Key factors that impact the cost of your Winston-Salem to San Jose movetoggle

The cost of Winston-Salem movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Winston-Salem to San Jose (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,505, while larger moves may reach $13,159 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Winston-Salem.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,721 to $4,724, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Winston-Salem to San Jose

Moving from Winston-Salem to San Jose comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since San Jose is generally more expensive than Winston-Salem, itโ€™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:

Winston-Salem San Jose
Average rent cost $1,300 $3,095
Average home value $248,806 $1,453,657
Average income (per capita) $62,431 $83,421
Cost of living (single person) $2,420 $3,674
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,265 $8,354
Unemployment rate 5.2% 6.6%
Sales tax 7.0% 9.38%
State income tax 4.5% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in San Jose are 138% higher than in Winston-Salem, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Winston-Salem.
    Home prices in San Jose are 484.3% higher than in Winston-Salem.
  • Income in San Jose is 33.6% higher than in Winston-Salem, 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 51.8% higher than in Winston-Salem. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™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 58.7% higher than in Winston-Salem.
  • The unemployment rate in San Jose is 26.92% higher than in Winston-Salem.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in San Jose, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in San Jose are 34.00% higher than in Winston-Salem.
  • State income taxes in San Jose are 195.56% higher than in Winston-Salem.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,554.55 in San Jose to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Winston-Salem.

How life is different in Winston-Salem vs. San Jose

San Jose Winston-Salem
Population 971,233 249,545
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 7 3
Walkability score 51 22
Bike friendliness score 62 29
Crime Index 47.73 32.67
Safety Index 52.27 67.33
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • The population of San Jose is about 289% greater than Winston-Salem, 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 Winston-Salem, based on public transportation ratings. San Jose has a transit score of 7 out of 10 compared to 3 in Winston-Salem. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in San Jose means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Winston-Salem. San Jose is considered more walkable than Winston-Salem, with a score of 51 out of 100 versus 22 out of 100 in Winston-Salem. A cityโ€™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 Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem is rated as 29 out of 100.
  • The crime rate in San Jose is higher than in Winston-Salem, 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 32.67 in Winston-Salem. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโ€™s crime levels.
  • You may want to exercise more caution as youโ€™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 Winston-Salem, whose index is Winston-Salem's 67.33. 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 isnโ€™t as good as it is in Winston-Salem, 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 Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem 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 regulationsโ€”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 โ€œT 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\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in California, though it\โ€™s 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 youโ€™ve 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 getting comfortable in your new California home, itโ€™s time to see what San Jose is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ€” thereโ€™s plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in San Jose include museums and art 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 cityโ€™s Almaden Quicksilver County Park, Alum Rock Park, Emma Prusch Farm Park, and Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park โ€” and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
  • 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), or San Jose Sharks (NHL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Winston-Salem to San Jose?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Winston-Salem to San Jose are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Winston-Salem are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Winston-Salem to San Jose?

With many people choosing to move from Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem to San Jose take?

Moving from Winston-Salem, NC to San Jose, CA covers 2,694 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days. Need to move faster? Some Winston-Salem movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in San Jose.

Helpful moving resources