Quick answer: Expect to pay $1,794 – $8,547 when moving from Washington DC to San Jose, with most moves taking seven to 21 days. Prices depend on load size, timing, and whether you move yourself or hire help for the 2,843 miles.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our guide to moving from San Jose to Washington DC.
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Best professional movers from Washington DC to San Jose
When you’d rather skip the packing tape, heavy lifting, and scheduling hassles for your interstate move from Washington DC to San Jose, full-service movers are the answer. They manage every step so you can keep your attention on the big decisions and the excitement of the move.
There are 71 interstate moving companies in Washington DC, here are our picks for the most reliable full-service movers ready to take you to San Jose without the headaches.
What moving services are available in Washington DC?
How we chose the best movers MD→CA movers
Top-rated movers to make your Washington DC to San Jose move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Washington DC that offers long-distance services to San Jose can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed top local movers in Washington DC who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Washington DC to San Jose.
- Olympia Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- BoxStar Movers: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Artisan Movers: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- 495 Movers, Inc: 4.9 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 70719
Years in Business: 32
DOT #: 70719
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 373544
Years in Business: 45
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Gentle Giant Moving Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $145/hr
Years in Business: 4
DOT #: 3455884
Alternate Names: BoxStar Moving Services , BoxStar Moving Services, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2957382
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2957382
Alternate Names: Artisan Movers Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 1893270
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 1893270
Services Offered
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
How much does it cost to move from Washington DC to San Jose?
In Maryland, moving services typically cost around $125 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,357 – $5,606 | $1,479 – $3,911 | $1,657 – $3,308 |
2 – 3 bedrooms | $4,092 – $8,547 | $2,730 – $5,598 | $1,794 – $3,788 |
4+ bedrooms | $7,388 – $13,244 | $3,658 – $7,487 | $2,337 – $4,511 |
Cost to hire movers from Washington DC to San Jose
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to San Jose from Washington DC, you can expect prices to land between $1,357 and $5,606. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $4,092 to $8,547 for the trip from Washington DC to San Jose. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $7,388 and $13,244.
Cost of moving containers from Washington DC to San Jose
Moving containers from Washington DC to San Jose will cost you $1,479 to $3,911 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,730 to $5,598. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,658 to $7,487. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Maryland.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Washington DC to San Jose
Renting a moving truck from Washington DC to San Jose typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,657 and $3,308 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,794 to $3,788. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $2,337 to $4,511.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Washington DC to San Jose move

What to know before moving from Washington DC to San Jose
Many movers find San Jose easier on the wallet than Washington DC – roughly 7% less for singles and 25% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,674 for one person in San Jose versus $3,963 in Washington DC. For a family of four, it’s $8,354 compared with $11,093.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
Washington DC | San Jose | |
---|---|---|
Average 1 BR rent | $2,568 | $3,027 |
Average 3 BR rent | $5,417 | $5,240 |
Average home value | $594,337 | $1,453,657 |
Average income (per capita) | $101,722 | $83,421 |
Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 6.6% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 9.38% |
State income tax | 5.75% | 13.3% |
- Planning a move to San Jose? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 29% higher than in Washington DC, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in San Jose are about 145% higher than those in Washington DC.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 18% lower in San Jose compared to Washington DC.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in San Jose, as the cost of living for a single person is 7% lower compared to Washington DC.
- A move to San Jose can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 25% less than what it costs in Washington DC.
- The unemployment rate in San Jose is about 6% lower than in Washington DC. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes in San Jose are 56% more than in Washington DC, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in California are 131% above those in Maryland. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Washington DC and San Jose:
Living Expense | Washington DC | San Jose |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $191.62 | $293.08 |
Cell phone plan | $65.80 | $48.44 |
Dozen eggs | $4.67 | $4.80 |
Loaf of bread | $4.43 | $4.93 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.50 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $120.00 | $100.00 |
Gym membership | $103.76 | $123.75 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Washington DC than in San Jose, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Washington DC than in San Jose.
- Eggs are less expensive in Washington DC than in San Jose.
- Bread costs less in Washington DC than in San Jose.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Washington DC than in San Jose.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Washington DC than in San Jose.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Washington DC than in San Jose.
How life is different in Washington DC vs. San Jose
Washington DC | San Jose | |
---|---|---|
Population | 672,079 | 971,233 |
Transportation score | 9 | 7 |
Walkability score | 77 | 51 |
Bike friendliness score | 70 | 62 |
Crime index | 60.37 | 47.73 |
Safety index | 39.63 | 52.27 |
Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- San Jose’s population is about 45% greater than Washington DC.
- San Jose’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is lower than Washington DC’s score of 9.
- San Jose is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Washington DC’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 Washington DC, which has a score of 70.
- San Jose’s crime rate is lower than Washington DC with a score of 47.73 compared to Washington DC’s 60.37. This means that San Jose neighborhoods are safer than 47.73% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37%.
- San Jose is considered to be safer than Washington DC with a safety index of 52.27 vs Washington DC’s 39.63.
- Air quality in San Jose is Moderate, and in Washington DC it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Washington DC to San Jose move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: California’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- 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 San Jose. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in San Jose
Planning your move to Man Jose? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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
After settling into your new California home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, San Jose has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- 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, 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 — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an San Jose Barracuda (AHL)San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)San Jose Giants (California League)San Jose Sharks (NHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Washington DC to San Jose?
When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to San Jose?
How long does a move from Washington DC to San Jose take?
Are there special savings available from movers in Washington DC?
Are piano and antique moving services available in Washington DC?
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