Best Cary to San Jose Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
If you're moving from Cary to San Jose and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,810 mile move from North Carolina to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 31 Cary 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 Raleigh Moving Company), how much the move costs (approximately $3,000 - $10,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Cary 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 Cary to San Jose Moving Companies
Rank | Company | Affordability Index | License | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Raleigh Moving Company | 9.44 | 9.6 | Active |
2 | D&L Movers | 9.35 | 9.36 | Active |
3 | Athens Moving Experts | 9.34 | 9.49 | Authorized For HHG |
4 | Careful Movers | 9.31 | 8.63 | Authorized For HHG |
5 | Capital Moving & Storage | 9.27 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG |
How Much Does it Cost to Move from Cary to San Jose?
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,810 miles from Cary, NC to San Jose, CA will cost on average $4,171 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Cary to San Jose move is roughly $10,085. 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 | $2,796 | 300 ft³ | $9.32 |
1 Bedroom | $4,171 | 450 ft³ | $9.27 |
2 Bedrooms | $6,914 | 750 ft³ | $9.22 |
3 Bedrooms | $10,085 | 1100 ft³ | $9.17 |
4 Bedrooms | $14,590 | 1600 ft³ | $9.12 |
5+ Bedrooms | $16,323 | 1800 ft³ | $9.07 |


Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Jose to Cary guide.
Compare the 5 Best Cary to San Jose Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Raleigh Moving Company
Raleigh, NC, 27609
About Raleigh Moving Company
Raleigh Moving Company is a locally owned and operated moving company offering residential and commercial services for local and long-distance moves...
Services
- Free estimates
- Full Value Protection (FVP)
- Fully licensed and insured
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3344628 / - Active Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
Registered Drivers | 2 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | - |

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) |

Athens Moving Experts

6601 Hillsborough St # 111
Raleigh, NC, 27606
About Athens Moving Experts
Since 2015, Athens Moving Experts has helped Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Holly Springs, and communities across North Carolina with their residential and...
Services
- Local Moving Services
- Long Distance Moving Services
- Commercial Moving Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3205320 / 204920 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 5 |
Registered Drivers | 5 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 25,000 (2021) |

