Best San Jose to Houston Movers + Moving Guide

Want help with the heavy lifting?

Get a quote now.

If you're moving from San Jose to Houston and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,898 mile move from California to Texas go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 35 San Jose to Houston 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 D&L Movers), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $8,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in San Jose compared to Houston. 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 Houston Interstate Movers Featured Image

Best San Jose to Houston Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1D&L Movers9.359.36Active
2Careful Movers9.318.63Authorized For HHG
3Joshua's Moving Packing & Storage LLC9.269.14Active
4Pinpoint Movers8.779.23Authorized For HHG
5Right Rate Movers of Houston8.688.59Active
Phone (800) 787-5428

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

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,898 miles from San Jose, CA to Houston, TX will cost on average $3,395 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom San Jose to Houston move is roughly $8,190. 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$2,279300 ft³$7.60
1 Bedroom$3,395450 ft³$7.55
2 Bedrooms$5,621750 ft³$7.50
3 Bedrooms$8,1901100 ft³$7.45
4 Bedrooms$11,8321600 ft³$7.40
5+ Bedrooms$13,2211800 ft³$7.35
*Please note: These California to Texas moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & Texas. 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 TX mover.
California iconArrow iconTexas icon
U-turn icon

Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Houston to San Jose guide.

Compare the 5 Best San Jose to Houston Movers

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

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
1
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
2
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
3
Pinpoint Movers Logo

Pinpoint Movers

Superb8.77/10
based on 2,169+ data points

7100 Regency Square Blvd Suite 199

Houston, TX, 77036

About Pinpoint Movers

Pinpoint Movers is a women-owned and family-operated moving company located in Houston, Texas that is licensed and insured to handle all...

Services

  • Homepage:
  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3070055 / 944442

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2021)
View Full Review
4
Right Rate Movers of Houston Logo

Right Rate Movers of Houston

Fabulous8.68/10
based on 3,455+ data points

2925 Richmond Ave

Houston, TX, 77098

About Right Rate Movers of Houston

Right Rate Movers of Houston is a trusted and reliable moving company recognized as an industry leader in terms of affordability...

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Labor Only
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2200927 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
5
Rankings You Can Trust background image
Trust Rankings icon

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. Houston Neighborhood Comparison

Moving can be daunting, especially to an unfamiliar city. To ease the transition, we've crafted a comparison of local neighborhoods between San Jose, CA & Houston, TX , helping you find your new neighborhood based on what you love about your current one. This guide aims to familiarize you with Houston by drawing parallels from San Jose's neighborhoods, making your move a bit more like coming home.

San JoseHoustonHow They're Similar
Willow GlenThe HeightsSimilar charming, walkable streets
Downtown San JoseDowntown HoustonUrban living, rich arts scene
Almaden ValleyKingwoodFamily-friendly, access to nature
Los GatosWest UniversityAffluent, with a small-town vibe
JapantownMidtownDiverse, vibrant community
Shasta Hanchett ParkMontroseUnique vintage homes, eclectic atmosphere
Silver Creek ValleyMemorialUpscale, with golf courses and parks
EvergreenThe WoodlandsQuiet suburbs, family-oriented
BerryessaClear LakeTech jobs, proximity to water
Rose GardenRiver OaksHistoric homes, beautifully manicured lawns

For those in love with the quaint charm and tree-lined streets of Willow Glen, The Heights in Houston offers a similar vibrant community, known for its unique blend of historic homes and trendy shops such as 19th Street. If you're moving from the tech-savvy Berryessa neighborhood, you'll find a kindred spirit in Clear Lake, home to NASA's Johnson Space Center and a hub for Houston's aerospace community. Clear Lake also boasts waterfront attractions and a family-friendly vibe, reminiscent of San Jose's blend of innovation and suburban comfort. On the other hand, art and culture enthusiasts moving from Downtown San Jose will marvel at Downtown Houston's bustling arts scene, featuring venues like the Alley Theatre and the Houston Symphony, encapsulating the urban beat and creative heart comparable to San Jose's downtown flair.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from San Jose to Houston

Moving from one city to another can be a complex decision with numerous factors to consider. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from San Jose, CA, to Houston, TX, helping you weigh the pros and cons through comparative charts. By understanding both sides, you can make a more informed decision about your move.

