($1,563+) San Jose, CA to Arlington, VA Movers
The cost to move from San Jose, CA to Arlington, VA ranges from $1,306 to $12,742, with an average cost of $4,550. Moves can be as low as $1,563 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,848 miles and usually takes 7 to 21 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from San Jose, CA to Arlington, VA
Moving options from San Jose to Arlington fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,306 - $12,742 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,550, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 31% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 57% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 2,848 miles and typically takes 7 to 21 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,848-mile route from San Jose to Arlington, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,306 - $6,117 | $1,947 - $3,789 | $1,609 - $3,090 | $1,735 - $3,244 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,778 - $8,223 | $2,600 - $5,071 | $1,609 - $3,430 | $1,999 - $3,972 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,631 - $12,742 | $3,623 - $7,347 | $2,098 - $4,211 | $2,761 - $5,478 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from San Jose, CA to Arlington, VA
Hiring full-service movers from San Jose, California, to Arlington, Virginia, costs between $1,306 and $12,742. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 2,848-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $613 - $4,084, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between San Jose and Arlington. For a rough baseline, movers based in San Jose tend to start around $316 plus $119/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Jose to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,306 - $6,117
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,778 - $8,223
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,631 - $12,742
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from San Jose to Arlington.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from San Jose, CA to Arlington, VA
Specialty needs vary by market: 54% of San Jose movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Arlington, 70% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing75% of local movers | $1,021 - $10,210 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready54% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage | $408 - $2,450/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $613 - $4,901 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $2,042 - $6,126 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $5,105 - $20,420 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,529 - $2,906 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage | $2,042 - $5,105 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage | $1,634 - $7,147 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling5% of local movers | $613 - $3,063 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage | $1,327 - $4,084 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $613 - $30,630+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $613 - $7,147+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Jose to Arlington?
All three below meet the standards set by the Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association, the group most Virginia movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in San Jose, CA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from San Jose, CA to Arlington, VA
Moving containers from San Jose, California, to Arlington, Virginia, cost between $1,947 and $7,347. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in San Jose runs about $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Jose to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,947 - $3,789
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,600 - $5,071
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,623 - $7,347
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $153 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $306 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $1,429 in San Jose, CA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Arlington, VA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Virginia move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,947. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,600 - $5,071.
What are the best moving containers San Jose to Arlington?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in San Jose to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in San Jose:
- Lunardi Moving (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (4.6/5), 26 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (5.0/5), 16 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Jose, CA to Arlington, VA
Renting a moving truck for the 2,848-mile move from San Jose, California, to Arlington, Virginia, costs between $1,609 and $4,211, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,850 - $2,115
- Daily insurance: $61/day
- Equipment rentals: $14 - $41
- San Jose daily rental rate: $19 - $49
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from San Jose to Arlington based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,609 - $3,090
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,609 - $3,430
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,098 - $4,211
Pro tip: A rental truck from San Jose to Arlington looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,609 - $4,211. But once you factor in fuel ($1,850 - $2,115), overnight lodging ($306/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $1,850 - $2,115 for the 2,848-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in San Jose, California, for about 5 hours typically costs around $1,429.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 2,848-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $306 per night, adding $613 - $919 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $102 and $613.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Jose to Arlington?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from San Jose, CA to Arlington, VA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from San Jose, California, to Arlington, Virginia. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,838 and $3,972.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Jose to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,735 - $3,244
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,999 - $3,972
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,761 - $5,478
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in San Jose, California, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $1,429.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $153 and $306 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from San Jose to Arlington?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Arlington quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: San Jose, CA vs Arlington, VA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Arlington, side by side with San Jose on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Jose, CA | Arlington, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 231 | 164 |
| Average rent | $3,095/mo | $2,718/mo |
| Median home value | $1,184,000 | $866,334 |
| Average income | $141,565/yr | $140,160/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 4.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 5.75% |
| Walkability score | 51/100 | 71/100 |
| Safety index | 52.27/100 | 79.15/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Arlington, VA to San Jose, CA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Virginia in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 1,154 movers based in California, handy for sizing up options on this 2,848-mile route.
Our take
A move from San Jose, CA, to Arlington, VA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,306 - $12,742 on the 2,848-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,947 - $7,347, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,609 - $4,211. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,778 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include U.S. Department of Defense and Safran.
FAQs: Moving from San Jose, CA, to Arlington, VA
How long does a move from San Jose, CA to Arlington, VA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 7 to 21 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What is the best time of year to move from San Jose, CA to Arlington, VA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. Virginia also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from San Jose, CA to Arlington, VA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
Is Arlington a safe place to live?
Arlington has a safety index of 79.15 out of 100 and a crime index of 15.67, compared to 52.27 and 47.73 in San Jose. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is Arlington?
Arlington has a walkability score of 71 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, compared to 51 and 62 in San Jose. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of San Jose movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in San Jose handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.