte
Moving from San Jose to Charlotte means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in San Jose than in Charlotte, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how San Jose compares to Charlotte so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| San Jose | Charlotte | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,095 | $1,790 |
| Average home value | $1,453,657 | $391,658 |
| Average income (per capita) | $83,421 | $64,814 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,674 | $3,158 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,354 | $8,325 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 3.3% |
| Sales tax | 9.38% | 7.25% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.5% |
- Rent prices in Charlotte are 42% lower than in San Jose, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Charlotte.
Home prices in Charlotte are 73.1% lower than in San Jose. - Income in Charlotte is 22.3% lower than in San Jose, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Charlotte — including Atrium Health, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, and Bank of America — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Charlotte. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 14.0% lower than in San Jose.
- The cost of living for a family is the same in Charlotte and San Jose.
- The unemployment rate in Charlotte is 50.00% lower than in San Jose.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Charlotte, since the city's sales taxes in Charlotte are 22.71% lower than in San Jose.
- One perk of moving to Charlotte is paying less in state income taxes, which are 66.17% lower than in San Jose.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,578.66 in Charlotte 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. Charlotte
| Charlotte | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 874,579 | 971,233 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 26 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 31 | 62 |
| Crime Index | 46.52 | 47.73 |
| Safety Index | 53.48 | 52.27 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- Charlotte might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 10% less than San Jose.
- Getting around Charlotte without a car might be more difficult than in San Jose. Charlotte has a public transportation score of 5 out of 10, whereas San Jose is ranked 7. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Charlotte neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as San Jose. Based on its score of 26 out of 100, Charlotte isn'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 won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Charlotte, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than San Jose. While San Jose has a bike-friendliness score of 62 out of 100, Charlotte earned a 31. 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.
- You can anticipate the same crime rate in Charlotte as San Jose. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80–100.
- Charlotte is generally as safe as San Jose, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
- The air quality in Charlotte and San Jose is generally the same (Moderate). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your San Jose vs. Charlotte move
- Weather: Charlotte has a moderate climate. Your move is unlikely to be affected by the weather although, the rare snow day in the wintertime could make the road conditions difficult to drive on.
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in North Carolina, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While North Carolina doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Charlotte without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Charlotte
Ready to relocate to Queen City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Charlotte.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Belmont
- Dilworth
- Elizabeth
- First Ward
- Freedom Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Providence Crossing
- Ballantyne West
- Davidson
- Tega Cay
- Provincetown
Things to do in Charlotte
After settling into your new North Carolina home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Charlotte has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Charlotte features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Billy Graham Library, Carolinas Aviation Museum, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fire Education Center and Museum, and Charlotte Nature Museum in Freedom Park.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Arequipa Park, Baxter Street Park, Fourth Ward Park, and Frazier 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 Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, Charlotte FC, or Charlotte Checkers game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Jose to Charlotte?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from San Jose to Charlotte. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in San Jose.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Jose to Charlotte?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from San Jose to Charlotte moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from San Jose to Charlotte take?
Covering 2,674 miles, the move from San Jose, CA to Charlotte, NC typically takes seven to 21 days. Some San Jose movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Charlotte can help bridge the gap.
