Top Seattle, WA to San Jose, CA Movers

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

1. Eco Movers Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
2. Hansen Bros Moving and Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
3. Seattle Movers: 4.76 out of 5 stars
4. Access Gentle Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
5. Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Washington to California

If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Washington to California, you can expect to spend between $1,727 and $6,236. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,188 to $8,399 on the same route (WA to CA). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Washington to California typically runs between $5,400 and $11,380.

Cost of moving containers from Washington to California

If you're moving from Washington to California, expect to pay between $933 and $2,361 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,783 up to $3,415. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,372 and $4,462. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Washington.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Washington to California

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you'll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.

If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $683 and $1,370. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $785 to $1,547. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $924 and $1,878.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

• You may want to budget more for rent in San Jose, since prices are typically 57% higher than in Seattle.
• The home prices in San Jose are 72.6% higher than in Seattle, 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, 7.2% higher than in Seattle. Major employers in San Jose include Cisco Systems, Western Digital, and Infineon Technologies.
• Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in San Jose. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 1.8% lower than in Seattle.
• A move to San Jose can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 14.8% less than what it costs in Seattle.
• The unemployment rate in San Jose is 37.50% higher than in Seattle.
• You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in San Jose, since the city's sales taxes in San Jose are 9.37% lower than in Seattle.
• State income taxes in San Jose are 13.30% higher than in Seattle.

• San Jose's population is about 32% greater than Seattle.
• San Jose's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Seattle's higher score of 8.
• San Jose is less walkable than Seattle with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Seattle's 74 out of 100.
• San Jose has a bike-friendliness score 62 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Seattle, which has a score of 71 out of 100.
• San Jose's crime rate is lower than Seattle with a score of 47.73 compared to Seattle's 58.88. This means that San Jose neighborhoods are safer than 47.73% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88%.
• San Jose and Seattle are considered to be equally safe.
• Air quality in San Jose is moderate, and in Seattle it's good.

• 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: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it'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 “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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While California doesn'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 – 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.

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, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, San Jose has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:

• Arts and culture: San Jose features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an San Jose Barracuda (AHL), San Jose Earthquakes (MLS), San Jose Giants (California League), or San Jose Sharks (NHL) game.