Best Pittsburgh to San Jose Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Pittsburgh to San Jose and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,697 mile move from Pennsylvania to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 33 Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $10,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh to San Jose Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Pittsburgh Moving9.649.51Authorized For HHG
2D&L Movers9.359.36Active
3Careful Movers9.318.63Authorized For HHG
4Meta Movers9.159.43Authorized For HHG
5Two Men and a Truck8.818.2Authorized For Property, HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

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

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,697 miles from Pittsburgh, PA to San Jose, CA will cost on average $4,075 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Pittsburgh to San Jose move is roughly $9,850. 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$2,731300 ft³$9.10
1 Bedroom$4,075450 ft³$9.05
2 Bedrooms$6,754750 ft³$9.00
3 Bedrooms$9,8501100 ft³$8.95
4 Bedrooms$14,2481600 ft³$8.90
5+ Bedrooms$15,9391800 ft³$8.85
*Please note: These Pennsylvania to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Pennsylvania & 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 PA to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Jose to Pittsburgh guide.

Compare the 5 Best Pittsburgh to San Jose 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
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
4
Two Men and a Truck Logo

Two Men and a Truck

Superb8.81/10
based on 2,598+ data points

3555 Valley Dr

Pittsburgh, PA, 15234

About Two Men and a Truck

With a premium brand of service rooted in hard work, trust, and high customer satisfaction, Two Men And A Truck is...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Junk Removal
  • Storage

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1321899 / 509618

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans14
Registered Drivers15
Total Annual Miles Moved260,000 (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.

Pittsburgh vs. San Jose Neighborhood Comparison

Moving from city to city can be a daunting task, especially when you're not familiar with your new home's neighborhoods. To ease this transition, we've crafted a comparison to help you navigate the local neighborhoods between Pittsburgh, PA & San Jose, CA , using your current city as a baseline. This guide aims to match you with a familiar community vibe, simplifying your moving process.

PittsburghSan JoseHow They're Similar
ShadysideRose GardenHistoric homes, vibrant local scene
Squirrel HillWillow GlenFamily-friendly, community-oriented
LawrencevilleDowntown San JoseArtsy, bustling with nightlife
East LibertyJapantownRich history, diverse dining options
South SideSantana RowTrendy shopping, dining, and nightlife
North ShoreAlvisoWaterfront views, recreational activities
Mount WashingtonCommunications HillPicturesque views, modern homes
BloomfieldLittle ItalyClose-knit, cultural hub
Strip DistrictSoFA DistrictEclectic markets, arts scene
Point BreezeAlmaden ValleyQuiet, upscale residential area

If you're moving from Shadyside, you'll find San Jose's Rose Garden neighborhood offers a similarly charming mix of historic homes and a colorful local scene, brimming with cafes like Rosie's Café and lush gardens. Those used to the tight-knit, culturally rich atmosphere of Bloomfield will appreciate Little Italy's similar vibe, complete with authentic Italian eateries such as Paesano and cultural festivals. Meanwhile, the outdoorsy spirit and community-oriented feel of Squirrel Hill are mirrored in Willow Glen, where sidewalks are lined with independent businesses and family-friendly events fill the calendar, fostering a strong sense of community.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Pittsburgh to San Jose

Moving from one city to another offers a unique blend of challenges and rewards. This comparison seeks to highlight the relocation from Pittsburgh, PA to San Jose, CA , giving you a balanced view of what awaits. We'll dive into the good and the bad, helping you weigh your decision with a clearer perspective.

CONs
PROs
Pittsburgh, PA iconPittsburgh, PA
  • Colder winters
  • Smaller tech industry
  • Lesser dining variety
  • Lower salary averages
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • Warmer climate
  • Thriving tech scene
  • Greater culinary diversity
  • Higher salary potential
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • Higher cost of living
  • Less historical sites
  • More urbanized
  • Larger metro area
Pittsburgh, PA iconPittsburgh, PA
  • Lower cost of living
  • Rich history
  • Dense green spaces
  • Smaller city feel

When considering the move from Pittsburgh to San Jose, it's essential to weigh both the tangible and intangible aspects of each city. Pittsburgh offers a bounty of green spaces such as Schenley Park and the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, providing residents with ample opportunities for outdoor activities and tranquility amidst the urban environment. On the flip side, San Jose, nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, is a beacon for tech enthusiasts and professionals alike, boasting companies like Adobe and eBay. The culinary scene in San Jose is remarkably diverse, offering everything from Vietnamese cuisine at Vung Tau Restaurant to Mexican specialties at La Luna Mexican Restaurant. While the cost of living may be higher in San Jose, the professional opportunities and lifestyle enhancements make it an attractive destination for many.

