Moving from Santa Ana to San Jose, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Santa Ana to San Jose costs between $409 to $7,837 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 371-mile route within California take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Santa Ana to San Jose
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Santa Ana to San Jose are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Santa Ana 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 371 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,108 - $5,963 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,373 - $2,517 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $440 - $887 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Best Fit Movers | $75/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 Santa Ana to San Jose?
It costs between $409 to $7,837 to move from Santa Ana to San Jose. The prices below break down your 371-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,261 - $7,837
- Moving containers: $1,052 - $3,138
- Rental trucks: $409 - $1,103
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,261 - $4,215 | $1,052 - $1,941 | $409 - $725 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,108 - $5,963 | $1,373 - $2,517 | $440 - $887 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,378 - $7,837 | $1,799 - $3,138 | $551 - $1,103 |
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 | $495 - $4,125+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $75/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $110/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $330 - $1,320 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $83 - $330 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Santa Ana to San Jose
At 371 miles, your Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana to San Jose. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 371 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Santa Ana to San Jose. They've been in business since 2002 (24 years of experience) and 88.2% of their 51 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our San Jose to Santa Ana guide.
Considerations when moving from Santa Ana to San Jose
Cost of living: Santa Ana vs. San Jose
When weighing the cost of living in Santa Ana versus San Jose, there's more to consider than just housing costs. Let’s dive into important financial factors like rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends, so you can see how life in San Jose really compares to Santa Ana.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Santa Ana | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,650 | $3,095 |
| Average home cost | $657,015 | $1,184,000 |
| Average income (per capita) | $88,354 | $141,565 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $6,333 | $3,674 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,160 | $8,354 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 6.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 9.25% | 9.38% |
- Rent prices in San Jose are 17% higher than in Santa Ana. Be prepared to spend more on housing, which might mean less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in San Jose are 80% higher than in Santa Ana. This means buying a home may be tougher, with a bigger down payment and possibly higher monthly mortgage costs.
- Salaries here are, on average, 60% higher than in Santa Ana. If your earnings line up with local rates, you could experience a noticeable jump in your financial well-being.
- Living in San Jose is 42% cheaper for one person compared to Santa Ana. That means more money left in your pocket—to save, spend, or invest however you like.
- If you’re moving to San Jose, you’ll find that the cost of living is 25% lower than in Santa Ana. That means your family can save money and potentially enjoy a better quality of life after the move.
- Unemployment in San Jose is 6% lower than in Santa Ana. That means you’re headed towards a healthier job market, more career opportunities, and better economic stability in your new home.
- Sales taxes are the same in San Jose and Santa Ana, meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Santa Ana, you’d need about $1,740 in San Jose.
How life is different in Santa Ana vs. San Jose
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Santa Ana and San Jose. From weather and population to cost of living, politics, and safety, these factors can all impact your daily life. Use this side-by-side comparison to find out which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Santa Ana | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 310,227 | 971,233 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 73-25 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 47ºF | 42ºF |
| Annual rain | 13" | 17" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 54.17 | 47.73 |
San Jose sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- San Jose is about 213% larger than Santa Ana. Moving to a bigger city means more people, new opportunities, and a vibrant cultural scene, but you’ll also face higher living costs and a faster pace. Whether that sounds exciting or overwhelming comes down to what you want in your next home.
- In the most recent presidential race, both Santa Ana and San Jose leaned Democratic.
- In San Jose and Santa Ana, summer highs run about the same — 82°F vs. 82°F. You can expect similar weather and expenses.
- In the coldest months, both Santa Ana and San Jose face similar winter lows—Santa Ana drops to 47°F, while San Jose falls to 42°F.
- Both Santa Ana and San Jose receive similar amounts of rain annually—Santa Ana gets about 13 inches, while San Jose sees around 17 inches each year.
- Both Santa Ana and San Jose receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- San Jose offers more peace of mind than Santa Ana, with a lower crime index of 47.73 versus 54.17.
Things to do in San Jose
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? San Jose has it all.
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 Santa Ana to San Jose?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Santa Ana to San Jose, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $1,151 and $3,619. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $2,108 up to $5,963. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $3,378 to $7,837 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Santa Ana to San Jose?
Moving containers from Santa Ana to San Jose will cost you $720 to $1,885 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,373 to $2,517. A larger home will cost $1,799 to $3,138.
How much is a moving truck from Santa Ana to San Jose?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is typically your most budget-friendly choice. Just keep in mind, you’ll be handling all the driving and heavy lifting yourself. We’ve factored estimated fuel costs into these price estimates, so you know what to expect.
Renting a truck to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $397 to $740. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $440 and $887. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Santa Ana to San Jose, costs usually fall between $551 and $1,103.
How far in advance should I book Santa Ana-to-San Jose movers?
To make your move from Santa Ana to San Jose as easy as possible, try locking in your movers at least two months ahead of time. If you’re planning to move during the busy summer season, aim for three months in advance. Booking early gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land you better rates. Some companies even offer early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to San Jose?
For the best deals on your move to San Jose, aim for a date between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush not only saves you money, but also helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
