Factors influencing moving costs from Des Moines to San Josetoggle

The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Des Moines to San Jose can be as low as $1,609 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $11,660.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Des Moines, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,222 to $3,296. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Des Moines to San Jose

Des Moines San Jose
Average rent cost $1,150 $3,095
Average home value $192,347 $1,453,657
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $83,421
Cost of living (single person) $1,891 $3,674
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,380 $8,354
Unemployment rate 5.9% 6.6%
Sales tax 7.0% 9.38%
State income tax 4.4% 13.3%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in San Jose are 169% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Home prices in San Jose are 655.7% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Income in San Jose is 42.6% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a single person in San Jose is 94.3% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a family in San Jose is 90.7% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The unemployment rate in San Jose is 11.86% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Sales taxes in San Jose are 34.00% higher than in Des Moines.
  • State income taxes in San Jose are 202.27% higher than in Des Moines.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,828.66 in San Jose to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Des Moines.

How life is different in Des Moines vs. San Jose

San Jose Des Moines
Population 971,233 699,292
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 7 5
Walkability score 51 45
Bike friendliness score 62 39
Crime Index 47.73 5.0
Safety Index 52.27 57.8
Air Quality Moderate Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • San Jose's population is about 39% greater than Des Moines.
  • San Jose's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Des Moines's higher score of 5.
  • San Jose is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
  • With a score of 62 out of 100, San Jose is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • San Jose's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 47.73 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that San Jose neighborhoods are safer than 47.73% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
  • San Jose is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 52.27 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
  • Air quality in San Jose is moderate, and in Des Moines it's good.

Other things to consider for your Des Moines 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 โ€œT 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 singlestoggle

  • Burbank
  • Downtown
  • Evergreen
  • West San Jose
  • Willow Glen

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Berryessa
  • Cambrian Park
  • Evergreen
  • West San Jose
  • Willow Glen

Things to do in San Josetoggle

After settling into your new California home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, San Jose has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re 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 cityโ€™s 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.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Des Moines to San Jose?

The best time to move from Des Moines to San Jose is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Des Moines.

When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to San Jose?

Because most people are moving from Des Moines to San Jose in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Des Moines to San Jose take?

The 1,831-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to San Jose, CA, takes five to 16 days. Some Des Moines movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in San Jose.

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