Best Seattle to San Jose Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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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.
Best Seattle to San Jose Moving Companies
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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)
About Seattle Moves & More
Based in Seattle, Seattle Moves & More is a licensed, insured, and premier moving company in Seattle, WA, known for its exceptional services...Read More >>
Services
- Residential & Commercial Moving
- Long-Distance Relocation
- Furniture Packing and Unpacking
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2706648 / - Active Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 5 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 20,000 (2017) |
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
About Careful Movers
With almost two decades of expertise and experience in the moving industry, Menlo Park-based Careful Movers promises stress-free, on-time, a...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Office Moving
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
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.
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.
| Seattle | San Jose | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Ballard | Willow Glen | Family-friendly with a strong community vibe |
| Capitol Hill | The Alameda | Vibrant nightlife and diverse cuisine |
| Queen Anne | Almaden Valley | Upscale homes and picturesque views |
| Fremont | SoFA District | Artsy with a hip, eclectic mix |
| Green Lake | Willow Glen | Active community with outdoor events |
| Belltown | Downtown San Jose | Bustling urban center with high-rise apartments |
| West Seattle | Los Gatos | Small-town feel with luxury amenities |
| Phinney Ridge | Cambrian Park | Quiet, family-oriented with access to nature |
| Wallingford | Cupertino | Strong community focus and excellent schools |
| Pioneer Square | Japantown | Rich 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.
Ready to start your move?
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.
Seattle, WA- Frequent Rain
- Higher Living Cost
- Less Job Diversity
- Heavy Traffic
San Jose, CA- Sunnier Days
- More Tech Opportunities
- Accessible Public Transit
San Jose, CA- Fewer Live Venues
- More Urban
- Higher Food Costs
- Less Coffee Variety
Seattle, 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.
| Seattle | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Salmon | Pho |
| Most popular meat dish | Teriyaki | Carne Asada |
| Most popular street food item | Hot Dogs | Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Quinoa Salad | Vegetarian Pho |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
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| 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.
| Seattle | San Jose | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Canlis | Plumed Horse | upscale dining experience with innovative cuisine |
| Pike Place Chowder | Sam’s Chowder House | known for seafood and chowders |
| The Walrus and the Carpenter | Oyster Oyster | focus on seafood and creative small plates |
| Serious Pie | A Slice of New York | offers authentic, hand-tossed pizza |
| Matt's in the Market | Orchard City Kitchen | market-driven American eatery with a vibrant atmosphere |
| Renee Erickson's Sea Creatures | Le Papillon | fine dining with a focus on seafood |
| Dahlia Lounge | La Foret | New American cuisine nestled in a unique setting |
| Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar | EMC Seafood & Raw Bar | known for fresh oysters and seafood variety |
| Lark | Manresa | offers inventive, farm-to-table New American dishes |
| Terra Plata | The Table | emphasizes 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.
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.
| Comparison | Seattle | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern and Craftsman | Modern and Mediterranean |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | View, Eco-friendly | Solar 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 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.
Seattle, WA
San Jose, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Seattle, WA
San Jose, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Seattle, WA
San Jose, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Seattle, WA
San Jose, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Seattle | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Volcanoes | Earthquakes, 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.
| Comparison | Seattle | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $110,781 | $126,377 |
| Cost of Living Index | 121.4 | 156.1 |
| State Income Tax | 0 | 0 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.99 | 0.79 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 10.1 | 9.25 |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Aerospace, Retail | Technology, Manufacturing, Retail |
| Affluence | High | Very High |
| Poverty | Moderate | Low |
| Homelessness | High | Moderate |
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.
| Seattle | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal, Democratic-majority | Liberal, Democratic-majority |
| Local Politics | Progressive policies on environment and social issues | Technology-driven initiatives with a focus on inclusive growth |
| Religion | Mixed, with a significant number of non-religious residents | Multicultural 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.
| Comparison | Seattle | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 28 | 30 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Possible but challenging | More 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.
Popular Seattle, WA to California Moving Routes
- Seattle to Los Angeles
- Seattle to San Diego
- Seattle to San Francisco
- Seattle to Fresno
- Seattle to Sacramento
- Seattle to Long Beach
- Seattle to Oakland
- Seattle to Bakersfield
- Seattle to Anaheim
- Seattle to Santa Ana
- Seattle to Riverside
- Seattle to Stockton
- Seattle to Irvine
- Seattle to Chula Vista
- Seattle to Fremont
- Seattle to San Bernardino
- Seattle to Modesto
- Seattle to Fontana
- Seattle to Moreno Valley
Popular Moving Routes
Nearby Moving Routes
