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

The cost of Charleston movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Charleston to San Jose (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,480, while larger moves may reach $13,333 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 Charleston.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,879 to $4,897, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Charleston to San Jose

Moving from Charleston to San Jose means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Charleston than in San Jose, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Charleston compares to San Jose so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Charleston San Jose
Average rent cost $2,500 $3,095
Average home value $559,231 $1,453,657
Average income (per capita) $62,294 $83,421
Cost of living (single person) $5,300 $3,674
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,890 $8,354
Unemployment rate 4.0% 6.6%
Sales tax 9.0% 9.38%
State income tax 7.0% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in San Jose are 24% higher than in Charleston, 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 Charleston.
    Home prices in San Jose are 159.9% higher than in Charleston.
  • Income in San Jose is 33.9% higher than in Charleston, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in San Jose include Cisco Systems, Western Digital, and Infineon Technologies.
  • The cost of living for a single person in San Jose is 30.7% lower than in Charleston. 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 5.9% higher than in Charleston.
  • The unemployment rate in San Jose is 65.00% higher than in Charleston.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in San Jose, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in San Jose are 4.22% higher than in Charleston.
  • State income taxes in San Jose are 90.00% higher than in Charleston.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,079.62 in San Jose to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.

How life is different in Charleston vs. San Jose

San Jose Charleston
Population 971,233 150,277
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 7 3
Walkability score 51 40
Bike friendliness score 62 50
Crime Index 47.73 44.97
Safety Index 52.27 55.03
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • The population of San Jose is about 546% greater than Charleston, 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 Charleston, based on public transportation ratings. San Jose has a transit score of 7 out of 10 compared to 3 in Charleston. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in San Jose means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Charleston. San Jose is considered more walkable than Charleston, with a score of 51 out of 100 versus 40 out of 100 in Charleston. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, San Jose is considered more bike-friendly than Charleston 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 Charleston is rated as 50 out of 100.
  • You can anticipate the same crime rate in San Jose as Charleston. 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 Charleston, 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 Charleston, 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 Charleston 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 Charleston 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: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™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 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While California doesnโ€™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 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in San Jose

With your sights set on "Man Jose", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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

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 Charleston to San Jose?

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

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

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

Moving from Charleston, SC to San Jose, CA covers 2,728 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days. Need to move faster? Some Charleston movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in San Jose.

Helpful moving resources