Best Cary to San Jose Movers + Moving Guide

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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.

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Best Cary to San Jose Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Raleigh Moving Company9.449.6Active
2D&L Movers9.359.36Active
3Athens Moving Experts9.349.49Authorized For HHG
4Careful Movers9.318.63Authorized For HHG
5Capital Moving & Storage9.279.47Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

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 SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,796300 ft³$9.32
1 Bedroom$4,171450 ft³$9.27
2 Bedrooms$6,914750 ft³$9.22
3 Bedrooms$10,0851100 ft³$9.17
4 Bedrooms$14,5901600 ft³$9.12
5+ Bedrooms$16,3231800 ft³$9.07
*Please note: These North Carolina to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from North Carolina & California. 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 NC to CA mover.
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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 Logo

Raleigh Moving Company

Exceptional9.44/10
based on 856+ data points

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

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3344628 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved-
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
Athens Moving Experts Logo

Athens Moving Experts

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.34/10
based on 3,932+ data points

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

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3205320 / 204920

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved25,000 (2021)
View Full Review
3
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
4
Capital Moving & Storage Logo

Capital Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.27/10
based on 1,367+ data points

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

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3623752 / 1238777

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved120,504 (2023)
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.

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.

CarySan JoseHow They're Similar
PrestonWillow GlenFamily-friendly with a tight-knit community vibe
AmberlyAlmaden ValleySimilar suburban feel, great for families
Carpenter VillageEvergreenHistoric homes and a strong sense of community
LochmereLos GatosActive outdoor scene and upscale living
HighcroftSilver CreekLuxurious homes with beautiful landscapes
Cary ParkCamdenFamily-oriented with lots of parks and recreational areas
Green Hope CrossingBlossom ValleyAffordable living with access to amenities
WellsleyBerryessaDiverse community with convenient access to shopping and dining
MacGregor DownsRose GardenHistoric charm with lush gardens and estates
Stone Creek VillageSantana RowUrban 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.

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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.

CONs
PROs
Cary, NC iconCary, NC
  • Less job opportunities
  • Lower diversity
  • Humid summers
  • Smaller city vibe
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • Booming tech jobs
  • High cultural diversity
  • Milder climate
  • More urban
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • High living costs
  • Higher crime rates
  • More traffic congestion
  • Less green spaces
Cary, NC iconCary, NC
  • 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.

Cary
San Jose
Most iconic local food item
North Carolina BBQ
Pho
Most popular meat dish
Pulled Pork Sandwich
Banh Mi
Most popular street food item
Hot Dogs
Tacos
Most popular vegan food
BBQ Tofu
Vegan Pho
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Ashworth Drugs
  • La Farm Bakery
  • Crosstown Pub & Grill
  • Falafel's Drive-In
  • Santouka Ramen
  • Original Joe's San Jose
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
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Abundance of Food Trucks
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Foodie Scene
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Vegan Friendly
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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.

CarySan JoseWhat You'll Love
Lucky 32 Southern KitchenBack A Yard Caribbean GrillBoth offer homely and hearty meals reminiscent of Southern comfort food.
La Farm BakeryManresa BreadArtisanal bread and pastries that echo the French flair and quality of La Farm.
HeronsPlumed HorseFine dining with exquisite presentation and a focus on local, seasonal ingredients.
CineBistroCineLux Almaden CinemaBoth combine the experience of dining and watching a movie, with gourmet food options.
Pizzeria FaulisiTony Di Maggio's PizzaCelebrated for their quality pies that bring a slice of Italy to the table.
Kababish CaféZareen'sOffering a mosaic of flavors from South Asia, both are beloved for their authentic dishes.
BosphorusEfes RestaurantDive into the rich and savory Turkish cuisine that's both traditional and delectable.
Bond Brothers Beer CompanyFloodcraft Brewing CompanyCraft beer enthusiasts will find a similar commitment to quality and community.
Crosstown Pub & GrillOriginal Gravity Public HouseBoth known for their pub vibes, offering hearty foods paired with extensive beer selections.
Once in a Blue Moon BakeryPeter's BakeryKnown 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.

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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.

Cary
San Jose
Typical Architecture Style
Colonial Revival
Modern and Spanish Colonial
Walkability
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Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
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Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Spacious yards, community pools
Proximity to tech hubs, eco-friendly features

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 background image

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.

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

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

89/68
82/58
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

51/30
60/42


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

43
15
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

4
0


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.

Cary
San Jose
Avg. Household Income
$123,857
$126,377
Cost of Living Index
95.85
156.1
State Income Tax
5.25
13.3
Avg. Property Tax
0.86
0.79
Avg. Sales Tax
7.25
9.25
Top 3 Industries
Technology, Education, Healthcare
Technology, Manufacturing, Retail
Affluence
Wealthy
Very Wealthy
Poverty
Low
Moderate
Homelessness
Low
High

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.

Cary
San Jose
Political Make-up
Leans slightly more conservative
Strongly liberal
Local Politics
Focus on business development and community services
Strong emphasis on environmental policies and social issues
Religion
More diverse religious communities, with notable Christian and Hindu presences
Largely secular, with a variety of religious beliefs including Christianity, Buddhism, and others

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.

Cary
San Jose
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
24
30
Traffic Congestion
4 out of 10
7 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
3 out of 10
6 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
Challenging
Possible

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.

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