Quick answer: For a 1,042-mile move from Albuquerque to San Jose, expect to spend around $893–$8,374 and two to eight days in transit. Cost and time vary by move size, date, and whether you're going DIY or using a moving company.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from San Jose to Albuquerque guide.
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Best Movers By Type
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Best Professional Movers from Albuquerque to San Jose
Choosing a long-distance mover for your trip from Albuquerque to San Jose can be tough. With so many options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed about who you can truly count on.
Save yourself the hassle of sorting through countless moving companies — we've already narrowed down the best for you. Our favorites earned their spots thanks to rave reviews, budget-friendly prices, and versatile services to suit any type of move.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your NM to CA move
The best local movers servicing Albuquerque to San Jose moves
Finding a trusted local moving company in Albuquerque that offers long-distance services to San Jose can be a challenge. With so many movers advertising similar services, it's tough to know who really delivers on quality.
Good news — we've done the homework for you. Our team reviewed top local movers in Albuquerque who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Albuquerque to San Jose.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- K & J'z Moving Inc: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Albuquerque NM Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Johnson Storage & Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Kirk Moving Company, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 391383
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: Quick N Easy Moving of Albuquerque, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 54736
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 1674023
Alternate Names: K&J'z, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
Company Info
Years in Business: 57
Alternate Names: Allied Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
Company Info
Years in Business: 123
DOT #: 286130
Alternate Names: Johnson Storage & Moving co. (900) L.L.C.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
How much does it cost to move from Albuquerque to San Jose?
Albuquerque movers charge $80 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,624 - $6,861 | $1,106 - $2,441 | $885 - $1,680 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,568 - $8,374 | $1,966 - $3,803 | $893 - $1,866 |
4+ bedrooms | $5,933 - $10,479 | $2,550 - $5,107 | $1,132 - $2,315 |
Cost to hire movers from New Mexico to California
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from New Mexico to California will cost between $1,624 and $6,861. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from NM to CA will range from $3,568 to $8,374, and a large move from New Mexico to California will cost from $5,933 to $10,479.
Cost of moving containers from New Mexico to California
When you're heading from New Mexico to California, and you're only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,106 and $2,441. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,966 and $3,803. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,550 to $5,107. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from New Mexico easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from New Mexico to California
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $885 and $1,680 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $893 to $1,866. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $1,132 to $2,315.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Albuquerque to San Jose move
What to know before moving from Albuquerque to San Jose
Moving from Albuquerque to San Jose comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since San Jose is generally more expensive than Albuquerque, 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:
Albuquerque | San Jose | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,250 | $3,095 |
Average home value | $329,595 | $1,453,657 |
Average income (per capita) | $61,503 | $83,421 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,111 | $3,674 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,353 | $8,354 |
Unemployment rate | 7.4% | 6.6% |
Sales tax | 7.63% | 9.38% |
State income tax | 5.9% | 13.3% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in San Jose, since prices are typically 148% higher than in Albuquerque.
- The home prices in San Jose are 341.0% higher than in Albuquerque, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- You're likely to make a higher income living in San Jose, where incomes are, on average, 35.6% higher than in Albuquerque. Major 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 74.0% higher than in Albuquerque. 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 56.1% higher than in Albuquerque.
- The unemployment rate in San Jose is 10.81% lower than in Albuquerque.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in San Jose, since its sales taxes are 22.94% higher than what you are paying in Albuquerque.
- State income taxes in San Jose are 125.42% higher than in Albuquerque.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,221.22 in San Jose to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Albuquerque.
How life is different in Albuquerque vs. San Jose
San Jose | Albuquerque | |
---|---|---|
Population | 971,233 | 564,559 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 7 | 5 |
Walkability score | 51 | 43 |
Bike friendliness score | 62 | 61 |
Crime Index | 47.73 | 71.72 |
Safety Index | 52.27 | 28.28 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- The population of San Jose is about 72% greater than Albuquerque, 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 Albuquerque, based on public transportation ratings. San Jose has a transit score of 7 out of 10 compared to 5 in Albuquerque. 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 Albuquerque. San Jose is considered more walkable than Albuquerque, with a score of 51 out of 100 versus 43 out of 100 in Albuquerque. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- San Jose and Albuquerque are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 62 and 61 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
- San Jose has a lower crime rate than Albuquerque based on scores of 47.73 and Albuquerque's 71.72, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in San Jose than in Albuquerque, based on San Jose's safety index of 52.27 versus 28.28 for Albuquerque. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in San Jose isn't as good as it is in Albuquerque, 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 Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque 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: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While California doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to San Jose without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
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
Now that you've made the move to California it's the perfect time to explore San Jose From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- 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 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: 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 Albuquerque to San Jose?
The best time to move from Albuquerque to San Jose is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Albuquerque.
When is the cheapest time to move from Albuquerque to San Jose?
With many people choosing to move from Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque to San Jose take?
The 1,042-mile move from Albuquerque, NM, to San Jose, CA, takes two to eight days. Some Albuquerque movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in San Jose.