Moving from San Jose to Santa Clarita, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from San Jose to Santa Clarita costs between $375 to $7,129 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 309-mile route within California take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from San Jose to Santa Clarita
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from San Jose to Santa Clarita are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in San Jose to driving and unloading in Santa Clarita, 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 309 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,002 - $5,640 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,337 - $2,494 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $428 - $775 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Best California Movers | $119/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 San Jose to Santa Clarita?
It costs between $375 to $7,129 to move from San Jose to Santa Clarita. The prices below break down your 309-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,224 - $7,129
- Moving containers: $1,068 - $3,227
- Rental trucks: $375 - $1,004
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,224 - $4,303 | $1,068 - $1,795 | $375 - $703 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,002 - $5,640 | $1,337 - $2,494 | $428 - $775 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,851 - $7,129 | $1,715 - $3,227 | $484 - $1,004 |
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 | $693 - $5,775+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $119/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $120/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $462 - $1,848 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $116 - $462 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from San Jose to Santa Clarita
At 309 miles, your San Jose to Santa Clarita 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 San Jose to Santa Clarita. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 309 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from San Jose to Santa Clarita. 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 Santa Clarita to San Jose guide.
Considerations when moving from San Jose to Santa Clarita
Cost of living: San Jose vs. Santa Clarita
The cost of living in San Jose vs. Santa Clarita goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in Santa Clarita stacks up against San Jose.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| San Jose | Santa Clarita | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,095 | $3,295 |
| Average home cost | $1,184,000 | $722,430 |
| Average income (per capita) | $141,565 | $119,926 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,674 | $3,290 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,354 | $6,722 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 9.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 9.38% | 9.5% |
- Rent prices in Santa Clarita are 6% higher than in San Jose. That means you might end up spending more of your income on housing, leaving less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Santa Clarita are 39% lower than in San Jose, which may make it easier to enter the housing market and get a more affordable mortgage, freeing up your budget for other priorities.
- Income in Santa Clarita is 15% lower than in San Jose. You may need to keep a closer eye on your budget, particularly if salaries don’t match the cost of living.
- Cost of living for a single person in Santa Clarita is 10% lower than in San Jose. That means you’ll probably have more room in your budget for saving, spending, or investing.
- The living costs for a family of four are 20% lower in Santa Clarita than in San Jose. That means your money stretches further, giving you extra room in your budget and the opportunity to enjoy an even better quality of life after your move.
- Unemployment in Santa Clarita is 45% higher than in San Jose. This means job hunting may be tougher and job security less certain, especially if you’re relocating without having a job lined up.
- Sales taxes are equal in Santa Clarita and San Jose, so your move shouldn’t bring any surprises on taxable purchases.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in San Jose, expect to budget around $2,700 to maintain the same lifestyle in Santa Clarita.
How life is different in San Jose vs. Santa Clarita
As you plan your move, comparing life in San Jose vs. Santa Clarita is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and needs. Factors like population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety can significantly impact your experience in a new place. Below is a side-by-side breakdown of key differences between San Jose and Santa Clarita to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| San Jose | Santa Clarita | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 971,233 | 228,673 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 73-25 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 89ºF |
| Winter low | 42ºF | 46ºF |
| Annual rain | 17" | 18" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 47.73 | 35.92 |
Santa Clarita sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll find that Santa Clarita is about 76% less populated than San Jose. Living in a smaller city often means more peace, extra space, and lower costs, but you might miss some of the perks that come with big-city life.
- The last presidential election saw both San Jose and Santa Clarita siding with the Democratic party.
- Santa Clarita summers peak around 89°F, noticeably warmer than San Jose’s 82°F. A move here means adapting to stronger heat with lifestyle and budget changes.
- During the coldest months, both San Jose and Santa Clarita experience similar chilly lows, with temperatures near 42°F and 46°F.
- You won’t have to adjust to new weather conditions when you move from San Jose to Santa Clarita. Both spots see about the same amount of rain each year: 17 inches in San Jose and 18 inches in Santa Clarita.
- Both San Jose and Santa Clarita receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Santa Clarita has a lower crime rate than San Jose, with a crime index of 35.92 vs 47.73.
Things to do in Santa Clarita
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Santa Clarita has something for everyone.
Museums in Santa Clarita
- William S. Hart Museum & Ranch
- Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio
- The Olde World Emporium
Parks in Santa Clarita
- Santa Clarita Woodlands Park
Sports teams in Santa Clarita
- FC Santa Clarita
- i9 Sports Santa Clarita (flag football, soccer, baseball, basketball)
- Santa Clarita Sports Center (soccer)
- Santa Clarita Youth Sports (basketball, flag football, T-Ball/Softball, Volleyball)
Universities in Santa Clarita
- California Institute of the Arts
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from San Jose to Santa Clarita?
Moving your furniture from San Jose to Santa Clarita with a professional moving company usually ranges from $1,121 to $3,427. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $2,002 and $5,640. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $2,851 to $7,129 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from San Jose to Santa Clarita?
If you’re moving from San Jose to Santa Clarita and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $730 to $1,780. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $1,337 and $2,494. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,715 to $3,227.
How much is a moving truck from San Jose to Santa Clarita?
Want to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest bet. Just remember, you’ll be in charge of both the driving and the heavy lifting. To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve included average fuel costs in our pricing so you’re not caught off guard.
Renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move will typically set you back between $390 and $675. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $428 to $775. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from San Jose to Santa Clarita, rental prices generally fall between $484 and $1,004.
How far in advance should I book San Jose-to-Santa Clarita movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from San Jose to Santa Clarita at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, it’s best to book your movers at least three months ahead. The sooner you reserve your San Jose-to-Santa Clarita movers, the better the chance you’ll get affordable rates and secure the exact moving date you need. Some movers even offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Santa Clarita?
If you want to save money on your move to Santa Clarita, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May to September), when most people relocate and prices soar. By steering clear of the busy summer months, you’ll take advantage of lower demand and lower rates.
