($1,189) Cost to Move From Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA

1. New City Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
2. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
3. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.66 out of 5 stars
4. H2H Movers Inc: 4.64 out of 5 stars
5. Move-tastic: 4.64 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Chicago to San Jose

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Chicago to San Jose, you can expect to spend between $1,189 and $4,714. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,436 to $7,370 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Chicago to San Jose typically runs between $5,889 and $10,694.

Cost of moving containers from Chicago to San Jose

When moving from Chicago to San Jose, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,182 and $3,017. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,101 to $4,559. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,854 up to $5,631. 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 Illinois.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to San Jose

Renting a moving truck in Chicago is usually your cheapest option to get to San Jose. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,156 and $2,350. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,251 and $2,714. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,647 and $3,496.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• As you consider relocating to San Jose, note that rent can be roughly 51% more expensive than it is in Chicago; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
• Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 392% higher in San Jose than in Chicago.
• Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 17% higher in San Jose compared to Chicago, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
• Since the cost of living for a single person is within 5% of the same in both San Jose and Chicago, you shouldn’t see much difference.
• Moving to San Jose could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 10% less than in Chicago.
• San Jose experiences an unemployment rate that is about 27% lower than that of Chicago. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
• Sales taxes are 8% lower in San Jose than in Chicago. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in San Jose can reduce your overall living expenses.
• Income taxes are 169% higher in California compared to Illinois. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.

• San Jose’s population is about 65% less than Chicago.
• San Jose’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
• San Jose is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Chicago’s 77 out of 100.
• San Jose has a bike-friendliness score of 62 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
• San Jose’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 47.73 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that San Jose neighborhoods are safer than 47.73% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• San Jose is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 52.27 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
• Air quality in San Jose is Moderate, and in Chicago it’s Good.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a California moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While California doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches San Jose smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
• Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Burbank
• Downtown
• Evergreen
• West San Jose
• Willow Glen

Best neighborhoods for families

• Berryessa
• Cambrian Park
• Evergreen
• West San Jose
• Willow Glen

Things to do in San Jose

After getting comfortable in your new California home, it’s time to see what San Jose is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, San Jose offers cultural landmarks like the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, Children’s Discovery Museum, The Tech Interactive, and San Jose Museum of Art.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Almaden Quicksilver County Park, Alum Rock Park, Emma Prusch Farm Park, and Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an San Jose Barracuda (AHL)San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)San Jose Giants (California League)San Jose Sharks (NHL) game.