Key factors that impact the cost of your Lafayette to San Jose movetoggle

The cost of Lafayette movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Lafayette to San Jose (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,567, while larger moves may reach $12,575 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Lafayette.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,437 to $3,579, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Lafayette to San Jose

Moving from Lafayette to San Jose comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since San Jose is generally more expensive than Lafayette, itโ€™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:

Lafayette San Jose
Average rent cost $2,825 $3,095
Average home value $214,264 $1,453,657
Average income (per capita) $59,490 $83,421
Cost of living (single person) $1,785 $3,674
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,208 $8,354
Unemployment rate 5.8% 6.6%
Sales tax 9.45% 9.38%
State income tax 4.25% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in San Jose are 10% higher than in Lafayette, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Lafayette.
    Home prices in San Jose are 578.4% higher than in Lafayette.
  • Income in San Jose is 40.2% higher than in Lafayette, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in San Jose include Cisco Systems, Western Digital, and Infineon Technologies.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in San Jose, since the cost of living for a single person in San Jose is 105.8% higher than in Lafayette. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to San Jose, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in San Jose is 98.5% higher than in Lafayette.
  • The unemployment rate in San Jose is 13.79% higher than in Lafayette.
  • Sales taxes are the same in San Jose and Lafayette.
  • State income taxes in San Jose are 212.94% higher than in Lafayette.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $6,174.79 in San Jose to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lafayette.

How life is different in Lafayette vs. San Jose

San Jose Lafayette
Population 971,233 121,374
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 7 3
Walkability score 51 42
Bike friendliness score 62 47
Crime Index 47.73 45.75
Safety Index 52.27 54.25
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • The population of San Jose is about 700% greater than Lafayette, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • San Jose offers better access to buses and trains than Lafayette, based on public transportation ratings. San Jose has a transit score of 7 out of 10 compared to 3 in Lafayette. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in San Jose means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Lafayette. San Jose is considered more walkable than Lafayette, with a score of 51 out of 100 versus 42 out of 100 in Lafayette. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, San Jose is considered more bike-friendly than Lafayette in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. San Jose has a bike-friendliness score of 62 out of 100, while Lafayette is rated as 47 out of 100.
  • You can anticipate the same crime rate in San Jose as Lafayette. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80โ€“100.
  • San Jose is generally as safe as Lafayette, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
  • The air quality in San Jose isnโ€™t as good as it is in Lafayette, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. San Jose has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Lafayette is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.

Other things to consider for your Lafayette vs. San Jose move

  • Weather: San Jose, like most of the Bay Area, has warm to hot, dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters. The city is somewhat more sheltered from rain, giving it a semi-arid feel
  • 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โ€œT Numberโ€ 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 check the status of a California moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: California doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™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. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to San Jose. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Opt for Released Value Protection โ€“ 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.

Where to live in San Jose

Ready to relocate to "Man Jose"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in San Jose.

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

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in California, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what San Jose has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: San Jose features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, Children's Discovery Museum, The Tech Interactive, San Jose Museum of Art, and New Almaden Mercury Mining Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Almaden Quicksilver County Park, Alum Rock Park, Emma Prusch Farm Park, and Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • 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), or San Jose Sharks (NHL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Lafayette to San Jose?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Lafayette to San Jose are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Lafayette are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Lafayette to San Jose?

With many people choosing to move from Lafayette to San Jose in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Lafayette to San Jose take?

Moving from Lafayette, LA to San Jose, CA covers 2,083 miles and usually takes six to 17 days. Need to move faster? Some Lafayette movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in San Jose.

Helpful moving resources