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) |

Capital Moving & Storage
3450 Bush St Suite 245
Raleigh, NC, 27609
About Capital Moving & Storage
Capital Moving & Storage, a family-owned company based in Raleigh, NC, has been providing high-quality moving services for over 20 years....
Services
- Residential & Commercial Moving
- Local & Long Distance Moving
- Packing
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3623752 / 1238777 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
Registered Drivers | 4 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 120,504 (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.
Cary vs. San Jose Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the local areas. To ease this transition, we've created a comparison that highlights local neighborhoods between Cary, NC & San Jose, CA, identifying parallels to help you find a new neighborhood that feels like home. Whether you cherish the charming parks, vibrant communities, or unique dining scenes in your current neighborhood, this guide aims to pinpoint a similar spot in your new city.
Cary | San Jose | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
Preston | Willow Glen | Family-friendly with a tight-knit community vibe |
Amberly | Almaden Valley | Similar suburban feel, great for families |
Carpenter Village | Evergreen | Historic homes and a strong sense of community |
Lochmere | Los Gatos | Active outdoor scene and upscale living |
Highcroft | Silver Creek | Luxurious homes with beautiful landscapes |
Cary Park | Camden | Family-oriented with lots of parks and recreational areas |
Green Hope Crossing | Blossom Valley | Affordable living with access to amenities |
Wellsley | Berryessa | Diverse community with convenient access to shopping and dining |
MacGregor Downs | Rose Garden | Historic charm with lush gardens and estates |
Stone Creek Village | Santana Row | Urban living with boutique shops and gourmet dining |
For those moving from Cary's Carpenter Village, known for its blend of historic charm and friendly atmosphere, you'll find San Jose's Evergreen neighborhood a delightful match. Evergreen, much like Carpenter Village, offers its residents historic homes and a robust community spirit amidst scenic landscapes. If dining and shopping are essential to your lifestyle, Stone Creek Village's mirror in San Jose is Santana Row. Unlike the typical mall, Santana Row offers a unique blend of upscale boutique shops, fine dining like LB Steak and Oveja Negra, and luxury living options, making it a vibrant urban space for those who prefer a lively atmosphere. On the other hand, if outdoor activities and an active community are more your style, Los Gatos parallels Cary's Lochmere with its active outdoor scene, upscale living, and charming parks such as Vasona Lake County Park, giving you both the leisure and luxury of upscale suburban life.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Cary to San Jose
Moving from one city to another can be a significant life decision. To help you make an informed choice, we have prepared two comparison charts highlighting the cons and pros of relocating from Cary, North Carolina, to San Jose, California. By presenting an honest reflection of both the good and the bad attributes of this move, our goal is to provide you with a clearer picture of what to expect.
- Less job opportunities
- Lower diversity
- Humid summers
- Smaller city vibe
- Booming tech jobs
- High cultural diversity
- Milder climate
- More urban
- High living costs
- Higher crime rates
- More traffic congestion
- Less green spaces
- Affordable housing
- Lower crime rates
- Family-friendly
- Abundant greenery
Moving from Cary, NC, to San Jose, CA, offers a unique set of opportunities and challenges. While Cary is known for its affordability and family-friendly environment, complete with lush parks like Bond Park, and a closely-knit community vibe with local restaurants like Ashworth Drugs offering a taste of local flavors, San Jose beckons with its dynamic tech scene and higher employment rates, primarily in the booming Silicon Valley tech industry. However, it's worth noting that San Jose's cost of living, including housing costs highlighted by markets like Santana Row, is significantly higher, and the city experiences more traffic congestion. On the flip side, the cultural diversity and increased urbanization provide a plethora of dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences that are hard to match. Ultimately, your decision to move will depend on what priorities you set—be it job opportunities, lifestyle preferences, or the overall environment for your family.
Cary vs. San Jose Food Guide
Food is a crucial part of experiencing a locale's culture and lifestyle. Through this guide, we'll embark on a flavorful journey, exploring how the culinary scenes differ between Cary and San Jose. By comparing the local cuisine, you'll gain insights into what dining in your new city will be like, helping you adjust to the move seamlessly. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Cary & San Jose to better inform you about the food scene in your new home.
- Ashworth Drugs
- La Farm Bakery
- Crosstown Pub & Grill
- Falafel's Drive-In
- Santouka Ramen
- Original Joe's San Jose
In San Jose, the food scene is vibrant and diverse, reflecting the city's rich cultural tapestry. You can find an array of Vietnamese delicacies, including the city's most iconic food item, Pho, in neighborhoods such as Little Saigon. The city's abundant food trucks offer everything from Mexican to Asian street foods, with tacos being especially popular among locals. San Jose's health and vegan-friendly options are plentiful, making it easy to find vegan pho or other cruelty-free alternatives. Notably, restaurants like Falafel's Drive-In and Santouka Ramen have become culinary landmarks, showcasing the variety and innovation present in San Jose's food scene.
Cary vs. San Jose Restaurant Comparison
Finding comfort in a new city often starts with discovering great places to eat. This comparison explores iconic and beloved restaurants in Cary, NC, and pairs them with their culinary counterparts in San Jose, CA. By matching the flavors and atmospheres of Cary's top eateries with similar venues in San Jose, this guide aims to make your transition smoother and tastier.
Cary | San Jose | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen | Back A Yard Caribbean Grill | Both offer homely and hearty meals reminiscent of Southern comfort food. |
La Farm Bakery | Manresa Bread | Artisanal bread and pastries that echo the French flair and quality of La Farm. |
Herons | Plumed Horse | Fine dining with exquisite presentation and a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. |
CineBistro | CineLux Almaden Cinema | Both combine the experience of dining and watching a movie, with gourmet food options. |
Pizzeria Faulisi | Tony Di Maggio's Pizza | Celebrated for their quality pies that bring a slice of Italy to the table. |
Kababish Café | Zareen's | Offering a mosaic of flavors from South Asia, both are beloved for their authentic dishes. |
Bosphorus | Efes Restaurant | Dive into the rich and savory Turkish cuisine that's both traditional and delectable. |
Bond Brothers Beer Company | Floodcraft Brewing Company | Craft beer enthusiasts will find a similar commitment to quality and community. |
Crosstown Pub & Grill | Original Gravity Public House | Both known for their pub vibes, offering hearty foods paired with extensive beer selections. |
Once in a Blue Moon Bakery | Peter's Bakery | Known for sweet indulgences, they cater to all your dessert dreams with baked goods made from scratch. |
For those moving from Cary to San Jose and searching for a taste of home, the transition can be made sweeter with finds like Manresa Bread, a bakery that mirrors the artisanal charm and quality of La Farm Bakery. At the same time, fine dining enthusiasts will appreciate the refined and seasonally inspired menus at Plumed Horse, a gesture towards the luxurious dining experiences offered by Herons. For a casual evening out, the comfort and familiarity of pub fare can be rediscovered at Original Gravity Public House, where the extensive beer selection and hearty meals draw parallels to the crowd-pleasing offerings of Crosstown Pub & Grill. These comparisons not only highlight the rich culinary landscapes of both Cary and San Jose but also promise to make your new city feel more like home.

