Best San Jose to Pittsburgh Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from San Jose to Pittsburgh and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,638 mile move from California to Pennsylvania go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 33 San Jose to Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $9,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in San Jose compared to Pittsburgh. 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.

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Best San Jose to Pittsburgh Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Pittsburgh Moving9.649.51Authorized For HHG
2D&L Movers9.359.36Active
3Careful Movers9.318.63Authorized For HHG
4Joshua's Moving Packing & Storage LLC9.269.14Active
5Meta Movers9.159.43Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from San Jose to Pittsburgh?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,638 miles from San Jose, CA to Pittsburgh, PA will cost on average $4,025 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom San Jose to Pittsburgh move is roughly $9,728. 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 SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,698300 ft³$8.99
1 Bedroom$4,025450 ft³$8.94
2 Bedrooms$6,670750 ft³$8.89
3 Bedrooms$9,7281100 ft³$8.84
4 Bedrooms$14,0701600 ft³$8.79
5+ Bedrooms$15,7381800 ft³$8.74
*Please note: These California to Pennsylvania moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & Pennsylvania. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed CA to PA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Pittsburgh to San Jose guide.

Compare the 5 Best San Jose to Pittsburgh Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Pittsburgh Moving Logo

Pittsburgh Moving

Exceptional9.64/10
based on 1,121+ data points

5746 Pierce St

Pittsburgh, PA, 15232

About Pittsburgh Moving

Located in the City of Bridges, Pittsburgh Moving is a full-service moving company dedicated to making your local and intrastate relocations...

Services

  • Local move in Pittsburgh
  • Long distance moving in or out of Pittsburgh
  • Residential move

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3901080 / 1437162

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
D&L Movers Logo

D&L Movers

Exceptional9.35/10
based on 1,583+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 7/23/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2706648 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2017)
View Full Review
2
Careful Movers Logo

Careful Movers

Exceptional9.31/10
based on 4,143+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1464935 / 553377

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans14
Registered Drivers14
Total Annual Miles Moved90,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Joshua's Moving Packing & Storage LLC Logo

Joshua's Moving Packing & Storage LLC

Exceptional9.26/10
based on 1,646+ data points

San Carlos, CA, 94070

About Joshua's Moving Packing & Storage LLC

Whether you're moving to the next street or city, Joshua's Moving, Packing & Storage offers worry-free relocation services within California. Located...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Cross-country moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/5/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3184868 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved250,000 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Meta Movers Logo

Meta Movers

Exceptional9.15/10
based on 310+ data points

13 Holt St

Pittsburgh, PA, 15203

About Meta Movers

Meta Movers is a licensed and insured moving company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with over a decade of experience in the...

Services

  • Full-service local Pittsburgh moves
  • Long distance residential and commercial moves
  • Loading or unloading your truck or pod

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3295834 / 1044452

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved10,000 (2022)
View Full Review
5
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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. Pittsburgh Neighborhood Comparison

When moving from one city to another, it's helpful to find a neighborhood that feels like home. Through this guide, we'll provide a comparison of the local neighborhoods between San Jose, CA & Pittsburgh, PA , offering insights for those relocating to Pittsburgh. Whether you're searching for cultural similarities, dining experiences, or the overall vibe, this comparison will help you navigate the transition smoothly.

San JosePittsburghHow They're Similar
Willow GlenShadysideQuaint shops, leafy streets
Almaden ValleySquirrel HillFamily-friendly, close to nature
Downtown San JoseDowntown PittsburghUrban center, historic sites
Los GatosMount LebanonUpscale living, boutique shopping
JapantownBloomfieldCultural charm, unique dining
Silver CreekFox ChapelExclusive, serene settings
Rose GardenHighland ParkHistoric homes, spacious parks
Cambrian ParkPoint BreezeSuburban feel, close to amenities
Santa TeresaSouth Side SlopesCommunity vibe, picturesque views
EvergreenOaklandDiverse community, educational institutions

