Moving from Oakland to San Jose, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Oakland to San Jose costs between $37 to $4,118 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 40-mile route within California take to days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Oakland to San Jose
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Oakland to San Jose are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Oakland to driving and unloading in San Jose, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 40 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $770 - $2,550 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $376 - $1,087 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $48 - $115 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Sweet Lemon Moving Services | $147/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Oakland to San Jose?
It costs between $37 to $4,118 to move from Oakland to San Jose. The prices below break down your 40-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $457 - $4,118
- Moving containers: $122 - $1,534
- Rental trucks: $37 - $152
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $457 - $1,445 | $122 - $830 | $37 - $98 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $770 - $2,550 | $376 - $1,087 | $48 - $115 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,317 - $4,118 | $800 - $1,534 | $64 - $152 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $588 - $4,900+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $147/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $120/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $392 - $1,568 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $98 - $392 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Oakland to San Jose
At 40 miles, your Oakland to San Jose move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Oakland to San Jose. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 40 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Oakland to San Jose. They've been in business since 2011 (15 years of experience) and 86.9% of their 634 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our San Jose to Oakland guide.
Considerations when moving from Oakland to San Jose
Cost of living: Oakland vs. San Jose
The cost of living in Oakland vs. San Jose isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in San Jose compares to what you’re used to in Oakland.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Oakland | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,200 | $3,095 |
| Average home cost | $925,411 | $1,184,000 |
| Average income (per capita) | $97,369 | $141,565 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,146 | $3,674 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,584 | $8,354 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 6.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 10.25% | 9.38% |
- Rent prices in San Jose are 41% higher than in Oakland, meaning a larger portion of your income may go toward housing, leaving less for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in San Jose are 28% higher than in Oakland, so you’ll likely need a larger down payment and can expect bigger monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- You could enjoy greater earning potential and improved financial stability in San Jose, where average income is 45% higher than in Oakland — especially if your salary is on par with the local average.
- Living costs for one person are 17% higher in San Jose compared to Oakland. Make sure to budget for these higher expenses.
- Your family’s cost of living will stay about the same in San Jose as it was in Oakland, so your finances shouldn’t see much of a change after the move.
- The unemployment rate in San Jose is 47% higher than in Oakland. This could make finding work more challenging and potentially affect job security, especially if you're moving without a job lined up.
- With sales taxes 8% lower in San Jose than Oakland, everyday expenses like meals, clothing, and electronics could be easier on your wallet.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Oakland, you’ll need about $3,510 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in San Jose.
How life is different in Oakland vs. San Jose
Before you move, check out how life in San Jose measures up to Oakland. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| Oakland | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 440,646 | 971,233 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-46 | Democratic 73-25 |
| Summer high | 72ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 44ºF | 42ºF |
| Annual rain | 24" | 17" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 68.62 | 47.73 |
San Jose sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- San Jose has a population roughly 120% higher than Oakland. Relocating to a bigger city brings more people, possibilities, cultural experiences, and higher costs and a faster paced lifestyle. Whether that energizes or exhausts you all comes down to what you’re looking for.
- During the last presidential election, both Oakland and San Jose supported the Democratic candidate.
- Summer temperatures in San Jose can reach 82°F, hotter than Oakland at 72°F. Expect warmer days, higher cooling bills, and adjustments to your daily routine.
- In the coldest months, you’ll find similar low temperatures in both Oakland and San Jose—with winter lows around 44°F and 42°F.
- Expect wetter weather in Oakland, where it averages 24 inches of rain annually—more than the 17 inches you’ll see each year in San Jose.
- Both Oakland and San Jose receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- San Jose posts a lower crime rate than Oakland, with a crime index of 47.73 compared to Oakland’s 68.62.
Things to do in San Jose
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, San Jose has plenty to offer:
Museums in San Jose
- Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
- Children's Discovery Museum
- The Tech Interactive
- San Jose Museum of Art
- New Almaden Mercury Mining Museum
Parks in San Jose
- Almaden Quicksilver County Park
- Alum Rock Park
- Emma Prusch Farm Park
- Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park
- Joseph D. Grant County Park
Sports teams in San Jose
- San Jose Barracuda (AHL)
- San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
- San Jose Giants (California League)
- San Jose Sharks (NHL)
Universities in San Jose
- San Jose State University
- San Jose City College
- Evergreen Valley College
- International Technological University
- WestMed College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Oakland to San Jose?
Shipping furniture from Oakland to San Jose with a moving company typically costs between $368 and $1,109. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $770 to $2,550. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $1,317 and $4,118 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Oakland to San Jose?
If you’re planning a move from Oakland to San Jose and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $115 and $806. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $376 to $1,087. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $800 to $1,534.
How much is a moving truck from Oakland to San Jose?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $38 and $100. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $48 and $115. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Oakland to San Jose, truck rentals usually range from $64 up to $152.
How far in advance should I book Oakland-to-San Jose movers?
To make your move from Oakland to San Jose as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to San Jose?
The cheapest time of year to move to San Jose is between early October and late April. This period is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.
