Best San Jose to Irvine Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
Trusted. Licensed. Insured.
If you're moving from San Jose to Irvine and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 380 mile long distance California move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 147 San Jose to Irvine moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Sweet Lemon Moving Services), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in San Jose compared to Irvine. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.
Best San Jose to Irvine Moving Companies
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from San Jose to Irvine
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 380 miles from San Jose, CA to Irvine, CA will cost on average $2,104 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom San Jose to Irvine move is roughly $5,034. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,418 | 300 ft³ | 4.73 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,104 | 450 ft³ | 4.68 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,470 | 750 ft³ | 4.63 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,034 | 1100 ft³ | 4.58 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $7,242 | 1600 ft³ | 4.53 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $8,057 | 1800 ft³ | 4.48 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Irvine to San Jose guide.
Compare the 5 Best San Jose to Irvine Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
Sweet Lemon Moving Services
403 Elwood Ave
Oakland, CA, 94610
About Sweet Lemon Moving Services
As a full-service moving company, Sweet Lemon Moving Services has been performing moves in Oakland and the wider Bay Area since...
Services
- Local Moves
- Interstate Moves
- Commercial Moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3277021 / - Not Authorized Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 8 |
| Registered Drivers | 8 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 5,000 (2021) |
Pure Moving Company
401 Terry A Francois Blvd # 110
San Francisco, CA, 94158
About Pure Moving Company
With four locations in two states, Pure Moving Company has been offering professional and full-service moves in San Francisco since 2000....
Services
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Long Distance Moving
Pure Moving Company
1601 N Gower St # 205
Los Angeles, CA, 90028
About Pure Moving Company
Established in 2010 in Los Angeles, Pure Moving Company is a trusted name in the moving industry. With several locations across...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3980623 / - Not Authorized Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | - |
California Loyal Movers
999 Commercial St # 206
Palo Alto, CA, 94303
About California Loyal Movers
Located in Palo Alto, California Loyal Movers has a proven track record of helping people and businesses in the Bay Area...
Services
- Local moves
- Long-distance moves
- Loading and unloading services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2020505 / - Not Authorized Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2018) |
Family Affair Moving
Dana Point, CA, 92629
About Family Affair Moving
Family Affair Moving is an experienced and reputable moving company that has been serving the Southern California region for many years....
Services
- Commercial Movers
- Residential Movers
- Last Minute Movers
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3085303 / - Not Authorized Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
| Registered Drivers | 5 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 10,000 (2023) |
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
San Jose vs. Irvine Neighborhood Comparison
Moving between cities can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with your new home. To ease this transition, we've crafted a guide to compare the local neighborhoods between San Jose, CA & Irvine, CA . This comparison aims to help you find a neighborhood in Irvine that feels like home, using the ones you already know and love in San Jose as a baseline.
| San Jose | Irvine | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Willow Glen | Woodbridge | Family-friendly vibe, community events |
| Downtown San Jose | Irvine Business Complex | Urban, vibrant nightlife |
| Almaden Valley | Turtle Rock | Scenic views, tranquil living |
| Los Gatos | Shady Canyon | Upscale, secluded homes |
| Evergreen | Portola Springs | Quiet, family-oriented, hiking trails |
| Japantown | Westpark | Diverse, vibrant community life |
| Silver Creek | Northwood | Gated, luxurious living |
| Rose Garden | Woodbury | Historic charm, community parks |
| Berryessa | Quail Hill | Nature close by, family-friendly |
| Willow Glen | Woodbridge | Close-knit community, local shops |
Moving from San Jose's Japantown to Irvine's Westpark, you'll find a similarly diverse and vibrant community. Westpark is home to an array of local restaurants, like the beloved Class 302 for Taiwanese cuisine. Nature enthusiasts relocating from Almaden Valley to Turtle Rock in Irvine will appreciate the scenic hiking trails at Turtle Rock Nature Center, echoing Almaden's Quicksilver County Park's trails. For those moving from the historic Rose Garden in San Jose, Woodbury in Irvine offers a charming suburban feel with plenty of community parks and events, like the annual Woodbury Fall Festival. Each Irvine neighborhood mirrors the essence of San Jose's diverse communities, ensuring you'll feel right at home.
Things to Do in Irvine
Hike at Irvine Regional Park- Explore the Orange County Great Park
- Visit the Irvine Spectrum Center
- Enjoy dining at Diamond Jamboree
- Study at Irvine Public Libraries
- Attend a concert at FivePoint Amphitheatre
- Relax at Newport Beach
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from San Jose to Irvine
Moving from one city to another is a big step, loaded with potential benefits and drawbacks. This guide provides a clear comparison to help weigh those considerations effectively when moving from San Jose, CA to Irvine, CA. By examining the cons of San Jose side by side with the pros of Irvine, and vice versa, you'll gain an honest reflection of what to expect from this relocation.
