Key factors that impact the cost of your Pittsburgh to San Jose move
What to know before moving from Pittsburgh to San Jose
Moving from Pittsburgh to San Jose comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since San Jose is generally more expensive than Pittsburgh , itโs 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:
Pittsburgh | San Jose | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,500 | $3,095 |
Average home value | $222,451 | $1,453,657 |
Average income (per capita) | $54,306 | $83,421 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,129 | $3,674 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,011 | $8,354 |
Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 6.6% |
Sales tax | 7.0% | 9.38% |
State income tax | 3.07% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in San Jose are 106% higher than in Pittsburgh , which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Pittsburgh .
Home prices in San Jose are 553.5% higher than in Pittsburgh . - Income in San Jose is 53.6% higher than in Pittsburgh , 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 72.6% higher than in Pittsburgh . This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre 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 66.7% higher than in Pittsburgh .
- The unemployment rate in San Jose is 7.04% lower than in Pittsburgh .
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in San Jose, since the cityโs sales taxes in San Jose are 34.00% higher than in Pittsburgh .
- State income taxes in San Jose are 333.22% higher than in Pittsburgh .
To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,177.08 in San Jose to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Pittsburgh .
How life is different in Pittsburgh vs. San Jose
San Jose | Pittsburgh | |
---|---|---|
Population | 971,233 | 303,255 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 7 | 8 |
Walkability score | 51 | 62 |
Bike friendliness score | 62 | 55 |
Crime Index | 47.73 | 37.74 |
Safety Index | 52.27 | 62.26 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- The population of San Jose is about 220% greater than Pittsburgh , 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 Pittsburgh . San Jose has a public transportation score of 7 out of 10, whereas Pittsburgh is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a cityโs 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 Pittsburgh . Based on its score of 51 out of 100, San Jose isnโt as walkable as Pittsburgh , which has a score of 62 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 Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh is rated as 55 out of 100.
- The crime rate in San Jose is higher than in Pittsburgh , 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 37.74 in Pittsburgh . With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโs crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as youโre getting used to your new surroundings in San Jose. With a crime index of 52.27, San Jose ranks lower in overall safety than Pittsburgh , whose index is Pittsburgh 's 62.26. 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 isnโt as good as it is in Pittsburgh , 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 Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh 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 regulationsโsome 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 โT 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\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in California, though it\โs 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 youโve 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
Now that you've made the move to California, itโs the perfect time to explore San Jose. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout San Jose, such as 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 cityโs Almaden Quicksilver County Park, Alum Rock Park, Emma Prusch Farm Park, and Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park โ along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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 Pittsburgh to San Jose?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Pittsburgh to San Jose are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Pittsburgh are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Pittsburgh to San Jose?
With many people choosing to move from Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh to San Jose take?
Moving from Pittsburgh , PA to San Jose, CA covers 2,609 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days. Need to move faster? Some Pittsburgh movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in San Jose.