Best Seattle to San Jose Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Seattle to San Jose Movers

Moving from the Rainy City to the Capital of Silicon Valley is an adventure that marks a bold, life-changing decision. You’re trading Seattle's lush greenery and booming tech scene for San Jose's sunny days, promising technology careers, and rich cultural diversity. For such a significant journey, it's crucial to ensure your belongings are in trusted hands, which is why we recommend hiring professional movers with a proven track record of reliability for this long-distance move.

Washington iconArrow iconCalifornia icon

Best Seattle to San Jose Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
All Stars Movers9.50A-Authorized For Property, HHGContact
D&L Movers9.35A+ActiveContact
John Volken Academy Movers9.34NRAuthorized For HHGContact
People Movers9.16NRAuthorized For PropertyContact
All Service Moving8.91B+Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Jose to Seattle guide.

5 Best Seattle to San Jose Moving Companies

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

All Stars Movers Logo
Exceptional9.50/10
based on 1,557+ data points

About All Stars Movers

All Stars Movers is a San Jose moving company fully licensed and insured in the state of California. This locally owned business provides th...Read More >>

Services

  • LOCAL MOVING SERVICES
  • LONG DISTANCE MOVING SERVICES
  • BUSINESS MOVING SERVICES

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2971368 / 10247

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved59,102 (2023)
View Full Review
1
D&L Movers Logo
Exceptional9.35/10
based on 1,789+ data points

About D&L Movers

Founded by Drew Sanchez and Leo Cervantes, D&L Movers is a local moving company that offers full-service relocations for homes and busin...Read More >>

Services

  • Cheap moving
  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 7/23/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2706648 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2017)
View Full Review
2
John Volken Academy Movers Logo
Exceptional9.34/10
based on 1,571+ data points

About John Volken Academy Movers

John Volken Academy Movers is a not-for-profit moving company that helps people move across Western and Eastern Washington. This local busin...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Residential Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2261169 / 1666977

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved200 (2015)
View Full Review
3
People Movers Logo
Exceptional9.16/10
based on 3,624+ data points

About People Movers

People Movers is a fully licensed moving company in Bothell, WA. It has relocated hundreds of happy customers in Greater Seattle since it op...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Cross-country moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2895681 / 1597195

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved25,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
All Service Moving Logo
Superb8.91/10
based on 5,172+ data points

About All Service Moving

All Service Moving is a full-service moving company that performs a wide array of relocation services in Seattle, WA, and surrounding areas....Read More >>

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Long Distance Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 11/14/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2083124 / 1398715

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved35,000 (2021)
View Full Review
5
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Seattle vs. San Jose Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the local areas. This guide is designed to compare popular neighborhoods in Seattle, WA with similar locales in San Jose, CA , helping you find a new neighborhood that feels like home.

SeattleSan JoseHow They're Similar
BallardWillow GlenFamily-friendly with a strong community vibe
Capitol HillThe AlamedaVibrant nightlife and diverse cuisine
Queen AnneAlmaden ValleyUpscale homes and picturesque views
FremontSoFA DistrictArtsy with a hip, eclectic mix
Green LakeWillow GlenActive community with outdoor events
BelltownDowntown San JoseBustling urban center with high-rise apartments
West SeattleLos GatosSmall-town feel with luxury amenities
Phinney RidgeCambrian ParkQuiet, family-oriented with access to nature
WallingfordCupertinoStrong community focus and excellent schools
Pioneer SquareJapantownRich history with a strong cultural presence

If you love the vibrant and artistic atmosphere of Fremont in Seattle, you'll find a kindred spirit in San Jose's SoFA District. Known for its walkability, the SoFA District is home to numerous galleries, theaters like the California Theatre, and the SoFA Market for local eats. Comparably, Pioneer Square's historic charm and strong cultural heritage align well with San Jose's Japantown. Japantown is one of the last three remaining authentic Japantowns in the United States, offering unique dining experiences, cultural festivals, and historical sites such as the Japanese American Museum of San Jose. For those drawn to the family-friendly and outdoor-oriented vibe of Green Lake, Willow Glen's tree-lined streets, community events, and the local farmers' market provide a similar welcoming atmosphere. Each neighborhood, whether in Seattle or San Jose, carries its unique flavor while sharing similar traits that can help make your transition smoother.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Seattle to San Jose

Moving from one city to another brings both challenges and opportunities. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Seattle, WA to San Jose, CA . By contrasting the cons and pros, you'll gain a clearer understanding of what to expect, helping you make an informed decision.

