Top Philadelphia, PA to San Jose, CA Movers

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from San Jose to Philadelphia guide.

1. Bellhop Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
2. Anchor Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
3. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
4. Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
5. BR Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Pennsylvania to California

Planning a move from Pennsylvania to California? For a studio or one-bedroom, you'll likely pay between $1,683 and $6,677. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $5,024 and $9,586 for the same journey (PA to CA). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $9,265 to $15,009.

Cost of moving containers from Pennsylvania to California

Moving from Pennsylvania to California? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $1,813 and $4,750. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $3,151 to $6,799. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $4,664 up to $8,917. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Pennsylvania.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Pennsylvania to California

Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you'll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you're moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $2,105 and $3,888. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $2,214 and $4,583. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $2,607 and $5,513.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• You may want to budget more for rent in San Jose, since prices are typically 83% higher than in Philadelphia.
• The home prices in San Jose are 570.2% higher than in Philadelphia, 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, 17.9% higher than in Philadelphia. 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 44.6% higher than in Philadelphia. 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 35.0% higher than in Philadelphia.
• The unemployment rate in San Jose is 37.74% lower than in Philadelphia.
• Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in San Jose, since its sales taxes are 17.25% higher than what you are paying in Philadelphia.
• State income taxes in San Jose are 333.22% higher than in Philadelphia.

• San Jose might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 39% less than Philadelphia.
• Getting around San Jose without a car might be more difficult than in Philadelphia. San Jose has a public transportation score of 7 out of 10, whereas Philadelphia is ranked 9. 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 Philadelphia. Based on its score of 51 out of 100, San Jose isn't as walkable as Philadelphia, which has a score of 75 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.
• You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in San Jose, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Philadelphia. While Philadelphia has a bike-friendliness score of 67 out of 100, San Jose earned a 62. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
• San Jose has a lower crime rate than Philadelphia based on scores of 47.73 and Philadelphia's 66.09, 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 Philadelphia, based on San Jose's safety index of 52.27 versus 33.91 for Philadelphia. 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 Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia 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.

• 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's public 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 to San 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.

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.