Imagining your life in a new city can be daunting, but familiar elements make the transition easier. For instance, if you appreciate the charming, walkable streets of Willow Glen, with its boutique shopping and community events, you’ll find a similar vibe in Shadyside, Pittsburgh. Shadyside hosts unique local businesses like Shadyside Inn and vibrant annual events that bind the community. Conversely, the historic and lush landscapes of San Jose's Rose Garden can be mirrored in Pittsburgh’s Highland Park, known for its expansive namesake park that houses the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, offering a blend of nature and community. This guide aids in visualizing a life in Pittsburgh that corresponds with the lifestyle and neighborhood characteristics you cherished in San Jose.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from San Jose to Pittsburgh

Moving from one city to another is a significant life decision filled with challenges and opportunities. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from San Jose, CA to Pittsburgh, PA, helping you to weigh the pros and cons before making your move.

CONs
PROs
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Competitive job market
Pittsburgh, PA iconPittsburgh, PA
  • More affordable housing
  • Less congestion
  • Growing job opportunities
Pittsburgh, PA iconPittsburgh, PA
  • Less tech-centric
  • Colder weather
  • Fewer cultural venues
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • Strong tech industry
  • Mild winters
  • Vibrant cultural scene

Moving from the bustling tech hub of San Jose to the more affordable and culturally rich environment of Pittsburgh can offer a refreshing change of pace. Pittsburgh's cost of living is significantly lower, making housing more accessible without sacrificing quality. While Pittsburgh may have colder winters compared to San Jose's mild climate, the city makes up for it with its warm community and robust cultural scene. Neighborhoods like Shadyside and Lawrenceville buzz with indie boutiques, cozy coffeeshops, and vibrant arts venues like the Warhol Museum. However, for tech professionals, San Jose's Silicon Valley offers unmatched career opportunities, though Pittsburgh's tech scene is rapidly growing, with companies like Google establishing a presence in the Bakery Square area.

San Jose vs. Pittsburgh Food Guide

Food is an integral part of understanding local culture and the essence of living in a new area. Through this compendium, we invite readers to delve into a comparison, highlighting the divergence and vibrancy of the gastronomic landscapes of two cities. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between San Jose & Pittsburgh , aimed at providing a comprehensive outlook for those relocating, to better acquaint themselves with the culinary scene they're about to embrace.

San Jose
Pittsburgh
Most iconic local food item
Phở
Pierogi
Most popular meat dish
Bánh mì
Primanti Bros. Sandwich
Most popular street food item
Tacos
Polish Sausage
Most popular vegan food
Açai Bowl
Seitan Sandwich
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Falafel's Drive-In
  • Original Joe's San Jose
  • Manresa Bread
  • Primanti Bros.
  • Pamela's Diner
  • The Church Brew Works
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In San Jose, the influence of Vietnamese cuisine is unmissable with Phở leading as the city's most iconic food item, a testament to its vibrant Vietnamese community. The streets of San Jose are also known for their dynamic food truck scene, particularly around the downtown area and San Pedro Square Market, offering a plethora of choices from tacos to gourmet sandwiches. Moving over to Pittsburgh, the city prides itself on its Eastern European culinary heritage with Pierogi ranking as its most iconic dish. Neighborhoods like the Strip District and South Side are culinary hotspots where one can indulge in the local favorites such as the famous Primanti Bros. Sandwich. Notably, both cities exhibit a growing trend in offering diverse vegan options, although San Jose slightly leads in the vegan-friendly department.

San Jose vs. Pittsburgh Restaurant Comparison

Moving to a new city can be a blend of excitement and uncertainty, especially when it comes to finding your new go-to spots for dining out. Food is an essential element in making somewhere feel like home. This restaurant comparison between San Jose, CA, and Pittsburgh, PA, is designed to help you transition smoothly by finding new favorite eateries that resonate with your tastes from back home.

