San Jose, CA to Arlington, VA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from San Jose to Arlington typically costs $4,500–$9,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,848 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from San Jose to Arlington
Moving from San Jose, CA to Arlington, VA typically costs $4,500–$9,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,848-mile move from San Jose to Arlington, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- PODS recently quoted $3,856 for a 2 bedroom using a moving container.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $1,979 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a rental truck.
- AB Moving recently quoted $4,884 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
2 Bedrooms
Mar 01, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 20, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 28, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 19, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 16, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 15, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 10, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 06, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 26, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 24, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from San Jose to Arlington
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from San Jose to Arlington may only cost $2,900, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $13,600.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in San Jose.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,700–$5,300), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Arlington, VA to San Jose, CA guide.
Best San Jose to Arlington movers by type
Professional
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Local
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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 Arlington
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from San Jose to Arlington. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best CA→VA movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 372 California moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from San Jose to Arlington
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Arlington runs about 87% higher for singles and 43% higher for families than San Jose.
Singles spend around $6,867 in Arlington versus $3,674 in San Jose; families pay $11,970 compared with $8,354.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| San Jose | Arlington | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,027 | $2,475 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,240 | $4,350 |
| Average home value | $1,453,657 | $810,670 |
| Average income (per capita) | $83,421 | $128,145 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,674 | $6,867 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $8,354 | $11,970 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 4.0% |
| Sales tax | 9.38% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 5.75% |
- Rent is about 12% less expensive in Arlington than in San Jose, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 44% cheaper in Arlington than in San Jose.
- Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 54% greater in Arlington than in San Jose, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Arlington, with the cost of living for a single person being 87% more than in San Jose. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Arlington, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 43% higher than in San Jose.
- Arlington has a lower unemployment rate than San Jose by about 39%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 36% cheaper in Arlington compared to San Jose. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 57% less in Virginia compared to California, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in San Jose versus Arlington:
| Living Expense | San Jose | Arlington |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $293.08 | $208.70 |
| Cell phone plan | $48.44 | $59.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.80 | $4.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.93 | $4.18 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.50 | $24.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $90.00 |
| Gym membership | $123.75 | $77.25 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in San Jose than in Arlington.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in San Jose than in Arlington.
- Eggs cost more in San Jose than in Arlington.
- Bread is more expensive in San Jose than in Arlington.
- A quick meal is cheaper in San Jose than in Arlington.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in San Jose than in Arlington.
- Gym memberships cost more in San Jose than in Arlington.
How life is different in San Jose vs. Arlington
| San Jose | Arlington | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 971,233 | 238,643 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 71 |
| Bike friendliness score | 62 | 72 |
| Crime index | 47.73 | 15.67 |
| Safety index | 52.27 | 79.15 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Arlington's population is about 75% less than San Jose.
- Arlington's public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than San Jose's score of 7.
- Arlington is more walkable than San Jose with a score of 71 out of 100 vs San Jose's 51 out of 100.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Arlington is more bike-friendly than San Jose, which has a score of 62 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Arlington's crime rate is lower than San Jose with a score of 15.67 compared to San Jose's 47.73. This means that Arlington neighborhoods are safer than 15.67% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Jose neighborhoods are safer than 47.73%.
- Arlington is considered to be safer than San Jose with a safety index of 79.15 vs San Jose's 52.27.
- Air quality in Arlington is Good, and in San Jose it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Jose to Arlington move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Virginia, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Virginia, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Arlington. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Arlington
With your sights set on , these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Arlington.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Aurora Highlands
- Ballston-Virginia Square
- Bluemont
- Clarendon-Courthouse
- Radnor-Ft Myer Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Arlington Ridge
- Barcroft
- Chain Bridge Forest
- Cherrydale
- Dominion Hills
- Forest Glen
- Lyon Village
- Penrose
- Westover Village
Things to do in Arlington
With your move to Virginia complete, you can dive right into experiencing Arlington. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Arlington is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the JW Tumbles, Ball-Sellers House Museum, David M. Brown Planetarium, and Arlington Historical Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Gravelly Point Park, Long Bridge Park, Bon Air Park, and Upton Hill Regional Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Arlington Youth Football Club game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Jose to Arlington?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from San Jose to Arlington. 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 Arlington?
Want to save on your move from San Jose to Arlington? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from San Jose to Arlington take?
The 2,848-mile move from San Jose, CA, to Arlington, VA, 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 Arlington.
What kinds of discounts do San Jose movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In San Jose, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in San Jose?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 61 movers in San Jose provide piano moving services. 53 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,294 and 1,462.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
