Quick answer: A typical 2,586-mile move from Charleston to San Jose runs $1,718 – $8,251 and takes about seven to 21 days. Costs vary based on how much you’re moving, when, and if you hire a company or go DIY.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our guide to moving from San Jose to Charleston.
Our track record
Best movers by type
Professional
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Charleston to San Jose
A full-service mover can make your interstate relocation from Charleston to San Jose far less complicated. From wrapping and packing your belongings to transporting them safely, these companies cover the entire process so you can spend your time on what matters most.
Charleston has 4 interstate moving companies, here are our top picks for the most reliable full-service movers ready to get you moving to San Jose without the headaches.
What moving services are available in Charleston?
How we chose the best movers WV→CA movers
The best local movers for Charleston to San Jose moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Charleston that also handles long-distance moves to San Jose. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated the top local movers in Charleston who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Charleston to San Jose.
- Central Van & Storage, Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Dunbar Transfer: 3.96 out of 5 stars
- Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems: 4.24 out of 5 stars
- Evans Van & Storage: 3.86 out of 5 stars
- Positive Moves: 3.76 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 076235
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 1186580
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 587135
Alternate Names: Future Enterprises Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 070851
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Fragile-only packing
How much does it cost to move from Charleston to San Jose?
The average hourly rate for movers in West Virginia is . Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,442 – $5,879 | $1,410 – $3,613 | $1,571 – $2,927 |
2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,951 – $8,251 | $2,628 – $5,470 | $1,718 – $3,310 |
4+ bedrooms | $7,505 – $12,517 | $3,275 – $7,372 | $1,965 – $4,273 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to San Jose
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Charleston to San Jose will cost between $1,442 and $5,879. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Charleston to Charleston will range from $3,951 to $8,251, and a large move from Charleston to San Jose will cost from $7,505 to $12,517.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to San Jose
If you’re moving from Charleston to San Jose, expect to pay between $1,410 and $3,613 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,628 up to $5,470. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $3,275 and $7,372. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from West Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to San Jose
Renting a moving truck from Charleston to San Jose is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,571 and $2,927. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,718 and $3,310. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,965 up to $4,273 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Charleston to San Jose

What to know before moving from Charleston to San Jose
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – San Jose runs about 137% higher for singles and 116% higher for families than Charleston.
Singles spend around $3,674 in Charleston versus $1,549 in Charleston; families pay $8,354 compared with $3,862.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
Charleston | San Jose | |
---|---|---|
Average 1 BR rent | $933 | $3,027 |
Average 3 BR rent | $1,800 | $5,240 |
Average home value | $153,672 | $1,453,657 |
Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $83,421 |
Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 6.6% |
Sales tax | 7.0% | 9.38% |
State income tax | 6.5% | 13.3% |
- Rent is estimated to be 254% higher in San Jose compared to Charleston; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 846% greater in San Jose than in Charleston.
- Here’s some promising news: the average income is around 41% higher in San Jose than in Charleston, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in San Jose, since the cost of living for a single person in San Jose is 137% higher than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- When relocating to San Jose, it’s important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in San Jose is 116% greater than in Charleston.
- In San Jose, the unemployment rate is approximately 6% higher than in Charleston, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes rise by 34% in San Jose over Charleston, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Income taxes are 105% higher in California than in West Virginia, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Charleston and San Jose:
Living Expense | Charleston | San Jose |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $128.95 | $293.08 |
Cell phone plan | $45.33 | $48.44 |
Dozen eggs | $3.26 | $4.80 |
Loaf of bread | $2.20 | $4.93 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $20.50 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $50.00 | $100.00 |
Gym membership | $31.00 | $123.75 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in San Jose, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Charleston than in San Jose.
- Eggs are less expensive in Charleston than in San Jose.
- Bread costs less in Charleston than in San Jose.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in San Jose.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Charleston than in San Jose.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in San Jose.
How life is different in Charleston vs. San Jose
Charleston | San Jose | |
---|---|---|
Population | 48,018 | 971,233 |
Transportation score | 2 | 7 |
Walkability score | 33 | 51 |
Bike friendliness score | 28 | 62 |
Crime index | 53.94 | 47.73 |
Safety index | 46.06 | 52.27 |
Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- San Jose’s population is about 1923% greater than Charleston.
- San Jose’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 2.
- San Jose is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 33 out of 100.
- With a score of 62 out of 100, San Jose is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 28 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- San Jose’s crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 47.73 compared to Charleston’s 53.94. This means that San Jose neighborhoods are safer than 47.73% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94%.
- San Jose is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 52.27 vs Charleston’s 46.06.
- Air quality in San Jose is Moderate, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to San Jose move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: California doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- 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 to San Jose. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in San Jose
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to Man Jose, these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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
Once you’re settled into your new home in California, it’s time to get out and discover what San Jose has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout San Jose, such as 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites 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 Charleston to San Jose?
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to San Jose?
How long does a move from Charleston to San Jose take?
Who can move pianos or antiques in Charleston?
Helpful moving resources
Charleston moving services
Popular West Virginia routes
- West Virginia to California car shippers
- West Virginia to California movers
- West Virginia to Florida movers
- West Virginia to Georgia movers
- West Virginia to Illinois movers
- West Virginia to Michigan movers
- West Virginia to New York movers
- West Virginia to North Carolina movers
- West Virginia to Ohio movers
- West Virginia to Pennsylvania movers
- West Virginia to Texas movers
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!