Best Sacramento to San Jose Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Sacramento to San Jose and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 121 mile long distance California move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 160 Sacramento to San Jose moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Sweet Lemon Moving Services), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $4,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Sacramento compared to San Jose. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best Sacramento to San Jose Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability Index
1Sweet Lemon Moving Services9.779.67
2Pure Moving Company9.659.41
3Hauling Moses Moving Inc.9.659.13
4Tetris Masters Moving9.529.46
5smoove9.479.55
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Sacramento to San Jose?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 121 miles from Sacramento, CA to San Jose, CA will cost on average $1,884 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Sacramento to San Jose move is roughly $4,496. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,271300 ft³$4.24
1 Bedroom$1,884450 ft³$4.19
2 Bedrooms$3,103750 ft³$4.14
3 Bedrooms$4,4961100 ft³$4.09
4 Bedrooms$6,4591600 ft³$4.04
5+ Bedrooms$7,1761800 ft³$3.99
*Please note: These California to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & California. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed CA to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Jose to Sacramento guide.

Compare the 5 Best Sacramento to San Jose Movers

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

Sweet Lemon Moving Services Logo

Sweet Lemon Moving Services

Exceptional9.77/10
based on 3,489+ data points

403 Elwood Ave

Oakland, CA, 94610

About Sweet Lemon Moving Services

As a full-service moving company, Sweet Lemon Moving Services has been performing moves in Oakland and the wider Bay Area since...

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Interstate Moves
  • Commercial Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle X Mark
Not Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3277021 / -

Not Authorized

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved5,000 (2021)
View Full Review
1
Pure Moving Company Logo

Pure Moving Company

Exceptional9.65/10
based on 6,753+ data points

401 Terry A Francois Blvd # 110

San Francisco, CA, 94158

About Pure Moving Company

With four locations in two states, Pure Moving Company has been offering professional and full-service moves in San Francisco since 2000....

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
View Full Review
2
Hauling Moses Moving Inc. Logo

Hauling Moses Moving Inc.

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.65/10
based on 2,106+ data points

494 27th Ave # 37

San Francisco, CA, 94121

About Hauling Moses Moving Inc.

Based in San Francisco since 2016, Hauling Moses Moving specializes in local moves for both residential and commercial clients. This moving...

Services

  • Local and Long-Distance moves within entire state of California
  • Full Packing Service / Packing supplies
  • Piano, pool table, appliance, and furniture moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle X Mark
Not Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 5/23/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3018716 / -

Not Authorized

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
3
Tetris Masters Moving Logo

Tetris Masters Moving

Exceptional9.52/10
based on 638+ data points

2831 Clark Ave

Carmichael, CA, 95608

About Tetris Masters Moving

Tetris Masters Moving is a trusted moving company based in Sacramento, servicing areas such as El Dorado County, Placerville, Orangevale, and...

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Full Service Packing/Unpacking
  • Local/Long Distance

Interstate Moving License

Circle X Mark
Not Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3436036 / -

Not Authorized

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2022)
View Full Review
4
smoove Logo

smoove

Exceptional9.47/10
based on 636+ data points

2333 Northrop Ave Unit # 213B

Sacramento, CA, 95825

About smoove

If you are finding the process of moving stressful, it is important to note that you're not alone. In fact, most...

Services

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle X Mark
Not Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/11/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3810402 / -

Not Authorized

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved12,000 (2023)
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.

Sacramento vs. San Jose Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're trying to find a neighborhood that feels like home. To ease this transition, we've created a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Sacramento, CA & San Jose, CA, highlighting the similarities between popular areas in both cities. This guide aims to help you familiarize yourself with your new surroundings by using known areas as a baseline.

