Best Sacramento to San Jose Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
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.

Best Sacramento to San Jose Moving Companies
Rank | Company | Affordability Index | |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Sweet Lemon Moving Services | 9.77 | 9.67 |
2 | Pure Moving Company | 9.65 | 9.41 |
3 | Hauling Moses Moving Inc. | 9.65 | 9.13 |
4 | Tetris Masters Moving | 9.52 | 9.46 |
5 | smoove | 9.47 | 9.55 |
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 Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,271 | 300 ft³ | $4.24 |
1 Bedroom | $1,884 | 450 ft³ | $4.19 |
2 Bedrooms | $3,103 | 750 ft³ | $4.14 |
3 Bedrooms | $4,496 | 1100 ft³ | $4.09 |
4 Bedrooms | $6,459 | 1600 ft³ | $4.04 |
5+ Bedrooms | $7,176 | 1800 ft³ | $3.99 |

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
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3277021 / - Not Authorized Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 8 |
Registered Drivers | 8 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 5,000 (2021) |

Pure Moving Company
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

Hauling Moses Moving Inc.

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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3018716 / - Not Authorized Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
Registered Drivers | 1 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | - |

Tetris Masters Moving
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3436036 / - Not Authorized Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
Registered Drivers | 1 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2022) |

smoove
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3810402 / - Not Authorized Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
Registered Drivers | 1 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 12,000 (2023) |

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.
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.
Sacramento | San Jose | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
Midtown | Downtown San Jose | Vibrant nightlife and arts scene |
East Sacramento | Willow Glen | Charming, walkable with local businesses |
Land Park | Rose Garden | Historic homes and lush gardens |
Natomas | North San Jose | Developing, family-friendly with parks |
Elk Grove | Almaden Valley | Suburban, great schools, and parks |
Curtis Park | Shasta Hanchett Park | Quaint, with unique historic homes |
Tahoe Park | Camden | Residential, parks, and community-focused |
Oak Park | Japantown | Cultural hub with historic charm |
River Park | Alviso | Waterfront views, tight-knit community vibe |
Evergreen | Quiet, 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.

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.
- Higher summer heat
- Less tech opportunities
- Smaller cultural scene
- Milder climate
- More job options
- Larger cultural variety
- Higher living costs
- Fewer parks
- More traffic
- 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.
- The Kitchen
- Mulvaney's B&L
- Empress Tavern
- Din Tai Fung
- Original Joe's
- Falafel's Drive-In
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.
Sacramento | San Jose | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
The Kitchen | Le Papillon | Elegant fine dining experience with a focus on seasonal cuisine |
Mulvaney's B&L | Orchard City Kitchen | Elevated casual dining with an innovative menu |
Frank Fat's | Imperial Inn | Time-honored Chinese dishes with a modern twist |
Mikuni Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar | Yuki Sushi | Authentic sushi and Japanese cuisine with a Bay Area flair |
Grange Restaurant & Bar | Adega | A Portuguese gem offering a unique gastronomic experience |
Ella Dining Room and Bar | Manresa Bread | Artisan bakery and café, perfect for light, upscale meals |
Firehouse Restaurant | Alexander's Steakhouse | Combines classic American fare with a twist |
Tower Cafe | Bill's Café | A beloved breakfast and brunch spot with a long history |
Gunther's Quality Ice Cream | Treat Ice Cream Company | Renowned for its premium, locally made ice cream |
Revolution Wines | J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines | Offers 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.

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.
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 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.
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
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.
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.
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.
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.



Additional Resources
Sacramento Moving Services
Popular Sacramento to California Routes
Popular Moving Resources