Best Washington DC to San Jose Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Washington DC to San Jose and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,947 mile move from DC to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 36 Washington DC to San Jose 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 Bookstore Movers), how much the move costs (approximately $3,000 - $10,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Washington DC compared to San Jose. 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 Washington DC to San Jose Moving Companies
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Washington DC to San Jose
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,947 miles from Washington DC, DC to San Jose, CA will cost on average $4,287 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Washington DC to San Jose move is roughly $10,370. 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 | $2,873 | 300 ft³ | 9.58 |
| 1 Bedroom | $4,287 | 450 ft³ | 9.53 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $7,108 | 750 ft³ | 9.48 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $10,370 | 1100 ft³ | 9.43 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $15,004 | 1600 ft³ | 9.38 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $16,789 | 1800 ft³ | 9.33 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Jose to Washington DC guide.
Compare the 5 Best Washington DC to San Jose Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
Bookstore Movers
5200 46th Ave
Hyattsville, MD, 20781
About Bookstore Movers
Locally owned and operated, Bookstore Movers was founded in 2005 with a dedication to customer service, personalization, and small business values....
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Cross-country moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2005212 / 707471 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 21 |
| Registered Drivers | 21 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 153,245 (2019) |
Mic's Moving
1250 9th st. nw
Washington DC, DC, 20011
About Mic's Moving
Mic's Moving is a locally owned and operated moving company that focuses on providing a personalized moving experience to residential and...
Services
- Local Move
- Long Distance Moving
- Labor Only: Loading, Unloading and In-house moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2474176 / 856657 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 7 |
| Registered Drivers | 7 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 40,000 (2019) |
Ap Pro Moving Llc
5021 Seminary Rd # 822
Alexandria, VA, 22311
About Ap Pro Moving Llc
Ap Pro Moving LLC is a reliable and professional moving company based in Arlington, VA. They offer various services such as...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Packing Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3338902 / - Active Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 4,000 (2021) |
D&L Movers
1563 Bahama Way
Campbell, CA, 95008
About D&L Movers
Founded by Drew Sanchez and Leo Cervantes, D&L Movers is a local moving company that offers full-service relocations for homes and...
Services
- Cheap moving
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2706648 / - Active Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 5 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 20,000 (2017) |
Careful Movers
3641 Haven Ave C
Menlo Park, CA, 94025
About Careful Movers
With almost two decades of expertise and experience in the moving industry, Menlo Park-based Careful Movers promises stress-free, on-time, and on-budget...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Office Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1464935 / 553377 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 14 |
| Registered Drivers | 14 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 90,000 (2022) |
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.
Washington DC vs. San Jose Neighborhood Comparison
Moving across the country can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with your new city. To ease this transition, we've embarked on a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Washington DC, DC & San Jose, CA. By matching the top neighborhoods in Washington DC with their San Jose counterparts, we aim to help you find a new home that feels familiar.
| Washington DC | San Jose | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Dupont Circle | Willow Glen | Vibrant, community-focused |
| Capitol Hill | Shasta Hanchett Park | Historic, welcoming community |
| Georgetown | Almaden Valley | Upscale, rich in history |
| Adams Morgan | SoFA District | Eclectic, artsy vibe |
| Logan Circle | The Alameda | Trendy, with a sense of community |
| Navy Yard | North San Jose | Modern, rapidly developing |
| Foggy Bottom | Rose Garden | Historic, serene ambiance |
| Shaw | Japantown | Cultural, vibrant food scene |
| U Street Corridor | Downtown San Jose | Energetic, entertainment-focused |
| Woodley Park | Los Gatos | Peaceful, surrounded by nature |
Discovering a neighborhood that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences can significantly enhance your moving experience. If you're drawn to the historic and bustling atmosphere of Capitol Hill, you'll find a similar sense of community and heritage in Shasta Hanchett Park, which boasts beautiful homes and a tight-knit feel. For those who love the arts and nightlife of Adams Morgan, the SoFA District in San Jose offers an equally eclectic mix of galleries, theatres, and live music venues, making it a cultural hotspot. Meanwhile, nature enthusiasts who appreciate Woodley Park's proximity to green spaces will find Los Gatos an appealing San Jose neighborhood, where hiking trails and outdoor activities abound. Whether you fancy quiet, tree-lined streets or energetic, urban centers, this comparison aims to connect you with a San Jose neighborhood that feels like home.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Washington DC to San Jose
Moving from Washington DC, DC to San Jose, CA isn't just a change of scenery. This guide aims to offer an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation. Through these charts, you'll better understand how the advantages and disadvantages of your current city compare to what awaits you in your new home. Let’s explore together a balanced view to help you make an informed decision.