SacramentoSan JoseHow They're Similar
MidtownDowntown San JoseVibrant nightlife and arts scene
East SacramentoWillow GlenCharming, walkable with local businesses
Land ParkRose GardenHistoric homes and lush gardens
NatomasNorth San JoseDeveloping, family-friendly with parks
Elk GroveAlmaden ValleySuburban, great schools, and parks
Curtis ParkShasta Hanchett ParkQuaint, with unique historic homes
Tahoe ParkCamdenResidential, parks, and community-focused
Oak ParkJapantownCultural hub with historic charm
River ParkAlvisoWaterfront views, tight-knit community vibe
PocketEvergreenQuiet, suburban with good schools

If you adore the vibrant, artistic atmosphere of Midtown Sacramento, with its eclectic mix of galleries, theatres, and restaurants like The Barn, you'll find Downtown San Jose's culture and entertainment offerings to be strikingly similar, featuring hotspots such as San Jose Museum of Art. Residents of East Sacramento who enjoy a morning stroll or weekend brunch in charming, walkable neighborhoods will appreciate Willow Glen's picturesque streets and locally-owned businesses like Bert's Diner. For those moving from Land Park's historic homes and spacious parks, Rose Garden in San Jose offers a seamless transition with its beautiful rose garden and colonial architecture, offering an equally lush and serene setting.

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Things to Do in San Jose

  • Explore The Tech Interactive museum
  • Stroll through Japanese Friendship Garden
  • Watch a San Jose Sharks hockey game
  • Enjoy shopping and dining at Santana Row
  • Hike in Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve
  • Visit Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
  • Sample wines at Santa Clara Valley wineries

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Sacramento to San Jose

Moving from one city to another presents both challenges and opportunities. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Sacramento, CA to San Jose, CA . By examining the pros and cons, you'll be better prepared to weigh the benefits against the drawbacks.

CONs
PROs
Sacramento, CA iconSacramento, CA
  • Higher summer heat
  • Less tech opportunities
  • Smaller cultural scene
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • Milder climate
  • More job options
  • Larger cultural variety
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • Higher living costs
  • Fewer parks
  • More traffic
Sacramento, CA iconSacramento, CA
  • Lower cost of living
  • More outdoor spaces
  • Less traffic congestion

Moving to San Jose brings the advantage of a more temperate climate, reducing the need for constant air conditioning that Sacramento's summers often demand. This city thrives as a vibrant hub for technology and innovation, home to major companies like Apple, Google, and Facebook. The cultural scene in San Jose is rich, highlighted by destinations such as the San Jose Museum of Art and events at the SAP Center. In contrast, Sacramento offers a quieter lifestyle with a lower cost of living, expansive parks such as William Land Park, and less congested roadways. However, for those seeking career growth in the tech industry and cultural diversity, San Jose might prove to be a land of greater opportunities despite its higher cost of living and busier streets.

Sacramento vs. San Jose Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Sacramento & San Jose because food plays a significant role in understanding a place's culture and lifestyle. By examining the culinary differences, you'll gain insights into what dining in your new home might entail.

Sacramento
San Jose
Most iconic local food item
Farm-to-Fork Dishes
Pho
Most popular meat dish
Grilled Steak
Carne Asada
Most popular street food item
Tacos
Banh Mi
Most popular vegan food
Avocado Toast
Vegan Pho
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Din Tai Fung
  • Original Joe's
  • Falafel's Drive-In
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
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Abundance of Food Trucks
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Foodie Scene
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Vegan Friendly
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When you move to San Jose, you'll discover a vibrant food scene, known for its diverse flavors and innovations. The city prides itself on a variety of dishes with deep cultural roots, like Pho, found in neighborhoods like Little Saigon. Carne Asada and Banh Mi are widely popular, showcasing San Jose's rich multicultural community. Vegan offerings, such as Vegan Pho, are plentiful, reflecting the city's health-conscious ethos. The iconic restaurants, including Din Tai Fung in the Santana Row area, offer a glimpse into the broad spectrum of cuisines San Jose has to offer, from upscale dining to casual eats like Falafel's Drive-In, a local favorite for quick but flavorful meals.

