($1,599) Movers From Houston, TX to San Jose, CA

What to know before moving from Houston to San Jose

Moving from Houston to San Jose comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since San Jose is generally more expensive than Houston, 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 100% higher than in Houston, 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 Houston.
  Home prices in San Jose are 450.7% higher than in Houston.
• Income in San Jose is 19.5% higher than in Houston, 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 32.6% higher than in Houston. 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 16.7% higher than in Houston.
• The unemployment rate in San Jose is 60.98% higher than in Houston.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in San Jose, since the city’s sales taxes in San Jose are 13.70% higher than in Houston.
• State income taxes in San Jose are 13.30% higher than in Houston.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,979.06 in San Jose to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Houston.

How life is different in Houston vs. San Jose

• San Jose might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 58% less than Houston.
• San Jose offers better access to buses and trains than Houston, based on public transportation ratings. San Jose has a transit score of 7 out of 10 compared to 5 in Houston. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
• Living in San Jose means you’ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Houston. San Jose is considered more walkable than Houston, with a score of 51 out of 100 versus 47 out of 100 in Houston. A city’s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
• If cycling is your thing, San Jose is considered more bike-friendly than Houston 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 Houston is rated as 49 out of 100.
• San Jose has a lower crime rate than Houston based on scores of 47.73 and Houston's 63.5, 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 Houston, based on San Jose’s safety index of 52.27 versus 36.5 for Houston. 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 Houston, 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 Houston 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 Houston 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: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission
• Moving permits: While California doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to San Jose without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in San Jose

With your sights set on "Man Jose", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in San Jose.

Helpful moving resources