Things to know before moving from Florida to San Jose, CA

Cost of living: Florida vs San Jose, CA

Florida San Jose
Average rent cost $1,444 $3,095
Average home value $392,176 $1,453,657
Average income (per capita) $67,917 $83,421
Unemployment rate 3% 7%
State income tax 0% 13%
  • Rent is about 114% more expensive in San Jose than in Florida.
  • Home prices are about 271% higher in San Jose than in Florida.
  • The average income is about 23% higher in San Jose than in Florida.
  • San Jose has a higher unemployment rate than Florida by about 128%.
  • Income taxes are 13% higher in San Jose than in Florida.

How life is different in San Jose from Florida

San Jose Florida
Population 971,233 22,610,726
Political leaning Democratic 73-25 Republican 51-48
Summer high 82ºF 91ºF
Winter low 42ºF 49ºF
Annual rain 17" 55"
Annual snow 0" 0"
Crime index 47.73 21.39
  • The population of San Jose is approximately 96% lower than the population of Florida.
  • In the last presidential election, San Jose voted Democratic and Florida voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in San Jose is 82ºF and in Florida, it’s 91ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, San Jose reaches the temperature of 42ºF and Florida gets down to 49ºF.
  • You can expect about 17 inches of annual rainfall in San Jose vs 55 inches of rainfall in Florida.
  • In San Jose, it snows about 0 inches annually vs 0 inches of snow in Florida.
  • San Jose has a higher crime rate than Florida with a crime index of 47.73 vs 21.39.

Things to do in San Jose

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in San Jose.

Museums in San Josetoggle

  • Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
  • Children's Discovery Museum
  • The Tech Interactive
  • San Jose Museum of Art
  • New Almaden Mercury Mining Museum
  • Japanese American Resource Center/Museum
  • History San Jose
  • Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies
  • San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles
  • Mexican Heritage Plaza
  • San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art
  • American Firearms Museum
  • California Trolley and Railroad Corporation
  • Anno Domini Gallery
  • Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana

Parks in San Josetoggle

  • Almaden Quicksilver County Park
  • Alum Rock Park
  • Emma Prusch Farm Park
  • Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park
  • Joseph D. Grant County Park
  • Rotary Playgarden
  • Monopoly in the Park
  • Santa Teresa County Park
  • Martial Cottle Park
  • Guadalupe River Park
  • Kelley Park
  • Overfelt Gardens
  • Lake Cunningham Park
  • Hellyer County Park
  • Saint James Park

Sports Teams in San Josetoggle

  • San Jose Barracuda (AHL)
  • San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
  • San Jose Giants (California League)
  • San Jose Sharks (NHL)

Universities in San Josetoggle

  • San Jose State University
  • San Jose City College
  • Evergreen Valley College
  • International Technological University
  • WestMed College
  • Cogswell College

Other considerations when moving to San Jose, CA

  • Weather: San Jose, like most of the Bay Area, has warm to hot, dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters. The city is somewhat more sheltered from rain, giving it a semi-arid feel
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to California. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

FAQ

How long does a move from Florida to San Jose take?

The time frame for a move from Florida to San Jose, CA, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.

Obviously, the further upstate you are in Florida, the longer the drive time to San Jose will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.

With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to San Jose from Florida can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Florida to San Jose?

Because of the 2830-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Florida to San Jose as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to San Jose, CA?

With the summer highs of 82ºF and the winter lows of 42ºF, most people move to San Jose from Florida during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to San Jose during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources