Key factors that impact the cost of your Chapel Hill to San Jose move
What to know before moving from Chapel Hill to San Jose
Moving from Chapel Hill to San Jose comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since San Jose is generally more expensive than Chapel Hill, itโs 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:
Chapel Hill | San Jose | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,950 | $3,095 |
Average home value | $592,460 | $1,453,657 |
Average income (per capita) | $65,621 | $83,421 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,248 | $3,674 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,790 | $8,354 |
Unemployment rate | 3.2% | 6.6% |
Sales tax | 7.5% | 9.38% |
State income tax | 4.5% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in San Jose are 59% higher than in Chapel Hill, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Chapel Hill.
Home prices in San Jose are 145.4% higher than in Chapel Hill. - Income in San Jose is 27.1% higher than in Chapel Hill, 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 63.4% higher than in Chapel Hill. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre 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 74.4% higher than in Chapel Hill.
- The unemployment rate in San Jose is 106.25% higher than in Chapel Hill.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in San Jose, since the cityโs sales taxes in San Jose are 25.07% higher than in Chapel Hill.
- State income taxes in San Jose are 195.56% higher than in Chapel Hill.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,903.02 in San Jose to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chapel Hill.
How life is different in Chapel Hill vs. San Jose
San Jose | Chapel Hill | |
---|---|---|
Population | 971,233 | 63,764 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 7 | 6 |
Walkability score | 51 | 34 |
Bike friendliness score | 62 | 50 |
Crime Index | 47.73 | 26.42 |
Safety Index | 52.27 | 73.58 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- The population of San Jose is about 1,423% greater than Chapel Hill, 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 Chapel Hill, based on public transportation ratings. San Jose has a transit score of 7 out of 10 compared to 6 in Chapel Hill. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in San Jose means youโll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Chapel Hill. San Jose is considered more walkable than Chapel Hill, with a score of 51 out of 100 versus 34 out of 100 in Chapel Hill. A cityโs 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 Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill is rated as 50 out of 100.
- The crime rate in San Jose is higher than in Chapel Hill, 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 26.42 in Chapel Hill. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโs crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as youโre getting used to your new surroundings in San Jose. With a crime index of 52.27, San Jose ranks lower in overall safety than Chapel Hill, whose index is Chapel Hill's 73.58. 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 and Chapel Hill is generally the same (Moderate). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Chapel Hill 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโsome 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 โT 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in California, though it\โs smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- 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 toSan 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 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in San Jose
Now that youโve chosen "Man Jose" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in San Jose to check out.
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, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, San Jose has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: San Jose is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 cityโs Almaden Quicksilver County Park, Alum Rock Park, Emma Prusch Farm Park, and Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at 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 Chapel Hill to San Jose?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Chapel Hill to San Jose are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Chapel Hill are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chapel Hill to San Jose?
With many people choosing to move from Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill to San Jose take?
Moving from Chapel Hill, NC to San Jose, CA covers 2,771 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days. Need to move faster? Some Chapel Hill movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in San Jose.