Best overall value
Key factors that impact the cost of your Atlanta to San Jose move
What to know before moving from Atlanta to San Jose
Moving from Atlanta to San Jose comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since San Jose is generally more expensive than Atlanta, itโs 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:
| Atlanta | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,900 | $3,095 |
| Average home value | $388,167 | $1,453,657 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,107 | $83,421 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,134 | $3,674 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,822 | $8,354 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.0% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.9% | 9.38% |
| State income tax | 5.49% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in San Jose are 63% higher than in Atlanta, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Atlanta.
Home prices in San Jose are 274.5% higher than in Atlanta. - Income in San Jose is 26.2% higher than in Atlanta, 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 17.2% higher than in Atlanta. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre 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 6.8% higher than in Atlanta.
- The unemployment rate in San Jose is 10.00% higher than in Atlanta.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in San Jose, since the cityโs sales taxes in San Jose are 5.39% higher than in Atlanta.
- State income taxes in San Jose are 142.26% higher than in Atlanta.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,516.91 in San Jose to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Atlanta.
How life is different in Atlanta vs. San Jose
| San Jose | Atlanta | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 971,233 | 498,715 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 7 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 48 |
| Bike friendliness score | 62 | 42 |
| Crime Index | 47.73 | 64.23 |
| Safety Index | 52.27 | 35.77 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
- The population of San Jose is about 95% greater than Atlanta, 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 Atlanta. San Jose has a public transportation score of 7 out of 10, whereas Atlanta is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a cityโs transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Youโll find San Jose to be about as walkable as Atlanta. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 51 and 48 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- If cycling is your thing, San Jose is considered more bike-friendly than Atlanta in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. San Jose has a bike-friendliness score of 62 out of 100, while Atlanta is rated as 42 out of 100.
- San Jose has a lower crime rate than Atlanta based on scores of 47.73 and Atlanta's 64.23, 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 Atlanta, based on San Joseโs safety index of 52.27 versus 35.77 for Atlanta. 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 and Atlanta is generally the same (Moderate). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Atlanta 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 โT Numberโ 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 โ 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.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Burbank
- Downtown
- Evergreen
- West San Jose
- Willow Glen
Best neighborhoods for families
- Berryessa
- Cambrian Park
- Evergreen
- West San Jose
- Willow Glen
Things to do in San Jose
After settling into your new California home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, San Jose has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: San Jose is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, Children's Discovery Museum, The Tech Interactive, San Jose Museum of Art, and New Almaden Mercury Mining Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Almaden Quicksilver County Park, Alum Rock Park, Emma Prusch Farm Park, and Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an San Jose Barracuda (AHL), San Jose Earthquakes (MLS), San Jose Giants (California League), or San Jose Sharks (NHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Atlanta to San Jose?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Atlanta to San Jose are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Atlanta are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Atlanta to San Jose?
With many people choosing to move from Atlanta to San Jose in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Atlanta to San Jose take?
Moving from Atlanta, GA to San Jose, CA covers 2,429 miles and usually takes seven to 18 days. Need to move faster? Some Atlanta movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in San Jose.
