($1,501) Movers From Albany, NY to San Jose, CA

What to know before moving from Albany to San Jose

Moving from Albany to San Jose comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since San Jose is generally more expensive than Albany, 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 113% higher than in Albany, 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 Albany.
  Home prices in San Jose are 416.2% higher than in Albany.
• Income in San Jose is 25.4% higher than in Albany, 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 104.0% higher than in Albany. 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 98.7% higher than in Albany.
• The unemployment rate in San Jose is 7.04% lower than in Albany.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in San Jose, since the city’s sales taxes in San Jose are 17.25% higher than in Albany.
• State income taxes in San Jose are 22.02% higher than in Albany.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $6,119.93 in San Jose to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Albany.

How life is different in Albany vs. San Jose

• The population of San Jose is about 879% greater than Albany, 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.
• Getting around San Jose without a car might be more difficult than in Albany. San Jose has a public transportation score of 7 out of 10, whereas Albany is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a city’s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
• San Jose neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Albany. Based on its score of 51 out of 100, San Jose isn’t as walkable as Albany, which has a score of 65 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
• If cycling is your thing, San Jose is considered more bike-friendly than Albany 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 Albany is rated as 55 out of 100.
• The crime rate in San Jose is higher than in Albany, 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 10.0 in Albany. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city’s crime levels.
• San Jose is generally as safe as Albany, 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 Albany, 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 Albany 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 Albany 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 regulations—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 “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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: You can verify a California moving company\’s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
• Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in California, though it\’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 – 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 you’ve chosen "Man Jose" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in San Jose to check out.

Helpful moving resources