Top local movers for Seattle to San Jose moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Seattle that also provides long-distance services to San Jose can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 63 local movers in Seattle who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Seattle to San Jose.
- Eco Movers Moving & Storage: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- On The Go Moving and Storage: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Seattle Movers: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Hansen Bros Moving and Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 3227005
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 3227005
Alternate Names: GS Moving Services LLC , Eco-Movers , The Big Guys , The Big Guys Home Delivery , Eco Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: HG064180
Pricing: $180/hr
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2120054
Alternate Names: On The Go Moving and Storage , On The Go Moving & Storage Bellevue , On The Go Moving & Storage Redmond , On The Go Moving & Storage Seattle
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Offices
- Antiques
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 19251
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: CHHJ Seattle, LLC. , College Hunks Hauling Junk Seattle
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: HG063388
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 1731101
Alternate Names: Express Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Antiques
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 1782
Years in Business: 134
DOT #: 8257
Alternate Names: Peasley Transfer & Storage , Hansen Bros Moving and Storage , Peasley Transfer and Storage , Hansen Bros Transfer and Storage Co , PortaBox Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
How much does it cost to move from Seattle to San Jose?
Movers in Washington generally charge an average of $143 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,273 – $4,645 | $738 – $1,904 | $597 – $1,105 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,520 – $6,317 | $1,396 – $2,727 | $608 – $1,338 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,313 – $8,820 | $1,857 – $3,455 | $730 – $1,577 |
Cost to hire movers from Seattle to San Jose
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Seattle to San Jose typically costs between $1,273 and $4,645. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,520 and $6,317 when moving from Seattle to San Jose. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Seattle to San Jose, you’re looking at costs ranging from $4,313 up to $8,820.
Cost of moving containers from Seattle to San Jose
If you’re relocating from Seattle to San Jose, you’ll typically spend between $738 and $1,904 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,396 up to $2,727. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,857 and $3,455. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Washington.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Seattle to San Jose
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Seattle to San Jose move, 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 $597 and $1,105. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $608 to $1,338. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $730 and $1,577.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Seattle to San Jose
The cost of Seattle movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Seattle to San Jose might be as low as $2,385, while a four-bedroom could reach $7,575.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Seattle.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $597 to $1,459 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Seattle to San Jose
Many movers find San Jose easier on the wallet than Seattle – roughly 2% less for singles and 15% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,674 for one person in San Jose versus $3,740 in Seattle. For a family of four, it’s $8,354 compared with $9,801.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Seattle | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,306 | $3,027 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,655 | $5,240 |
| Average home value | $842,068 | $1,453,657 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,845 | $83,421 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,740 | $3,674 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,801 | $8,354 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 10.35% | 9.38% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 57% higher in San Jose than in Seattle, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 73% higher in San Jose than in Seattle.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 7% higher in San Jose than in Seattle, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- With the cost of living for a single person differing by less than 5% between San Jose and Seattle, expect similar day-to-day expenses.
- Relocating to San Jose could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 15% lower than in Seattle.
- The unemployment rate in San Jose exceeds that of Seattle by about 38%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes are 9% lower in San Jose than Seattle, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- California has a state income tax, while Washington does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Seattle and San Jose, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Seattle | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $250.22 | $293.08 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.15 | $48.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $6.07 | $4.80 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.84 | $4.93 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.35 | $123.75 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Seattle than in San Jose, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Seattle than in San Jose.
- Eggs cost more in Seattle than in San Jose.
- Bread costs less in Seattle than in San Jose.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Seattle than in San Jose.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Seattle than in San Jose.
How life is different in Seattle vs. San Jose
| Seattle | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 737,015 | 971,233 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 74 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 71 | 62 |
| Crime index | 58.88 | 47.73 |
| Safety index | 49.23 | 52.27 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- San Jose’s population is about 32% greater than Seattle.
- San Jose’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is lower than Seattle’s 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 of 62 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Seattle, which has a score of 71.
- 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 is considered to be safer than Seattle with a safety index of 52.27 vs Seattle’s 49.23.
- Air quality in San Jose is Moderate, and in Seattle it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Seattle to San Jose move
- 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: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through 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: 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: State laws differ on mover insurance. 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 will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in San Jose
Ready to relocate to Man Jose? Here are some of the top 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
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, and San Jose Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Almaden Quicksilver County Park, Alum Rock Park, Emma Prusch Farm Park, and Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- 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)San Jose Sharks (NHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Seattle to San Jose?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Seattle to San Jose. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Seattle.
When is the cheapest time to move from Seattle to San Jose?
With many people choosing to move from Seattle 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 Seattle to San Jose take?
Covering 839 miles, the move from Seattle, WA to San Jose, typically takes two to seven days. Some Seattle movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in San Jose can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Seattle offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 2 movers provide military discounts. 3 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Seattle can handle specialty items for my move to San Jose?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Seattle, 48 movers can handle pianos. 36 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of WA, there are 73 piano movers and 46 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
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