($1,471) Movers From New York City, NY to San Jose, CA

What to know before moving from New York City to San Jose

Moving from New York City to San Jose means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in New York City than in San Jose, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how New York City compares to San Jose so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in San Jose are 29% lower than in New York City, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in New York City.
  Home prices in San Jose are 93.1% higher than in New York City.
• Income in San Jose is 6.9% higher than in New York City, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in San Jose include Cisco Systems, Western Digital, and Infineon Technologies.
• The cost of living for a single person in San Jose is 35.4% lower than in New York City. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in San Jose is 44.6% lower than in New York City.
• The unemployment rate in San Jose is 41.07% lower than in New York City.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in San Jose, since the city’s sales taxes in San Jose are 17.25% higher than in New York City.
• State income taxes in San Jose are 22.02% higher than in New York City.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,939.47 in San Jose to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in New York City.

How life is different in New York City vs. San Jose

• San Jose might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 88% less than New York City.
• Getting around San Jose without a car might be more difficult than in New York City. San Jose has a public transportation score of 7 out of 10, whereas New York City is ranked 10. 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 New York City. Based on its score of 51 out of 100, San Jose isn’t as walkable as New York City, which has a score of 88 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.
• You probably won’t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in San Jose, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than New York City. While New York City has a bike-friendliness score of 69 out of 100, San Jose earned a 62. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
• You can anticipate the same crime rate in San Jose as New York City. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80–100.
• San Jose is generally as safe as New York City, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
• The air quality in San Jose isn’t as good as it is in New York City, 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 New York City 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 New York City 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
• Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
• Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
• 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: You can verify a California moving company\’s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
• Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in California, though it\’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
• Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toSan Jose Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in San Jose

Now that you’ve chosen "Man Jose" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in San Jose to check out.

Helpful moving resources