Ready to start your move?
Cary vs. San Jose Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate significantly impacts your moving experience. Knowing how Cary and San Jose compare in housing aspects like cost and lifestyle is crucial. This comparison aims to clarify how each city meets your real estate needs.
Moving from Cary to San Jose introduces you to a dramatically different housing market. San Jose's median home price is more than double that of Cary, reflecting the city's high demand due to its proximity to Silicon Valley and its tech jobs. Despite its higher living costs, San Jose offers a more urban lifestyle, evidenced by better walkability and bikeability scores. Moreover, the city’s real estate boasts modern and eco-friendly features appealing to environmentally conscious residents. While Cary offers spacious options and a quieter living environment, San Jose caters to those seeking a vibrant urban life with easy access to innovation and sustainability.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in San Jose, CA
1. Willow Glen : You’ll love walking your pet through the tree-lined streets and enjoying the welcoming community parks.
2. Rose Garden : Your furry friend will have plenty of space to roam and socialize in this neighborhood's expansive park areas.
3. West San Jose : This area offers numerous pet-friendly amenities and spacious parks, making it ideal for your pet-friendly lifestyle.
Cary vs. San Jose Weather Considerations
When relocating from one city to another, understanding the weather differences between Cary, NC, and San Jose, CA becomes crucial. This comparison will offer insights into what weather conditions you can expect, helping you adjust to your new environment more comfortably.
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Considering weather facts, you'll notice several key differences between Cary, NC, and San Jose, CA. Cary experiences a wider range of temperatures, from hot, humid summers to cold winters, with a modest amount of snowfall. On the other hand, San Jose offers milder temperatures throughout the year, with less humidity and greater sunshine days, making it an ideal locale for those who prefer consistent, moderate weather. The risk of natural disasters differs significantly, with Cary being prone to hurricanes and tornadoes, whereas San Jose faces threats from earthquakes and wildfires. Understanding these variations will help you prepare for your new life in San Jose, from wardrobe changes to emergency preparedness plans.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Cary to San Jose
When planning a move from one city to another, it's essential to compare the financial implications of your relocation. This guide highlights the key financial differences when moving from Cary, North Carolina to San Jose, California , focusing on income, taxes, cost of living , and more, to help you prepare for your new life.
When moving from Cary to San Jose, you'll notice a significant difference in the cost of living, which is nearly twice as high in San Jose. While the average household income in San Jose is higher, the state income and sales taxes are also substantially greater. It's important to consider these factors, as they will affect your daily life and finances in different ways. Despite the higher cost of living, San Jose is considered very wealthy, partly due to the prominence of high-paying industries such as technology and manufacturing, which also dominate in Cary but with less impact on the city's overall affluence level.
Cary vs. San Jose Political & Religious Comparison
As part of your move from Cary, NC, to San Jose, CA, it's essential to understand the communities you're transitioning between. This comparison of the politics between Cary & San Jose offers a quick glance at the political and religious makeup of each city, providing a snapshot of what to expect in your new community.
In transitioning from Cary to San Jose, you'll be moving from a community that leans slightly more conservative to one that is strongly liberal. Local politics in San Jose focus intensely on environmental sustainability and social justice issues, which might present a change from what you're accustomed to in Cary, where business and community services take a more central stage. Despite the significant political differences, both cities possess a rich tapestry of religious and cultural diversity. However, San Jose's population tends to be more secular, with numerous globally influenced religious communities, including a mix of Buddhism alongside Christianity. This reflects the city's broad embrace of diverse cultures and beliefs.
Cary vs. San Jose Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Cary, NC to San Jose, CA entails adjusting to new commute experiences and traffic patterns. This comparison between the traffic and transportation options in Cary & San Jose is intended to give you a clearer picture of what your daily travel might look like.
In Cary, the relatively short average commute time masks the city's lesser availability of public transit options, making it hard to get around without a car. Conversely, San Jose, despite having a higher average commute time and more traffic congestion, offers better public transit options, making it feasible to live without owning a vehicle. The higher traffic congestion score in San Jose reflects its status as a major tech hub with dense urban areas, but the city compensates with a more extensive public transportation network, including Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) services.



Additional Resources
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