Sacramento vs. San Jose Restaurant Comparison

Finding comfort in a new city often starts with discovering the local food scene. This restaurant comparison chart serves as a guide to help make your transition from Sacramento to San Jose feel like home. Using your current favorites, we provide comparable eatery options in San Jose for Sacramento's top restaurants , ensuring you find your new go-to spots with ease.

SacramentoSan JoseWhat You'll Love
The KitchenLe PapillonElegant fine dining experience with a focus on seasonal cuisine
Mulvaney's B&LOrchard City KitchenElevated casual dining with an innovative menu
Frank Fat'sImperial InnTime-honored Chinese dishes with a modern twist
Mikuni Japanese Restaurant & Sushi BarYuki SushiAuthentic sushi and Japanese cuisine with a Bay Area flair
Grange Restaurant & BarAdegaA Portuguese gem offering a unique gastronomic experience
Ella Dining Room and BarManresa BreadArtisan bakery and café, perfect for light, upscale meals
Firehouse RestaurantAlexander's SteakhouseCombines classic American fare with a twist
Tower CafeBill's CaféA beloved breakfast and brunch spot with a long history
Gunther's Quality Ice CreamTreat Ice Cream CompanyRenowned for its premium, locally made ice cream
Revolution WinesJ. Lohr Vineyards & WinesOffers exquisite wine tasting in an elegant setting

When searching for familiar flavors in a new city, San Jose's dining scene does not disappoint. Places like Le Papillon and Orchard City Kitchen promise to offer the same quality and ambiance Sacramento locals have grown to love at restaurants like The Kitchen and Mulvaney's B&L. For sushi enthusiasts, Yuki Sushi in San Jose mirrors the authentic experience found at Mikuni Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar, presenting meticulously prepared dishes that satisfy the cravings for Japanese cuisine. And for those special evenings out or simply to indulge in a high-quality steak, Alexander's Steakhouse provides an innovative twist on the American steakhouse concept, echoing the cherished experiences at Sacramento's Firehouse Restaurant. Embracing these establishments might just make San Jose feel a bit more like home.

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Ready to start your move?

Sacramento vs. San Jose Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a crucial aspect when relocating. Understanding how Sacramento and San Jose stack up against each other in terms of housing cost, architecture, and lifestyle can significantly influence your moving decision.

Sacramento
San Jose
Typical Architecture Style
Victorian and Craftsman
Modern and Ranch
Walkability
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Bikeability
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Urban Lifestyle
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Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Backyards, proximity to parks
Proximity to tech hubs, energy-efficient features

While Sacramento offers more affordable housing, with a median home price significantly lower than San Jose, the latter boasts a higher walkability and bikeability score reflecting its urban lifestyle. San Jose, being at the heart of Silicon Valley, has a steep housing market but compensates with modern amenities and a high tech-driven lifestyle. Architecture in Sacramento frequently showcases charming Victorian and Craftsman styles, whereas San Jose leans towards modern and Ranch-style homes, often listing energy-efficient features and proximity to tech hubs as major selling points.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in San Jose, CA

1. Willow Glen : You'll love the tree-lined streets and abundance of pet-friendly parks and amenities that make outdoor exploration with your furry friend convenient and enjoyable.

2. Japantown : This neighborhood's welcoming community vibe and nearby parks provide you and your pet plenty of space to enjoy leisurely strolls and social interactions.

3. Rose Garden : With its expansive green spaces and walkable layout, this area offers numerous dog-friendly cafes and shops, making it perfect for pet-owners like you.

Sacramento vs. San Jose Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Sacramento to San Jose, understanding how the weather compares is crucial. It's important to know what weather conditions you're moving into, as this can affect everything from your daily comfort to your weekend plans. This comparison will help familiarize you with the weather differences between Sacramento and San Jose.

