($1,574) Movers From Miami, FL to San Jose, CA

What to know before moving from Miami to San Jose

Moving from Miami to San Jose comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since San Jose is generally more expensive than Miami, it’s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in San Jose are 4% higher than in Miami, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Miami.
  Home prices in San Jose are 150.7% higher than in Miami.
• Income in San Jose is 52.1% higher than in Miami, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in San Jose include Cisco Systems, Western Digital, and Infineon Technologies.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in San Jose, since the cost of living for a single person in San Jose is 18.4% higher than in Miami. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re moving your family to San Jose, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in San Jose is 12.1% higher than in Miami.
• The unemployment rate in San Jose is 20.48% lower than in Miami.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in San Jose, since the city’s sales taxes in San Jose are 34.00% higher than in Miami.
• State income taxes in San Jose are 13.30% higher than in Miami.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,552.05 in San Jose to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Miami.

How life is different in Miami vs. San Jose

• The population of San Jose is about 120% greater than Miami, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
• Getting around San Jose without a car might be more difficult than in Miami. San Jose has a public transportation score of 7 out of 10, whereas Miami is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a city’s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
• San Jose neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Miami. Based on its score of 51 out of 100, San Jose isn’t as walkable as Miami, which has a score of 77 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
• San Jose and Miami are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 62 and 64 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
• San Jose has a lower crime rate than Miami based on scores of 47.73 and Miami's 52.54, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
• You might find more confidence in your overall safety in San Jose than in Miami, based on San Jose’s safety index of 52.27 versus 47.46 for Miami. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
• The air quality in San Jose isn’t as good as it is in Miami, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. San Jose has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Miami is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.

Other things to consider for your Miami vs. San Jose move

• 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: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• 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 through the state's public utilities commission.
• 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 San Jose. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in San Jose

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Man Jose", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in San Jose.

Helpful moving resources