San Jose, CA- Higher cost of living
- Traffic congestion
- Scarce public parks
Irvine, CA- Lower cost of living
- Less traffic
- Abundant green spaces
Irvine, CA- Smaller tech scene
- More limited dining options
- Quieter nightlife
San Jose, CA- Thriving tech industry
- Diverse food culture
- Vibrant nightlife
Although the transfer from San Jose to Irvine involves navigating certain trade-offs, such as swapping a bustling tech hub for a city with a smaller tech scene, this move offers numerous lifestyle advantages. Irvine is praised for its expansive parks and green spaces, notably the Orange County Great Park, which stands in stark contrast to the more limited public parks in San Jose. Furthermore, the dining scene, while more constrained, is home to gems like Hana re and Habana, which offer exquisite culinary experiences. Though Irvine may host a quieter nightlife, the quality of life is often considered higher due to less traffic congestion and a generally lower cost of living. This combination of factors makes it an appealing option for many seeking a balance between urban conveniences and suburban comfort.
San Jose vs. Irvine Food Guide
As food plays a crucial role in understanding a city's culture and daily life, we've crafted a comparison of the local cuisine between San Jose & Irvine to help you transition smoothly to your new locale. Discover what culinary delights await in your new hometown.
| San Jose | Irvine | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Pho | Ahi Poke |
| Most popular meat dish | Carne Asada | Bulgogi |
| Most popular street food item | Tacos | Food Truck Burgers |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegan Pho | Vegan Sushi |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In San Jose, the blend of cultures contributes to a vibrant food scene, highlighted by its iconic pho that draws inspiration from its rich Vietnamese community. If you're moving from San Jose to Irvine, you'll discover a new iconic local dish, ahi poke, indicative of the coastal influence on Irvine's cuisine. Additionally, Irvine's wide range of vegan options like vegan sushi showcases the city's progressive approach to food. For an exquisite dining experience that encapsulates the essence of Irvine, places like Habana and Din Tai Fung offer unique flavors that are hard to find elsewhere. This transition will not only be a physical move but also a delightful journey through diverse and rich culinary landscapes.
San Jose vs. Irvine Restaurant Comparison
When relocating, discovering local dining gems can transform a new city into your home. This guide will ease your transition from San Jose to Irvine, helping you find your next go-to dining spot with ease. By comparing the top restaurants in San Jose to their closest equivalents in Irvine , you'll be one step closer to feeling at home in your new locale.
| San Jose | Irvine | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Adega | Houston's | Upscale dining with a polished ambience |
| Original Joe's | Paul Martin's American Grill | Classic American comfort food |
| La Foret Restaurant | Terra Mia Pizzeria | Rustic Italian fare in a cozy setting |
| Manresa | Bistango | Fine dining with artistic presentations |
| Dia de Pesca | Bear Flag Fish Co. | Fresh seafood in a casual atmosphere |
| Smoking Pig BBQ | Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill | Expertly smoked meats and hearty sides |
| Back A Yard | Mozambique Peri Peri | Flavorful African-inspired dishes |
| Ludwig's German Table | Currywurst Frankfurt | Authentic German cuisine in a relaxed setting |
| Falafel's Drive In | Falasophy | Modern eats with traditional Mediterranean flavors |
| Vietnam Town | Brodard Restaurant | Signature Vietnamese rolls and dishes |
While San Jose offers a vibrant dining scene, Irvine's culinary offerings are equally compelling, providing a variety of flavors and experiences that cater to every palate. At Bistango , you'll encounter an ambiance and artistic flair reminiscent of Manresa , making it a perfect fine-dining option in your new city. For those seeking comfort food with a gourmet twist, Paul Martin's American Grill echoes the heartwarming classic American cuisine found at Original Joe's . On the casual side, Falasophy in Irvine serves up Mediterranean eats that rival the fresh, flavorful offerings of Falafel's Drive In in San Jose. Each restaurant in Irvine brings a slice of San Jose's diverse culinary scene, ensuring you'll never miss a beat.
Ready to start your move?
San Jose vs. Irvine Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a crucial facet of relocating, impacting not merely where but how you live. Understanding the nuances between San Jose and Irvine becomes vital when assessing housing options. This comparison illuminates differences in cost, architecture, and lifestyle, guiding you towards making an informed decision.
| Comparison | San Jose | Irvine |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern and Contemporary | Spanish and Mediterranean |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Smart Homes, Solar Panels | Community Amenities, Green Spaces |
When comparing housing between San Jose and Irvine, notable differences emerge beyond just price points. San Jose, with its modern and contemporary architecture, caters to those looking for an urban lifestyle with a blend of innovation, as seen in the prevalence of smart homes and solar panels in listings. Irvine, on the other hand, leans towards Spanish and Mediterranean architectural styles, emphasizing community amenities and green spaces. This reflects a more suburban atmosphere with a stronger emphasis on bikeability, possibly due to its extensive bike trails and paths such as those found in the Irvine Bike Trails. Ultimately, your choice hinges on what lifestyle aspects - from walkability to the environment surrounding your home - are most important to you.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Irvine, CA
1. Woodbridge: Known for its two large artificial lakes, numerous parks, and pet-friendly walking paths, Woodbridge offers you and your furry friends ample outdoor spaces for play and relaxation.
