The best local movers for Ann Arbor to San Jose moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Ann Arbor that also handles long-distance moves to San Jose. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 32 local movers in Ann Arbor who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Ann Arbor to San Jose.
- Handle With Care Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Campus Concepts: Moving & Storage: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Corrigan Moving Systems: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Men on the Move: 4.28 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 359936
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 808976
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 36269
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2582190
Alternate Names: Wondermove
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 117864
Years in Business: 74
DOT #: 77949
Alternate Names: Corrigan Moving Systems , Midland Moving & Storage Company , Corrigan United Moving & Storage Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 33371
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 29
DOT #: 760250
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Ann Arbor to San Jose?
The average hourly rate for movers in Michigan is . Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,347 – $5,562 | $1,291 – $3,143 | $1,380 – $2,542 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,836 – $8,111 | $2,181 – $4,757 | $1,438 – $2,903 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,998 – $12,304 | $2,999 – $6,392 | $1,724 – $3,859 |
Cost to hire movers from Ann Arbor to San Jose
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Ann Arbor to San Jose will cost between $1,347 and $5,562. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Ann Arbor to Ann Arbor will range from $3,836 to $8,111, and a large move from Ann Arbor to San Jose will cost from $6,998 to $12,304.
Cost of moving containers from Ann Arbor to San Jose
If you’re moving from Ann Arbor to San Jose, expect to pay between $1,291 and $3,143 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,181 up to $4,757. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,999 and $6,392. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Michigan.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Ann Arbor to San Jose
Renting a moving truck from Ann Arbor to San Jose is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,380 and $2,542. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,438 and $2,903. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,724 up to $3,859 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Ann Arbor to San Jose

What to know before moving from Ann Arbor to San Jose
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – San Jose runs about 69% higher for singles and 56% higher for families than Ann Arbor.
Singles spend around $3,674 in Ann Arbor versus $2,176 in Ann Arbor; families pay $8,354 compared with $5,344.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Ann Arbor | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,831 | $3,027 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,763 | $5,240 |
| Average home value | $474,909 | $1,453,657 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,964 | $83,421 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,176 | $3,674 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,344 | $8,354 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 9.38% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 13.3% |
- Rent is estimated to be 37% higher in San Jose compared to Ann Arbor; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 206% greater in San Jose than in Ann Arbor.
- Here’s some promising news: the average income is around 25% higher in San Jose than in Ann Arbor, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in San Jose, since the cost of living for a single person in San Jose is 69% higher than in Ann Arbor. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- When relocating to San Jose, it’s important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in San Jose is 56% greater than in Ann Arbor.
- In San Jose, the unemployment rate is approximately 89% higher than in Ann Arbor, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes rise by 56% in San Jose over Ann Arbor, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Income taxes are 213% higher in California than in Michigan, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Ann Arbor and San Jose:
| Living Expense | Ann Arbor | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $158.05 | $293.08 |
| Cell phone plan | $48.64 | $48.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $2.70 | $4.80 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.60 | $4.93 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $20.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $44.00 | $123.75 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Ann Arbor than in San Jose, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Ann Arbor than in San Jose.
- Eggs are less expensive in Ann Arbor than in San Jose.
- Bread costs less in Ann Arbor than in San Jose.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Ann Arbor than in San Jose.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Ann Arbor than in San Jose.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Ann Arbor than in San Jose.
How life is different in Ann Arbor vs. San Jose
| Ann Arbor | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 123,851 | 971,233 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 52 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 71 | 62 |
| Crime index | 31.0 | 47.73 |
| Safety index | 79.18 | 52.27 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- San Jose’s population is about 684% greater than Ann Arbor.
- San Jose’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Ann Arbor, making them very similar.
- San Jose and Ann Arbor are similarly walkable.
- San Jose has a bike-friendliness score of 62 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Ann Arbor, which has a score of 71.
- San Jose’s crime rate is higher than Ann Arbor with a score of 47.73 compared to Ann Arbor’s 31.0. This means that San Jose neighborhoods are safer than 47.73% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0%.
- San Jose is considered to be less safe than Ann Arbor with a score of 52.27 vs Ann Arbor’s 79.18.
- Air quality in San Jose is Moderate, and in Ann Arbor it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Ann Arbor to San Jose move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status 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: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to San Jose. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in San Jose
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to Man Jose, these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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 you’re settled into your new home in California, it’s time to get out and discover what San Jose has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout San Jose, such as 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites 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 Ann Arbor to San Jose?
When is the cheapest time to move from Ann Arbor to San Jose?
How long does a move from Ann Arbor to San Jose take?
Who can move pianos or antiques in Ann Arbor?
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