Best overall value
Key factors that impact the cost of your Madison to San Jose move
What to know before moving from Madison to San Jose
Moving from Madison to San Jose comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since San Jose is generally more expensive than Madison, 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:
| Madison | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,600 | $3,095 |
| Average home value | $367,934 | $1,453,657 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $83,421 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,292 | $3,674 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,457 | $8,354 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 9.38% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in San Jose are 93% higher than in Madison, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Madison.
Home prices in San Jose are 295.1% higher than in Madison. - Income in San Jose is 32.6% higher than in Madison, 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 60.3% higher than in Madison. 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 53.1% higher than in Madison.
- The unemployment rate in San Jose is 100.00% higher than in Madison.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in San Jose, since the cityโs sales taxes in San Jose are 70.55% higher than in Madison.
- State income taxes in San Jose are 73.86% higher than in Madison.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,808.90 in San Jose to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Madison.
How life is different in Madison vs. San Jose
| San Jose | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 971,233 | 269,840 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 7 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 50 |
| Bike friendliness score | 62 | 66 |
| Crime Index | 47.73 | 34.57 |
| Safety Index | 52.27 | 65.43 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- The population of San Jose is about 260% greater than Madison, 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.
- San Jose offers better access to buses and trains than Madison, based on public transportation ratings. San Jose has a transit score of 7 out of 10 compared to 6 in Madison. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Youโll find San Jose to be about as walkable as Madison. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 51 and 50 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- You probably wonโt see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in San Jose, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Madison. While Madison has a bike-friendliness score of 66 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.
- The crime rate in San Jose is higher than in Madison, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 47.73 in San Jose, it is 34.57 in Madison. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโs crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as youโre getting used to your new surroundings in San Jose. With a crime index of 52.27, San Jose ranks lower in overall safety than Madison, whose index is Madison's 65.43. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- The air quality in San Jose isnโt as good as it is in Madison, 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 Madison 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 Madison 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: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs 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 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While California doesnโt 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 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 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.
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
Once youโre settled into your new home in California, itโs time to get out and discover what San Jose has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: San Jose features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during 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 Madison to San Jose?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Madison to San Jose are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Madison are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Madison to San Jose?
With many people choosing to move from Madison 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 Madison to San Jose take?
Moving from Madison, WI to San Jose, CA covers 2,111 miles and usually takes six to 17 days. Need to move faster? Some Madison movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in San Jose.