2. Northwood: This neighborhood prides itself on spacious dog parks and trails, like the ones you'll find at Northwood Community Park, making it an ideal environment for pet owners seeking outdoor adventure with their pets.
3. Quail Hill: Quail Hill provides easy access to nature preserves and hiking trails suitable for all levels, including the Quail Hill Loop Trail, making it perfect for active pets and their owners who love to explore the outdoors together.
San Jose vs. Irvine Weather Considerations
When moving from San Jose to Irvine, it's crucial to understand how the weather will vary to prepare accordingly. This comparison aims to highlight the differences you may encounter, ensuring you're well-informed about your new environment.
San Jose, CA
Irvine, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
San Jose, CA
Irvine, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
San Jose, CA
Irvine, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
San Jose, CA
Irvine, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | San Jose | Irvine |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from San Jose to Irvine, you'll enjoy slightly warmer winters and more sunny days annually in Irvine, ideal for those who prefer milder winters and ample sunshine. However, it's also essential to consider the increased UV index and potential for wildfires in Irvine compared to San Jose. Both locations share concerns over earthquakes and similar allergens, but air quality may vary, with Irvine experiencing more moderate levels. Adjusting to these differences will be key to enjoying your new home in Irvine.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from San Jose to Irvine
If you're moving, it's crucial to understand how the cost of living, income, and taxes in San Jose compare to Irvine. This comparison will help you adjust your finances and set realistic expectations for your new city.
| Comparison | San Jose | Irvine |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $126,377 | $105,774 |
| Cost of Living Index | 156.1 | 136.4 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3 | 9.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.78 | 0.72 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 9.25 | 7.75 |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Manufacturing, Retail | Technology, Education, Healthcare |
| Affluence | High | Very High |
| Poverty | Moderate | Low |
| Homelessness | Significant | Moderate |
Understanding the finances of San Jose and Irvine reveals several key differences. San Jose, with its higher average household income and cost of living index, is pricier but also has a vibrant tech industry that supports its economy. Irvine, while slightly more affordable, boasts a high affluence level due to its booming technology, education, and healthcare sectors. Both cities share the same state income tax rate, but Irvine benefits from a lower sales tax. Additionally, Irvine exhibits a more favorable situation regarding poverty and homelessness, which might be attributed to its comprehensive city planning and community programs. These factors are important to consider as you prepare for your move.
San Jose vs. Irvine Political & Religious Comparison
In preparing for your move from San Jose, CA to Irvine, CA, it's valuable to have a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the comparison of the politics and religious makeup between San Jose & Irvine . This comparison aims to give you an understanding of the communities you’ll be transitioning between, highlighting differences in political leanings, engagement in local politics, and religious landscapes.
| San Jose | Irvine | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Lean Liberal | Lean Liberal |
| Local Politics | High Engagement | Moderate Engagement |
| Religion | Diverse San Jose State University Religious Studies | Diverse |
Both San Jose and Irvine are known for their liberal political makeup, but you might find the level of engagement in local politics to be a bit different. San Jose has a higher level of political engagement among its residents, which is reflected in the community's active participation in city council meetings and local elections. On the other hand, Irvine has a moderate level of engagement, which could be seen in how people interact with local issues. Religion in both cities is quite diverse, with various communities and establishments supporting that diversity, such as the San Jose State University's Religious Studies program, contributing to the inclusive culture. As you transition from San Jose to Irvine, you’ll likely find comfort in the familiar political landscape while navigating the nuances of local politics and religious diversity in your new home.
San Jose vs. Irvine Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from San Jose, CA to Irvine, CA and curious about the differences in daily commuting and traffic? This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between San Jose & Irvine will help you better understand what to expect on your daily travels.
| Comparison | San Jose | Irvine |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 30 | 25 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without a car? | Yes, but challenging | Difficult |
When considering your move from San Jose to Irvine, it's notable that Irvine generally offers a smoother commute with less overall traffic congestion compared to San Jose. However, San Jose benefits from slightly better public transit options, thanks to services like VTA. Living in Irvine without a car could prove to be more challenging, as the city has less extensive public transit services. This contrasts with San Jose, where it's somewhat easier to rely on public transportation for your daily needs. Understanding these differences can help you better plan your daily commutes and decide on transportation methods that best suit your lifestyle in your new city.
Additional Resources
San Jose Moving Services
Popular San Jose to California Routes
Popular Moving Resources