CONs
PROs
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Less affordable housing
  • Earthquake risk
Houston, TX iconHouston, TX
  • Lower cost of living
  • More affordable housing
  • Lower taxes
  • No state income tax
Houston, TX iconHouston, TX
  • Hotter summers
  • Higher humidity
  • Risk of hurricanes
  • Less tech-centric economy
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • Diverse tech scene
  • Better public transportation
  • Milder climate
  • Proximity to Silicon Valley

Moving from San Jose, CA, to Houston, TX, introduces a significant shift in lifestyle and environment. While San Jose is known for its bustling tech scene and proximity to Silicon Valley, which offers numerous opportunities for professionals in the tech industry, Houston's diverse economy provides a wide range of job markets, stretching from energy to healthcare. In terms of living conditions, Houston boasts more affordable housing options, such as in the popular areas of Midtown or the Heights, which contrast with the steep prices in San Jose's neighborhoods. Moreover, Houston's food scene is a delightful exploration for any foodie, with establishments like Uchi Houston offering innovative cuisine. Though Houston's summers can be hot and humid, the city compensates with vibrant cultural life, numerous parks like Discovery Green, and a no state income tax policy which can offer financial relief. This comparison, though highlighting distinct differences, underscores the importance of considering personal priorities and lifestyle preferences in making the relocation decision.

San Jose vs. Houston Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between San Jose and Houston, two cities with rich food cultures integral to their identities. As you prepare to move, understanding the culinary scene is vital, offering a taste of what living in these areas can be like.

San Jose
Houston
Most iconic local food item
Pho
Tex-Mex
Most popular meat dish
Carne Asada
Brisket
Most popular street food item
Tacos
Po'boys
Most popular vegan food
Quinoa Salad
Vegan Tex-Mex
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Original Joe's
  • La Vic's
  • Falafel Drive-In
  • The Original Ninfa's on Navigation
  • Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
  • Killen's Barbecue
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from San Jose to Houston, you'll find distinct differences in the local food scene, reflecting the diverse cultural backgrounds of each city. In San Jose, the influence of Vietnamese and Mexican cuisines stands out with iconic dishes like Pho and Carne Asada readily available, especially in neighborhoods like Little Saigon and downtown. Houston, known for its award-winning Tex-Mex and robust barbecue scene, offers culinary delights such as brisket and vegan Tex-Mex, showcasing the city's adaptability to modern dietary trends. Landmarks like The Original Ninfa's on Navigation not only serve mouthwatering dishes but also narrate Houston's rich culinary history. Whether you're exploring the food truck gatherings across Blalock or savoring the innovative vegan options in Montrose, Houston's dynamic food scene is sure to impress.

San Jose vs. Houston Restaurant Comparison

Food is a fundamental part of making a new city feel like home. If you're moving from San Jose, CA, to Houston, TX, finding your next go-to dining spots is essential. This San Jose to Houston restaurant comparison will guide you in discovering eateries that match your culinary preferences from back home, making the transition smoother and tastier.

San JoseHoustonWhat You'll Love
Original Joe'sFrank's Americana RevivalBoth known for their classic American fare and timeless atmosphere
La Foret RestaurantRainbow LodgeOffers a similar rustic charm and fine dining experience, specializing in wild game and seafood
Falafel's Drive-InFadi's Mediterranean GrillBoth offer a casual dining experience with authentic Mediterranean flavors
Santana RowCityCentreProviding a similar upscale outdoor shopping and dining district with varied cuisines and experiences
Dia de PescaGoode Company SeafoodBoth serve high-quality, fresh seafood dishes in a laid-back setting
ManresaThe PassBoth are high-end dining establishments offering unique, chef-driven tasting menus
Pizza AnticaPizaro's Pizza NapoletanaPraised for their commitment to authentic Neapolitan pizzas
Back A YardThe Reggae HutBoth are celebrated for their Caribbean cuisine and relaxed, friendly atmospheres
MezcalXochiShowcasing the rich flavors of Oaxacan cuisine, both offer an immersive cultural dining experience
CreamCloud 10 CreameryBoth are local favorites for innovative and delicious ice cream and desserts

For those who treasure the warming comfort of classic American cuisine, transitioning from Original Joe's in San Jose to Frank's Americana Revival in Houston will feel like a homecoming. Both establishments pride themselves on offering hearty, familiar dishes within settings that echo the timeless charm of Americana. If you're seeking a culinary adventure reminiscent of La Foret Restaurant's intimate and rustic ambiance, you'll find a welcoming equivalent at Rainbow Lodge, where the focus on wild game and seafood transports diners to a serene forest escape in the heart of the city. On the more casual side, Falafel's Drive-In enthusiasts will be pleased to discover Fadi's Mediterranean Grill in Houston, where the passion for vibrant, authentic Mediterranean flavors and quick, friendly service is equally palpable.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

San Jose vs. Houston Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial. In this comparison, we explore San Jose, CA and Houston, TX to provide insights on housing aspects like costs, architecture, and lifestyle. This information is key to finding the right home in your new city.

