($1,972) Movers From Portland, ME to San Jose, CA

What to know before moving from Portland to San Jose

Moving from Portland to San Jose comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since San Jose is generally more expensive than Portland, 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:

• Rent prices in San Jose are 55% higher than in Portland, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Portland.
  Home prices in San Jose are 168.2% higher than in Portland.
• Income in San Jose is 30.0% higher than in Portland, 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 47.5% higher than in Portland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’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 37.9% higher than in Portland.
• The unemployment rate in San Jose is 26.92% higher than in Portland.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in San Jose, since the city’s sales taxes in San Jose are 70.55% higher than in Portland.
• State income taxes in San Jose are 129.31% higher than in Portland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,424.73 in San Jose to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.

How life is different in Portland vs. San Jose

• The population of San Jose is about 1,320% greater than Portland, 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 Portland, based on public transportation ratings. San Jose has a transit score of 7 out of 10 compared to 6 in Portland. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
• San Jose neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Portland. Based on its score of 51 out of 100, San Jose isn’t as walkable as Portland, which has a score of 62 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
• You probably won’t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in San Jose, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Portland. While Portland has a bike-friendliness score of 68 out of 100, San Jose earned a 62. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
• The crime rate in San Jose is higher than in Portland, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 47.73 in San Jose, it is 32.16 in Portland. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city’s crime levels.
• You may want to exercise more caution as you’re getting used to your new surroundings in San Jose. With a crime index of 52.27, San Jose ranks lower in overall safety than Portland, whose index is Portland's 67.84. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
• The air quality in San Jose isn’t as good as it is in Portland, 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 Portland 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 Portland 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 “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 check the status of a California moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: California 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 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 – 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.

Helpful moving resources