San JosePittsburghWhat You'll Love
La Foret RestaurantThe Twisted FrenchmanModern French dining with a creative twist
Falafel's Drive-InSalem's Market & GrillAuthentic Middle Eastern flavors and casual dining
Original Joe's San JoseDiAnoia's EateryClassic Italian-American eatery with a homey vibe
ManresaCureFarm-to-table eating with a focus on local ingredients
Dia de PescaMonterey Bay Fish GrottoScenic views paired with seafood delights
Smoking Pig BBQPittsburgh Barbecue CompanyTraditional smoky barbecue flavors
Aqui Cal-MexMad MexFunky and eclectic Californian-Mexican fusion
Henry's Hi-LifeMeat & PotatoesRustic American tavern with focus on hearty meals
Bill's CafePamela's DinerClassic breakfast and brunch spot with a homely feel
Santouka RamenRamen BarAuthentic ramen with a variety of broths and toppings

For those transitioning from San Jose to Pittsburgh, you'll find that the culinary scene in Pittsburgh offers a comforting reflection of your familiar favorites with its own local twist. If you're missing the innovative French dishes of La Foret Restaurant, The Twisted Frenchman in Pittsburgh will enchant you with its modern, creative approach to French dining. Similarly, the iconic Californian-Mexican flavors of Aqui Cal-Mex find their counterpart in Mad Mex, known for its funky and eclectic spin on fusion dishes. For the barbeque enthusiasts, Smoking Pig BBQ's loyal patrons will be pleased to discover Pittsburgh Barbecue Company, where the art of slow-cooked, smoky flavors is celebrated. These comparisons not only reassure you of finding a taste of home in your new city but also encourage exploring the unique culinary diversity that Pittsburgh has to offer.

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San Jose vs. Pittsburgh Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, comparing the real estate markets between San Jose, CA and Pittsburgh, PA is crucial. Understanding the differences in housing cost, architecture, and lifestyle can greatly influence your decision. This comparison aims to provide a clear snapshot of what each city offers.

San Jose
Pittsburgh
Typical Architecture Style
Modern and Spanish Influence
Victorian and Modern Mix
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Proximity to Tech Companies
Access to Parks and Rivers

The stark difference in the median home price between San Jose and Pittsburgh stands out immediately, reflecting the vast disparity in living costs. San Jose's proximity to Silicon Valley and its tech companies shoots up housing prices, whereas Pittsburgh offers much more affordable living, with access to green spaces like Pittsburgh's parks being a common highlight. Pittsburgh scores higher in walkability, which is ideal for those who prefer a city where daily errands do not require a car. Conversely, San Jose boasts a better bikeability score, accommodating cyclists with its modern infrastructure. The architecture in both cities reflects their historical and cultural evolutions, offering a mix that caters to varied tastes and preferences.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, PA

1. Shadyside : You’ll find this neighborhood’s walkability and abundance of pet-friendly patios make it an ideal spot for both you and your furry friends.

2. Lawrenceville : With its numerous parks and dog-friendly cafes, Lawrenceville is a perfect place if you’re looking for a vibrant community that welcomes pets.

3. Squirrel Hill : This neighborhood offers a variety of local parks and green spaces, ensuring you have ample opportunities for outdoor activities with your pets.

San Jose vs. Pittsburgh Weather Considerations

If you're contemplating a move from one city to another, it's essential to grasp how the weather will compare between San Jose, CA and Pittsburgh, PA . Understanding these differences ensures you're prepared for new weather patterns and can make your transition smoother.