Sacramento
San Jose
Days of Sunshine per Year
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Avg. Annual Humidity
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Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
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Natural Disasters
Floods, Fires
Earthquakes, Fires
Air Quality
Moderate
Good
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

94°F/60°F
82°F/57°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

54°F/38°F
60°F/42°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

18
15
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

0
0


Moving from Sacramento to San Jose introduces you to slightly cooler summers and milder winters, enhancing outdoor activities year-round. The humidity level in San Jose is a bit higher, which might affect your comfort and require some acclimatization. Both cities enjoy plenty of sunshine, though Sacramento edges out with more sunny days. When it comes to natural disasters, it's crucial to be aware of the primary risks in San Jose, notably earthquakes, in contrast to Sacramento's floods. Understanding these differences can help you better prepare for your new home's climate.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move from Sacramento, CA to San Jose, CA, it's critical to grasp how your financial situation might shift. This comparison illuminates the anticipated differences in living costs and economic factors. By understanding these distinctions, you can better prepare for your relocation.

Sacramento
San Jose
Avg. Household Income
$75,311
$126,377
Cost of Living Index
116.2
156.1
State Income Tax
9.3
9.3
Avg. Property Tax
0.81
0.79
Avg. Sales Tax
8.75
9.25
Top 3 Industries
Government, Healthcare, Education
Technology, Manufacturing, Retail
Affluence
Moderate
High
Poverty
Moderate
Low
Homelessness
High
Moderate

Shifting from Sacramento to San Jose, you'll encounter a significant leap in the cost of living, almost doubling in index value. However, this increase is mirrored in the average household income, which substantially rises in San Jose, reflecting the city's thriving technology-driven economy. Despite both cities being in California, the sales tax is slightly higher in San Jose, which could affect your day-to-day expenses. It's interesting to note that despite the higher cost of living, San Jose has a lower rate of poverty and homelessness compared to Sacramento, possibly due to its higher affluence and economic opportunities within its top industries. This information is crucial for evaluating whether the financial trade-offs of moving are worth the potential benefits.

Sacramento vs. San Jose Political & Religious Comparison

When preparing for your move from Sacramento to San Jose, it's helpful to get a quick snapshot of the communities you're transitioning between. This comparison will provide you with an at-a-glance look at the political and religious makeup of residents between Sacramento & San Jose , offering insights into what might feel familiar and what could be different. Understanding these nuances can help you better integrate into your new home.

Sacramento
San Jose
Political Make-up
Liberal
Liberal
Local Politics
Democratic Dominance
Democratic Dominance
Religion
Diverse, with a significant Christian community
Religiously diverse with a notable Asian religious influence

Both Sacramento and San Jose share a liberal political disposition and democratic dominance in local politics, reflecting California's broader political landscape. This similarity might ease your transition; however, the religious landscape provides a nuanced difference worth noting. Sacramento is known for its significant Christian community alongside other religious groups. In contrast, San Jose offers a greater diversity in religious practices, partly due to its significant Asian population, enriching the religious tapestry with traditions like Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism. This diversity not only adds to the cultural richness of San Jose but also extends an opportunity for you to explore various religious communities and philosophies.

Sacramento vs. San Jose Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Sacramento, CA to San Jose, CA? This guide will help you better understand the differences in daily commute and traffic, by comparing traffic and transportation options between Sacramento & San Jose.

Sacramento
San Jose
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
26
30
Traffic Congestion
6 out of 10
7 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
5 out of 10
6 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
Possible but challenging
More feasible

In Sacramento, while the average commute time is slightly lower than in San Jose, day-to-day traveling can sometimes be less predictable due to occasional spikes in traffic congestion. However, Sacramento's public transit system, including buses and light rail services offered by SacRT, provides alternatives to driving, though living without a car can present challenges. In contrast, San Jose, with its higher traffic congestion score, might appear more daunting for drivers. Yet, its public transit facilities, enhanced by VTA services, make it moderately easier to navigate the city without a car. San Jose's layout and transportation infrastructure also support a slightly better environment for cyclists and pedestrians, reflecting the city's focus on becoming more sustainable and less car-dependent.

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