($1,637) Movers From Billings, MT to San Jose, CA

What to know before moving from Billings to San Jose

Moving from Billings to San Jose comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since San Jose is generally more expensive than Billings, 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 138% higher than in Billings, 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 Billings.
  Home prices in San Jose are 280.9% higher than in Billings.
• Income in San Jose is 31.3% higher than in Billings, 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 107.2% higher than in Billings. 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 84.2% higher than in Billings.
• The unemployment rate in San Jose is 60.98% higher than in Billings.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in San Jose, since the city’s sales taxes in San Jose are 9.38% higher than in Billings.
• State income taxes in San Jose are 97.04% higher than in Billings.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $6,216.58 in San Jose to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Billings.

How life is different in Billings vs. San Jose

• The population of San Jose is about 427% greater than Billings, 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 Billings, based on public transportation ratings. San Jose has a transit score of 7 out of 10 compared to 3 in Billings. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
• Living in San Jose means you’ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Billings. San Jose is considered more walkable than Billings, with a score of 51 out of 100 versus 35 out of 100 in Billings. A city’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 Billings 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 Billings is rated as 47 out of 100.
• You can anticipate the same crime rate in San Jose as Billings. 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 80–100.
• San Jose is generally as safe as Billings, 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 isn’t as good as it is in Billings, 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 Billings 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 Billings 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