San Jose
Pittsburgh
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Earthquakes
Snowstorms
Air Quality
Good
Moderate
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

82°F / 57°F
82°F / 62°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

60°F / 42°F
35°F / 21°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

15.82
38.19
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

0
41.9


When moving from San Jose to Pittsburgh, you'll notice significant changes in winter temperatures and sunshine. San Jose enjoys a mild climate with very little annual snowfall, making it quite comfortable year-round. In contrast, Pittsburgh experiences cold winters with substantial snowfall, which might require adjustments in your wardrobe and possibly your daily commute. Moreover, with Pittsburgh having higher humidity levels and fewer sunny days, it might feel gloomier compared to the bright and dry climate of San Jose, affecting your outdoor activities and overall mood.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from San Jose to Pittsburgh

When considering a move from one region to another, it's crucial to grasp the financial differences you'll encounter. This comparison aims to highlight how the cost of living, taxation, and income potential in San Jose and Pittsburgh could affect your budget and lifestyle choices.

San Jose
Pittsburgh
Avg. Household Income
$126,377
$57,821
Cost of Living Index
156.1
91.5
State Income Tax
13.3
3.07
Avg. Property Tax
0.79%
2.07%
Avg. Sales Tax
9.25%
7%
Top 3 Industries
Technology, Manufacturing, Retail
Healthcare, Education, Technology
Affluence
High
Moderate
Poverty
Low
Higher
Homelessness
Moderate
Lower

Moving from San Jose to Pittsburgh will introduce significant financial shifts in your life. While the average household income in San Jose is significantly higher, leading to a higher affluence level, Pittsburgh offers a more affordable cost of living. This means that despite the lower average income, your money could go further in Pittsburgh, especially considering its lower state income tax and cost of living index. Additionally, the difference in predominant industries between the two cities could influence your career path, making Pittsburgh appealing for those in healthcare and education, whereas San Jose is a powerhouse for technology professions.

San Jose vs. Pittsburgh Political & Religious Comparison

When considering moving from San Jose, CA to Pittsburgh, PA, understanding the comparison of the politics between San Jose & Pittsburgh alongside religious landscapes offers a quick, at-a-glance snapshot to help you gauge how you might fit into your new home. This comparison aims to provide insight into the community you’re about to join.

San Jose
Pittsburgh
Political Make-up
Liberal
Liberal/Moderate
Local Politics
Diverse leadership
Historically Democratic
Religion
Multicultural religious landscape
Christian majority, with diverse religious communities

In the realms of political makeup, both San Jose and Pittsburgh lean towards liberal ideologies, with Pittsburgh embracing a more moderate stance in some areas. San Jose is known for its diverse leadership, reflecting its multicultural population. This diversity supports a wide range of perspectives and policies aimed at inclusivity. Pittsburgh, while historically Democratic, shows a blend of traditional and progressive values across its neighborhoods. The religious landscape in both cities is varied, with San Jose hosting a vibrant mix of cultures and faiths. Pittsburgh's Christian majority is complemented by diverse religious communities, including Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist practitioners, among others, contributing to the city's inclusive atmosphere. This mix of political and religious contexts in both cities makes them welcoming places for a wide range of individuals and beliefs.

San Jose vs. Pittsburgh Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from San Jose, CA to Pittsburgh, PA can significantly change your daily commute and traffic experiences. To help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like, this comparison between San Jose & Pittsburgh highlights the differences in driving and transit options.

San Jose
Pittsburgh
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
30
25
Traffic Congestion
7 out of 10
5 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
6 out of 10
8 out of 10
Can you get by without a car?
Challenging
Yes, with some planning

In San Jose, the average commute time tends to be slightly longer due to higher traffic congestion compared to Pittsburgh. While both cities offer public transit options, Pittsburgh scores higher in terms of availability and ease of use, making it more feasible to live without a car. Pittsburgh's extensive bus network and the light rail service known as the 'T' provide comprehensive coverage, especially in and around the downtown area. On the other hand, San Jose, being part of the vast Silicon Valley, poses challenges for those attempting to rely solely on public transportation, though efforts have been made to improve this with services like the VTA. Choosing between these cities, your commuting experience will significantly differ based on traffic, public transit availability, and the overall dependency on a car.

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