CONs
PROs
Seattle, WA iconSeattle, WA
  • Frequent Rain
  • Higher Living Cost
  • Less Job Diversity
  • Heavy Traffic
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • Sunnier Days
  • More Tech Opportunities
  • Accessible Public Transit
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • Fewer Live Venues
  • More Urban
  • Higher Food Costs
  • Less Coffee Variety
Seattle, WA iconSeattle, WA
  • Vibrant Music Scene
  • Nature & Parks
  • Diverse Cuisine
  • Strong Coffee Culture

When considering a move from Seattle, WA to San Jose, CA, it's important to weigh both sides. In San Jose, you'll find yourself enjoying more sun and exceptional tech career opportunities. Popular areas like Santana Row or the historic San Pedro Square Market offer a rich array of dining and shopping experiences. However, the vibrant music scene and lush parks like Discovery Park in Seattle will be missed, alongside its iconic coffee culture that places like Pike Place Market embody. Ultimately, your move depends on what trade-offs you're willing to make, as each city offers its unique lifestyle and opportunities.

Seattle vs. San Jose Food Guide

When relocating, it's essential to immerse yourself in the local culture, and a significant part of that is the food scene. To help you transition smoothly, we will compare the local cuisine between Seattle & San Jose . This comparison will give you a taste of what each city offers, allowing you to better prepare for your move.

SeattleSan Jose
Most iconic local food itemSalmonPho
Most popular meat dishTeriyakiCarne Asada
Most popular street food itemHot DogsTacos
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa SaladVegetarian Pho
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Canlis
  • Loulay Kitchen & Bar
  • Matt's in the Market
  • Original Joe's
  • Naglee Park Garage
  • Adega
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Seattle, the seafood, particularly salmon, is iconic, reflecting the city's close ties to its maritime environment. You can find the freshest catch in neighborhoods like Ballard and Pike Place Market. Moving to San Jose, you'll notice a shift towards more diverse culinary options, with Pho being a standout, showcasing the Vietnamese influence in the city. San Jose's Northside is known for its vibrant Mexican and Vietnamese eateries, where tacos and Pho rule the street food scene. For vegans, both cities offer ample choices, but Seattle's innovative vegan scene is slightly more prominent with restaurants that will surprise you with dishes like quinoa salad, which can be heartily enjoyed in Capitol Hill's vegan eateries.

Seattle vs. San Jose Restaurant Comparison

Food is a cornerstone of feeling at home in a new city. This restaurant comparison between Seattle and San Jose is designed to ease your transition by guiding you to familiar yet new culinary delights. You’ll find this chart especially useful if you’re moving from Seattle, WA, to San Jose, CA, and are eager to discover your next favorite dining spots using your current go-tos as a reference.

SeattleSan JoseWhat You'll Love
CanlisPlumed Horseupscale dining experience with innovative cuisine
Pike Place ChowderSam’s Chowder Houseknown for seafood and chowders
The Walrus and the CarpenterOyster Oysterfocus on seafood and creative small plates
Serious PieA Slice of New Yorkoffers authentic, hand-tossed pizza
Matt's in the MarketOrchard City Kitchenmarket-driven American eatery with a vibrant atmosphere
Renee Erickson's Sea CreaturesLe Papillonfine dining with a focus on seafood
Dahlia LoungeLa ForetNew American cuisine nestled in a unique setting
Taylor Shellfish Oyster BarEMC Seafood & Raw Barknown for fresh oysters and seafood variety
LarkManresaoffers inventive, farm-to-table New American dishes
Terra PlataThe Tableemphasizes on seasonal, local ingredients in American bistro style

By comparing establishments like Canlis in Seattle to Plumed Horse in San Jose, you get a sense of the upscale, innovative dining experiences that both cities offer, each with a unique twist on cuisine and atmosphere. In the casual yet iconic realm, Serious Pie's artisanal, hand-tossed pizzas find a parallel in A Slice of New York, where the emphasis on authenticity and quality mirrors the beloved Seattle spot. For seafood lovers, Pike Place Chowder's rich, comforting bowls are echoed by Sam’s Chowder House, ensuring you won't miss out on the soul-satisfying tastes of the sea. Through these comparisons, it's clear that no matter what your dining preference, San Jose offers venues that resonate with the diverse and dynamic Seattle food scene, making your culinary transition as smooth as possible.

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Ready to start your move?

Seattle vs. San Jose Real Estate & Living Facts

When contemplating a move, comparing the real estate landscape between Seattle, WA, and San Jose, CA, is crucial. Understanding how housing costs, styles, and lifestyles stack up will ensure you make an informed decision tailored to your needs.

ComparisonSeattleSan Jose
Typical Architecture StyleModern and CraftsmanModern and Mediterranean
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingView, Eco-friendlySolar panels, Proximity to tech companies

When diving deeper into the housing aspect of Seattle and San Jose, it's evident that San Jose's median home prices and rent are notably higher, reflecting its status in the heart of Silicon Valley. However, Seattle offers an eco-conscious lifestyle with its modern and Craftsman-style homes, often highlighting views and green living in their listings. Both cities score high on bikeability, making them great for cycling enthusiasts. Seattle edges out slightly with a more walkable and urban lifestyle, appealing to those who prefer city living without the need for a car. Regardless of your choice, each city offers unique advantages tailoring to different preferences and lifestyles.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in San Jose, CA

1. Willow Glen: Known for its quaint, tree-lined streets, you'll find plenty of pet-friendly restaurants and a welcoming atmosphere at Willow Glen's downtown area, perfect for leisurely walks with your furry friends.