San Jose
Houston
Typical Architecture Style
Modern and Spanish Colonial
Modern and Ranch-style
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Open floor plans, High tech, Eco-friendly
Spacious backyards, Energy efficiency, Swimming pools

In San Jose, the housing market is heavily influenced by its tech-driven economy, leading to high home prices and a preference for modern and Spanish Colonial style homes that often feature open floor plans and eco-friendly designs. In contrast, Houston's real estate is more affordable, with a preference for ranch-style homes that come with spacious backyards and swimming pools, reflecting the city’s warm climate and laid-back lifestyle. Both cities differ markedly in walkability and bikeability, suggesting that you may need to rely more on personal transportation in Houston than in San Jose. Choosing between these cities will depend greatly on your priorities in home style, lifestyle, and budget.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Houston, TX

1. Montrose : You'll love Montrose for its abundance of parks and pet-friendly cafes where you can relax with your furry friend.

2. The Heights : In The Heights, you can enjoy numerous walking trails and dog parks, making it a paradise for you and your pets.

3. Midtown : Midtown offers numerous pet-friendly accommodations and lively parks that ensure your pets are always entertained.

San Jose vs. Houston Weather Considerations

When relocating from one city to another, it's crucial to understand the changes in climate you'll encounter. This comparison aims to delineate the weather differences between San Jose and Houston , helping you prepare for your move and adjust more easily to your new environment.

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

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

82°F / 57°F
94°F / 75°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

60°F / 42°F
62°F / 43°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

15.82
49.77
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

0
0


Moving from San Jose to Houston, you'll experience a significant shift in climate. Houston presents a more humid atmosphere, with higher summer temperatures that could take some time to adjust to. Moreover, Houston's exposure to hurricanes and regular flooding contrasts with the earthquake-prone San Jose. The variation in natural disaster threats necessitates an understanding of new preventive measures and safety protocols. Also, with Houston averaging more rain and fewer sunny days than San Jose, your outdoor activities and lifestyle may see adjustments, further echoed by different allergen prevalences.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move from one city to another, it's crucial to grasp the financial changes you might face. This comparison between San Jose and Houston offers insights into the economic landscape you'll be entering, focusing on various key financial aspects that could influence your decision and lifestyle. Understanding these differences will make your transition smoother and help you prepare for your new life.

San Jose
Houston
Avg. Household Income
$126,377
$55,499
Cost of Living Index
156.1
92.2
State Income Tax
13.3
0
Avg. Property Tax
0.78
2.09
Avg. Sales Tax
9.25
8.25
Top 3 Industries
Technology, Healthcare, Education
Energy, Aerospace, Healthcare
Affluence
Very High
Moderate
Poverty
Low
Moderate
Homelessness
Noticeable
Significant

Moving from San Jose to Houston, you'll find not just a dramatic difference in the cost of living but also in the average household income and taxation. While the cost of living in San Jose is considerably higher than the national average, Houston's cost of living is much closer to the U.S. average, making day-to-day expenses more manageable for many. State income tax is a significant financial aspect to consider, with California's high rate contrasting starkly against Texas' lack of state income tax, offering potential savings. Additionally, the dominant industries in these areas hint at varying job opportunities and economic environments. San Jose's tech-driven market contrasts with Houston's energy-focused economy, indicating the potential need for vocational adjustment or opportunity depending on your career path.

San Jose vs. Houston Political & Religious Comparison

Considering a move from San Jose, CA to Houston, TX? Let's take a quick glimpse at this is a comparison of the politics between San Jose & Houston to give you an idea of the political and religious landscape you're moving into. This overview aims to provide a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the typical makeup of the population in these two vibrant cities.

San Jose
Houston
Political Make-up
Lean Democratic
Moderately Democratic
Local Politics
Progressive on social issues
Mix of conservative and liberal policies
Religion
Higher prevalence of non-religious individuals
Diverse religious landscape with strong Christian presence, including Lakewood Church

Moving from San Jose to Houston introduces you to a slightly different political landscape. While both cities lean Democratic, Houston presents a mix of conservative and liberal policies, reflecting its diverse population. Local politics in San Jose tend to be more progressive, especially on social issues. Religion plays a more prominent role in Houston’s day-to-day life, hosting a vibrant array of faith communities including the well-known Lakewood Church, one of the largest Christian congregations in the U.S. This blend of political and religious views contributes to the rich, diverse tapestry that defines Houston’s cultural identity.

San Jose vs. Houston Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

This is a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between San Jose & Houston to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like as you consider moving. Understanding these key differences can significantly affect your decision and adaptation to the new city.

San Jose
Houston
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
30
27
Traffic Congestion
7 out of 10
8 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
6 out of 10
5 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
Possible but challenging
Difficult

While the average commute time in Houston is slightly shorter than in San Jose, Houston experiences a higher level of traffic congestion. The availability of public transit scores lower in Houston, indicating you might find it more challenging to navigate the city without a car. In San Jose, having a car is beneficial, however, the public transit system including buses and light rail, though not perfect, offers a feasible alternative for daily commuting. This contrast in public transportation availability might be a deciding factor for you, especially if you rely on public transit or prefer to minimize driving.

CTA Banner background image
Connect with one of our Certified Moving Partners.
Best San Jose to Houston Movers Featured Image