($1,223) Cost to Move From Madison, WI to San Jose, CA

1. Above Average Moving LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
2. The Armstrong Company: 4.44 out of 5 stars
3. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
4. Top Notch Moving and Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
5. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.28 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Madison to San Jose

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Madison to San Jose, you can expect to spend between $1,223 and $5,104. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,549 to $7,496 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Madison to San Jose typically runs between $6,394 and $11,572.

Cost of moving containers from Madison to San Jose

When moving from Madison to San Jose, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,154 and $2,800. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,094 to $4,148. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,786 up to $6,131. 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 Wisconsin.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Madison to San Jose

Renting a moving truck in Madison is usually your cheapest option to get to San Jose. 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 $1,193 and $2,371. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,265 and $2,630. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,678 and $3,323.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• As you consider relocating to San Jose, note that rent can be roughly 93% more expensive than it is in Madison; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
• Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 295% higher in San Jose than in Madison.
• Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 33% higher in San Jose compared to Madison, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
• Plan for higher expenses in San Jose, since the cost of living for a single person is 60% more than in Madison. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
• If your journey leads to San Jose, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in San Jose is 53% more than it is in Madison.
• The unemployment rate in San Jose is 100% higher compared to Madison, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
• Sales taxes are 71% higher in San Jose than in Madison. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
• Income taxes are 74% higher in California compared to Wisconsin. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.

• San Jose’s population is about 260% greater than Madison.
• San Jose’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Madison’s score of 6.
• San Jose and Madison are similarly walkable.
• San Jose has a bike-friendliness score of 62 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Madison, which has a score of 66.
• San Jose’s crime rate is higher than Madison with a score of 47.73 compared to Madison’s 34.57. This means that San Jose neighborhoods are safer than 47.73% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
• San Jose is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 52.27 vs Madison’s 65.43.
• Air quality in San Jose is Moderate, and in Madison it’s Good.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a California moving company’s license by visiting 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: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches San Jose smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

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 getting comfortable in your new California home, it’s time to see what San Jose is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, San Jose offers cultural landmarks like the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, Children’s Discovery Museum, The Tech Interactive, and San Jose Museum of Art.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Almaden Quicksilver County Park, Alum Rock Park, Emma Prusch Farm Park, and Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• 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)San Jose Sharks (NHL) game.