Key factors that impact the cost of your Cincinnati to San Jose movetoggle

The cost of Cincinnati movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Cincinnati to San Jose (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,593, while larger moves may reach $13,572 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 Cincinnati.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,565 to $4,324, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Cincinnati to San Jose

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

Cincinnati San Jose
Average rent cost $1,450 $3,095
Average home value $232,735 $1,453,657
Average income (per capita) $65,682 $83,421
Cost of living (single person) $2,467 $3,674
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,418 $8,354
Unemployment rate 4.9% 6.6%
Sales tax 6.5% 9.38%
State income tax 3.5% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in San Jose are 113% higher than in Cincinnati, 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 Cincinnati.
    Home prices in San Jose are 524.6% higher than in Cincinnati.
  • Income in San Jose is 27.0% higher than in Cincinnati, 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 48.9% higher than in Cincinnati. 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 30.2% higher than in Cincinnati.
  • The unemployment rate in San Jose is 34.69% higher than in Cincinnati.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in San Jose, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in San Jose are 44.31% higher than in Cincinnati.
  • State income taxes in San Jose are 280.00% higher than in Cincinnati.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,467.77 in San Jose to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Cincinnati.

How life is different in Cincinnati vs. San Jose

San Jose Cincinnati
Population 971,233 309,317
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 7 6
Walkability score 51 49
Bike friendliness score 62 36
Crime Index 47.73 48.47
Safety Index 52.27 49.53
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • The population of San Jose is about 214% greater than Cincinnati, 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 Cincinnati, based on public transportation ratings. San Jose has a transit score of 7 out of 10 compared to 6 in Cincinnati. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Youโ€™ll find San Jose to be about as walkable as Cincinnati. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 51 and 49 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
  • If cycling is your thing, San Jose is considered more bike-friendly than Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati is rated as 36 out of 100.
  • You can anticipate the same crime rate in San Jose as Cincinnati. 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 80โ€“100.
  • San Jose is generally as safe as Cincinnati, 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 isnโ€™t as good as it is in Cincinnati, 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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati 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 settling into your new California home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, San Jose has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re 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 cityโ€™s 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 Cincinnati to San Jose?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Cincinnati to San Jose?

With many people choosing to move from Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati to San Jose take?

Moving from Cincinnati, OH to San Jose, CA covers 2,413 miles and usually takes seven to 18 days. Need to move faster? Some Cincinnati movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in San Jose.

Helpful moving resources