Quick answer: A move from San Jose to Seattle costs $785–$6,943 and takes two to seven days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 839-mile move yourself.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Seattle to San Jose guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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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 Seattle
Choosing a long-distance mover for your trip from San Jose to Seattle can be tough. With so many options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed about who you can truly count on.
Save yourself the hassle of sorting through countless moving companies — we've already narrowed down the best for you. Our favorites earned their spots thanks to rave reviews, budget-friendly prices, and versatile services to suit any type of move.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to WA move
The top local movers servicing San Jose to Seattle moves
It's not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in San Jose that also handles long-distance moves to Seattle. With so many options, figuring out which ones you can trust takes time.
Luckily, we've done the research for you. We evaluated the top local movers in San Jose who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from San Jose to Seattle.
- All Reasons Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Vector Moving and Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Lunardi Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Ninja Movers, Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Trek Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0189789
Years in Business: 33
DOT #: 70719
Alternate Names: All Reasons Moving and Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191802
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3152229
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190625
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2762936
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191848
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2967361
Alternate Names: Ninja Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from San Jose to Seattle?
San Jose movers charge $119 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,458 - $5,531 | $943 - $2,409 | $755 - $1,316 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,857 - $6,943 | $1,766 - $3,587 | $785 - $1,547 |
4+ bedrooms | $4,839 - $9,995 | $2,372 - $4,326 | $933 - $2,034 |
Cost to hire movers from California to Washington
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Washington will cost between $1,458 and $5,531. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from CA to WA will range from $2,857 to $6,943, and a large move from California to Washington will cost from $4,839 to $9,995.
Cost of moving containers from California to Washington
Moving from California to Washington? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $943 and $2,409. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,766 to $3,587. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,372 up to $4,326. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Washington
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $755 and $1,316 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $785 to $1,547. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $933 to $2,034.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors that influence moving costs from San Jose to Seattle
What to know before moving from San Jose to Seattle
Moving from San Jose to Seattle comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Seattle is generally more expensive than San Jose, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
San Jose | Seattle | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $3,095 | $1,975 |
Average home value | $1,453,657 | $842,068 |
Average income (per capita) | $83,421 | $77,845 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,674 | $3,740 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,354 | $9,801 |
Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 4.8% |
Sales tax | 9.38% | 10.35% |
State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Seattle are 36% lower than in San Jose, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Seattle.
Home prices in Seattle are 42.1% lower than in San Jose. - Income in Seattle is 6.7% lower than in San Jose, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Seattle — including Amazon.com, Starbucks, and Costco Wholesale — may pay more.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Seattle, since the cost of living for a single person in Seattle is 1.8% higher than in San Jose. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Seattle, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Seattle is 17.3% higher than in San Jose.
- The unemployment rate in Seattle is 27.27% lower than in San Jose.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Seattle, since its sales taxes are 10.34% higher than what you are paying in San Jose.
- One perk of moving to Seattle is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in San Jose.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,053.89 in Seattle to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Jose.
How life is different in San Jose vs. Seattle
Seattle | San Jose | |
---|---|---|
Population | 737,015 | 971,233 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 7 |
Walkability score | 74 | 51 |
Bike friendliness score | 71 | 62 |
Crime Index | 58.88 | 47.73 |
Safety Index | 49.23 | 52.27 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Seattle's population is about 24% less than San Jose.
- Seattle's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus San Jose's lower score of 7.
- Seattle is more walkable than San Jose with a score of 74 out of 100 vs San Jose's 51 out of 100.
- With a score of 71 out of 100, Seattle 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 they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Seattle's crime rate is higher than San Jose with a score of 58.88 compared to San Jose's 47.73. This means that Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Jose neighborhoods are safer than 47.73%.
- Seattle and San Jose are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Seattle is good, and in San Jose it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Jose vs. Seattle move
- Weather: Although Seattle has a reputation for frequent rain, the climate in Seattle is very unlikely to affect your move.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- 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: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Washington moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Washington doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Seattle. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers' insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Seattle
Now that you've decided to make the move to Emerald City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Seattle.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Ballard
- Capitol Hill
- Fremont
- Lower Queen Anne
- South Lake Union
Best neighborhoods for families
- Greenwood
- Laurelhurst
- Magnolia
- Upper Queen Anne
- West Seattle
Things to do in Seattle
After getting comfortable in your new Washington home, it's time to see what Seattle is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Seattle include museums and art centers like the Museum of Popular Culture (MoPOP), Olympic Sculpture Park, National Nordic Museum, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and Museum of Flight.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Discovery Park, Olympic Sculpture Park, Green Lake Park, and Carkeek Park — and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Seattle Seahawks (NFL), Seattle Mariners (MLB), Seattle Kraken (NHL), or Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Jose to Seattle?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from San Jose to Seattle are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in San Jose. are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Jose to Seattle?
Because most people are moving from San Jose to Seattle in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from San Jose to Seattle take?
Moving from San Jose, CA to Seattle, WA covers 839 miles and usually takes two to seven days Need to move faster? Some San Jose movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Seattle.