2. Cambrian Park: Boasting a serene suburban vibe, Cambrian Park is home to several parks, including the dog-friendly Butcher Dog Park, where your pets can play off-leash in a safe, enclosed environment.

3. Downtown San Jose: If you're looking for a more urban experience, Downtown San Jose offers many pet-friendly living spaces and amenities, alongside dog-friendly dining options like Original Joe’s, making it an ideal place for pet owners who love city living.

Seattle vs. San Jose Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Seattle, WA to San Jose, CA, understanding how the weather compares is crucial for preparing. This comparison will illustrate differences in weather patterns between Seattle and San Jose , providing insights into what you can expect. From the amount of sunshine to the likelihood of natural disasters, get ready to adjust your wardrobe and outdoor plans accordingly.

Summer icon
75°F / 55°F

Seattle, WA

82°F / 58°F

San Jose, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
47°F / 37°F

Seattle, WA

60°F / 42°F

San Jose, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
37.49"

Seattle, WA

15.82"

San Jose, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
4.6"

Seattle, WA

0"

San Jose, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSeattleSan Jose
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, VolcanoesEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Seattle and San Jose offer quite different climate experiences, primarily in terms of sunshine and precipitation. Moving from Seattle's cooler, more humid environment with an abundance of rain to San Jose's drier, warmer climate means you’ll likely enjoy more outdoor activities year-round in California. However, be prepared for higher UV exposure in San Jose, implying a need for sun protection. While both cities share earthquake risks, San Jose’s proximity to wildfire-prone areas introduces a different natural disaster consideration. Additionally, the shift in dominant seasonal allergies may require adjustments in your daily routine or medical preparations.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Seattle to San Jose

When planning a move from one city to another, it's crucial to grasp how your financial situation might change. This comparison will illuminate the differences in cost of living, taxation, and economic environment between Seattle, WA, and San Jose, CA, helping you to prepare accordingly.

ComparisonSeattleSan Jose
Avg. Household Income$110,781$126,377
Cost of Living Index121.4156.1
State Income Tax00
Avg. Property Tax0.990.79
Avg. Sales Tax10.19.25
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Aerospace, RetailTechnology, Manufacturing, Retail
AffluenceHighVery High
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessHighModerate

Moving from Seattle to San Jose, you'll notice a significant jump in the cost of living index, meaning your everyday expenses, from housing to groceries, will likely be higher in San Jose. However, this is somewhat offset by the higher average household income in San Jose. Despite both cities having a strong tech presence, San Jose boasts a slightly more affluent general populace with lesser poverty rates, though it's important to bear in mind that homelessness remains a challenge in both cities. Understanding these financial and economic differences will enable you to plan more effectively for your move.

Seattle vs. San Jose Political & Religious Comparison

Considering a move from Seattle, WA to San Jose, CA? This comparison provides a quick snapshot of the political and religious makeup between Seattle & San Jose , offering insights into what you might expect from the community in your new city.

SeattleSan Jose
Political Make-upLiberal, Democratic-majorityLiberal, Democratic-majority
Local PoliticsProgressive policies on environment and social issuesTechnology-driven initiatives with a focus on inclusive growth
ReligionMixed, with a significant number of non-religious residentsMulticultural and diverse religious practices

Both Seattle and San Jose boast a predominantly liberal and Democratic-leaning constituency, indicative of their progressive attitudes toward governance and social policies. While Seattle is known for its environmental and social initiatives, San Jose places a significant emphasis on technology and innovation as drivers of local politics, aiming for inclusive economic growth. Furthermore, the religious landscape is diverse in both cities, reflecting their multicultural populations. However, you might find a broader array of cultural and religious communities in San Jose, including a myriad of local establishments and businesses catering to its diverse demographics.

Seattle vs. San Jose Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Seattle, WA, to San Jose, CA, requires an understanding of the differences in daily commute and traffic. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Seattle & San Jose will help you better prepare for what to expect in your new city.

ComparisonSeattleSan Jose
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2830
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Possible but challengingMore challenging

In Seattle, the average commute time is slightly less than in San Jose, indicating a quicker daily transit despite Seattle's higher score in traffic congestion. The availability of public transit is also better in Seattle, making it feasible, though challenging, to get by without a car. In contrast, San Jose presents a slightly longer average commute time with marginally less congestion. However, its public transit options are not as robust as Seattle's, making car dependence more pronounced. This underscores the importance of considering your transportation options and potential commute when moving between these cities.

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