Washington DC, DC- High living costs
- Political focus
- Dense population
San Jose, CA- Thriving tech scene
- Sunnier weather
- Outdoor activities
San Jose, CA- Expensive housing
- Long commutes
- Less public transit
Washington DC, DC- Rich history
- Diverse culture
- Public transportation
Relocating presents an excellent opportunity to weigh the distinct advantages between Washington DC's rich historical sites like The Smithsonian and Lincoln Memorial and San Jose's thriving tech-focused lifestyle. Imagine trading the dense, political focus of DC for the sunnier climes and outdoor-friendly lifestyle of San Jose. The Bay Area's tech scene, epitomized by places like Silicon Valley, promises vast opportunities for those in tech and entrepreneurship. However, it's important to prepare for the reality of California's higher cost of living, especially in housing. San Jose's Santana Row and The Tech Interactive offer a blend of shopping, dining, and educational experiences that differ from DC's traditional vibes. This move isn't just about changing locations; it's about embracing a lifestyle shift towards innovation and outdoor living, albeit with considerations for housing affordability and transportation changes.
Washington DC vs. San Jose Food Guide
This comparison of the local cuisine between Washington DC & San Jose will help you understand the food scene in both areas. Knowing the culinary culture is crucial for getting a feel of what living in a new city will be like. Here, we provide a quick guide to what your taste buds can expect after moving.
| Washington DC | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Half-Smoke | Phở |
| Most popular meat dish | Mumbo Sauce Chicken Wings | Carne Asada |
| Most popular street food item | Food Truck Tacos | Banh Mi |
| Most popular vegan food | Plant-Based Burgers | Tofu Phở |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When settling into San Jose, you'll find the city's culinary scene is diverse, with numerous Asian cuisines dominating the landscape. This is vividly seen in local favorites like Phở from Vietnam, found in Little Saigon, and diverse fusion food trucks that blend various global flavors unprecedentedly. Neighborhoods including Japantown offer unique dining experiences, from traditional Japanese meals to innovative vegan options. Iconic restaurants like Adega bring Portuguese flavors to the city, showcasing San Jose's international palate. The city's slightly higher score in fitness/health conscientiousness and vegan-friendliness reflects a community that values dietary diversity and healthier eating options, making it an exciting new culinary world to explore.
Washington DC vs. San Jose Restaurant Comparison
Food plays a significant role in making any place feel like home. If you're moving from Washington, DC to San Jose, CA, and worry about finding new favorite eateries, this restaurant comparison from Washington DC to San Jose can serve as your culinary compass. Explore similar dining experiences in your new city to ease the transition and delight your taste buds.
| Washington DC | San Jose | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Zaytinya | Nemea Greek Taverna | High-quality Mediterranean cuisine, similar ambiance |
| Le Diplomate | Left Bank Brasserie | Offers a slice of Paris with its authentic French dishes |
| Rose’s Luxury | Orchard City Kitchen | Creative and upscale, emphasizes seasonal ingredients |
| Ben’s Chili Bowl | Original Joe’s | Iconic to the area, known for comfort food with a side of history |
| Bad Saint | ADEGA | Award-winning, highlights unique culinary traditions with attention to detail |
| Fiola Mare | Le Papillon | Fine dining with a focus on seafood, elegant experience |
| Barmini | Paper Plane | Renowned cocktail bar, creative and chic atmosphere |
| Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab | The Grill on the Alley | Classic American steakhouse, known for quality meats and seafood |
| Thip Khao | Da Lat Café | Authentic touch, serves vibrant and exotic flavors from Southeast Asia |
| Maketto | Vietnoms | Modern dining with a twist on traditional dishes, similar fusion vigor |
For those who relish the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine, transitioning from Zaytinya in Washington, DC to Nemea Greek Taverna in San Jose will feel like discovering a second home, with Nemea's authentic dishes and warm ambiance. On the other hand, if French dining and atmosphere set your heart afire, swapping Le Diplomate for Left Bank Brasserie provides a similarly enchanting Parisian experience right in the heart of San Jose. Moreover, lovers of innovative dining would be thrilled to find that Orchard City Kitchen offers a comparable culinary adventure to Rose’s Luxury, highlighting the importance of seasonal ingredients in creating unique and delightful dishes.
Ready to start your move?
Washington DC vs. San Jose Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a relocation, understanding the real estate differences between your current city and your future home is crucial. This comparison highlights the key aspects of housing between Washington DC and San Jose, CA, to help you make an informed decision on where to plant your roots next.
| Comparison | Washington DC | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Federal | Mission Revival, Modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Historic details, proximity to metro | Smart home features, sustainability |
While both Washington DC and San Jose offer vibrant urban lifestyles with their unique perks, the housing market in each city tells its own story. In Washington DC, historic charm often comes with the territory, as listings frequently boast Colonial or Federal architectural styles plus proximity to the metro. San Jose, in contrast, leans towards modern living with homes more likely to feature smart technology and sustainable building practices. This is reflective of Silicon Valley's innovative spirit. Adding to the distinct real estate flavors of each city is the walkability and bikeability scores; whereas DC offers slightly more foot-friendly navigation, San Jose encourages biking with a higher bikeability score.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in San Jose, CA
1. Willow Glen: Known for its quaint, tree-lined streets, you'll find plenty of pet-friendly restaurants and a welcoming atmosphere at Willow Glen's downtown area, perfect for leisurely walks with your furry friends.
