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 recordtoggle

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Best Movers By Type

Professional Icon
Professional
Container Icon
Container
Rental Truck Icon
Rental Truck
Freight Icon
Labor Only

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
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
American Van Lines
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans

How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to WA movetoggle

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 277 California movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

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.

  1. All Reasons Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  2. Vector Moving and Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  3. Lunardi Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  4. Ninja Movers, Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  5. Trek Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/allreasonsmoving/,
91% of all reviews were positive
8% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Word of mouth meets reliability at All Reasons Moving & Storage. Out of 306 customer inputs, 90.5% were favorable, underscoring exceptional service. Clients repeatedly cite the team's professionalism, careful handling, quick and efficient moves, positive staff attitudes, and reliable communication as stand-out features.
Customers appreciate on-time arrivals, accuracy in cost estimates, and meticulous treatment of their property—qualities that set the company above most competitors. Negative feedback accounts for 8.2% of responses, mainly describing damaged items, surprise fees, or rare poor staff interactions. Most concerns focus on breakage during moves or storage and disputes about extra charges. Neutral comments, at 1.3%, describe higher-than-expected costs or minor miscommunication but rarely mention major setbacks. All Reasons earns strong trust for its emphasis on permanent, well-trained crews rather than temporary day labor—a rare trait. Compared to typical moving companies, customer input shows they provide a notably stress-free moving experience.
Show more
Get a Quote (408) 240-0244

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
https://www.facebook.com/vectormoving/, https://twitter.com/MovingVector
85% of all reviews were positive
16% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Fast moves, careful teams, and upbeat attitudes define the feedback for Vector Moving and Storage, based on 71 customer submissions. A strong 84.5% of clients praised their efficient work, respectfulness, and how gently possessions were handled. Customers frequently mentioned quick process times, professional approach, and feeling highly confident in their choice, noting the staff’s courtesy and attention to property.
Despite many stress-free experiences, 15.5% of feedback flagged recurring problems: broken items during transit, delays, larger-than-promised bills, and unresolved complaints were cited as major setbacks. While most moving companies struggle to match Vector’s ratio of glowing to problematic feedback, issues like damage, surprise add-ons, or timing should be weighed against their reputation for speed and professionalism.
Show more
Get a Quote (844) 468-6683

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
https://www.facebook.com/LunardiMovingServices/, https://twitter.com/lunardimovers
95% of all reviews were positive
4% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving made easy: Out of 544 customer feedback entries, 94.7% praised Lunardi Moving for efficiency, care with belongings, professionalism, and helpful staff. Customers repeatedly highlighted attentive and polite crews, swift moving, and careful handling of items. Some reviewers described consistent experiences across multiple moves, including delicate items and complex jobs.
A small number of clients, about 3.5%, cited higher-than-expected bills, unexpected fees, or occasional item damage. Neutral feedback often referenced additional charges or less-than-perfect estimates, despite generally satisfactory service. Compared to other moving companies, Lunardi stands out with strong service consistency and attentive staff, though clarity in quoting could be improved to match industry leaders on price transparency.
Show more
Get a Quote (408) 849-9630

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
https://www.facebook.com/ninjamoversbayarea/, https://twitter.com/ninjamovers
80% of all reviews were positive
17% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers rave about Ninja Movers’ speed, professionalism, and careful handling of belongings—80% of 500 reviews were positive. Crews consistently arrive on time, work efficiently, carefully wrap furniture, and provide helpful, polite service, making moving easier and less stressful than with other companies. Many mention clear communication from booking to completion, and several note rates are competitive.
Some feedback highlights standout customer support when issues happen. On the downside, complaints focus on items damaged during handling, surprise charges compared to initial quotes, and delivery delays. Compared to similar moving companies, Ninja Movers earns top marks for efficient operations and courteous staff, but may fall short for those expecting flawless results, zero damages, or strictly guaranteed pricing. Most customer input strongly recommends them for local and long-distance moves, but suggests carefully reviewing estimates and policies for extra peace of mind.
Show more
Get a Quote (408) 638-6963

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
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 839 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

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 Seattletoggle

The cost of San Jose movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from San Jose to Seattle (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,458, while larger moves may reach $8,583 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more — it's the busiest time of year for movers in San Jose,
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $755 to $1,739), but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

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.
  • 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.

Helpful moving resources