2. Cambrian Park: Boasting a serene suburban vibe, Cambrian Park is home to several parks, including the dog-friendly Butcher Dog Park, where your pets can play off-leash in a safe, enclosed environment.
3. Downtown San Jose: If you're looking for a more urban experience, Downtown San Jose offers many pet-friendly living spaces and amenities, alongside dog-friendly dining options like Original Joe’s, making it an ideal place for pet owners who love city living.
Washington DC vs. San Jose Weather Considerations
Moving from one location to another requires understanding how the weather between Washington DC, and San Jose will impact your daily life. This comparison aims to highlight the differences and similarities in climate to help prepare you for the transition.
Washington DC, DC
San Jose, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Washington DC, DC
San Jose, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Washington DC, DC
San Jose, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Washington DC, DC
San Jose, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Washington DC | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Flooding | Earthquakes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When moving from Washington DC to San Jose, you'll experience a significant reduction in humidity and rainfall, offering more comfortable and drier conditions. San Jose enjoys more sunny days a year, which enhances outdoor activity options but also emphasizes the importance of regular sunscreen use due to the higher average UV index. The notable absence of snow in San Jose compared to Washington DC means you can say goodbye to heavy winter gear and shoveling. However, preparing for earthquakes in San Jose, versus the occasional hurricane or snowstorm in Washington DC, requires different emergency planning and supplies.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Washington DC to San Jose
When preparing for a move from Washington DC, DC to San Jose, CA, it's crucial to grasp the financial landscape awaiting you. This comparison emphasizes money and finance aspects essential for your transition, from average incomes to the cost of living indexes. Discover what changes in the economic environment mean for your budget and lifestyle.
| Comparison | Washington DC | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $90,088 | $126,377 |
| Cost of Living Index | 140.1 | 156.1 |
| State Income Tax | 4.25 to 8.95 | 1 to 13.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.56 | 0.79 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 6 | 9.25 |
| Top 3 Industries | Government, Professional Services, Tourism | Technology, Education, Health Services |
| Affluence | High | Very High |
| Poverty | Moderate | Low |
| Homelessness | Significant | Considerable |
Relocating from Washington DC to San Jose, you'll find financial contrasts that could impact your lifestyle significantly. Although the average household income in San Jose is higher, reflecting the city's tech-driven economy, this is balanced by a markedly higher cost of living index. Taxes in California vary widely based on income, possibly affecting your paycheck differently than in DC. While both cities boast diverse economies, San Jose's tech dominance presents a different job landscape. Additionally, despite both cities experiencing issues with homelessness, the economic profiles—from affluence to poverty—paint distinct social pictures. Aligning your expectations with these realities is key for a smooth transition.
Washington DC vs. San Jose Political & Religious Comparison
In this section, we'll offer a brief comparison to give you an at-a-glance understanding of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Washington DC & San Jose. This snapshot aims to provide key insights that might help you feel more at home in your new city.
| Washington DC | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Strongly Democratic | Leans Democratic |
| Local Politics | Highly engaged, policy-focused | Innovation and tech-oriented |
| Religion | Diverse religious landscape | Diverse, with a significant Catholic community |
Both Washington DC and San Jose display a political inclination towards the Democratic Party, but the nature of their engagement differs. In DC, politics often revolve around national policy and government activity, reflecting the city's role as the nation's capital. On the other hand, San Jose's political scene is more influenced by the tech industry, with discussions frequently centered around innovation, tech policy, and economic growth. Additionally, while both cities feature a diverse religious makeup, San Jose has a noteworthy Catholic presence, fostered by institutions like the Diocese of San Jose. This unique blend of politics and religion in each city contributes to their distinct local cultures and communities.
Washington DC vs. San Jose Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from one city to another is a big step, especially when it involves adjusting to new commuting patterns. This guide aims to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic are like between Washington DC & San Jose. By comparing these elements, you'll gain a clearer picture of what to expect in your new home.
| Comparison | Washington DC | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 34.5 | 30.3 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes, easily | Challenging |
In Washington DC, the availability and convenience of public transit, rated 8.5 out of 10, means you can comfortably get by without a car. The city prides itself on an extensive network of metro and bus services that connect all major areas, making it easier for residents and commuters alike to navigate the city. On the other hand, San Jose, with its lower public transit rating of 6.0, presents more of a challenge for those trying to get by without a car. While San Jose does have public transit options like the VTA, the layout and lifestyle of the city lean more towards driving. The average commute time in DC is a bit longer, possibly due to higher traffic congestion. Understanding these differences is crucial for planning your daily travel in your new city.
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