Pittsburgh vs. San Jose Food Guide

As part of deciding on a new place to call home, understanding the local food culture is crucial. It gives you a glimpse into the daily life and traditions of the area. In this guide, we'll provide a comparison of the local cuisine between Pittsburgh, PA & San Jose, CA to help you get a better idea of what awaits you on the culinary front in your new city.

Pittsburgh
San Jose
Most iconic local food item
Primanti Bros. Sandwich
Pho
Most popular meat dish
Pittsburgh Salad (with steak)
Banh Mi
Most popular street food item
Pierogi
Tacos
Most popular vegan food
Seitan Sandwich
Vegetarian Pho
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Primanti Bros.
  • Pamela's Diner
  • Meat & Potatoes
  • Original Joe's
  • Falafel Stop
  • Dinosaur Sandwich Co
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)
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Foodie Scene (out of 10)
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Pittsburgh, the Primanti Bros. Sandwich, a true staple, can be found at its namesake restaurant, a must-visit for newcomers. The city is known for embracing hearty meals, reflected in the popular Pittsburgh Salad topped with steak. On the other hand, San Jose's vibrant Vietnamese community influences its most iconic dish, Pho, commonly enjoyed at local hangouts like Pho Kim Long. The Californian city also boasts a diverse and health-conscious food scene, with numerous options for vegetarians and vegans, like the offerings at Good Karma Artisan Ales & Café. Both cities have a rich food culture, but San Jose leans more towards diverse and health-centric options.

Pittsburgh vs. San Jose Restaurant Comparison

Finding comfort in a new city often starts with discovering your go-to spots for a memorable meal. This restaurant comparison is crafted to ease your transition by highlighting parallels between Pittsburgh, PA, and San Jose, CA eateries, serving as a culinary compass. By understanding what makes each restaurant a favorite in Pittsburgh, you can discover your new beloved spot in San Jose, transforming it into home.

PittsburghSan JoseWhat You'll Love
Primanti Bros.Ike’s Love & SandwichesBoth known for unique, hearty sandwiches.
Pamela’s DinerBill’s CaféBoth offer a cozy, homey diner experience with classic breakfasts.
AltiusPlumed HorseFine dining with a focus on quality and innovation.
Meat & PotatoesOrchard City KitchenKnown for creative American cuisine and cocktails.
Pizzeria DavideBibo’s NY PizzaAuthentic, high-quality pizzas that pay homage to traditional styles.
Gaucho Parrilla ArgentinaLa Foret RestaurantBoth offer exceptional, unique meat dishes with a high level of culinary craftsmanship.
Dish Osteria and BarCentonoveItalian cuisine with a personal touch, focusing on regional specialties.
NoodleheadPho LynnBoth provide a casual setting with a focus on noodle dishes that pack a flavorful punch.
Butcher and the RyePaper PlaneRenowned for their whiskey selection and craft cocktails, alongside a robust, innovative menu.
Squirrel Hill CaféOriginal Gravity Public HouseA laid-back atmosphere with a diverse beer selection and comforting pub grub.

Delving deeper into these comparisons, you'll find that places like Plumed Horse bring a level of sophistication and culinary innovation that matches Pittsburgh's Altius, making it an ideal spot for special occasions or a fine dining experience in San Jose. For those who cherish the simplicity and heartiness of classic American breakfasts, Bill’s Café mirrors the welcoming, diner-style ambiance of Pamela’s Diner. On casual evenings when the craving for handcrafted cocktails and sumptuous meals hits, Orchard City Kitchen in San Jose stands out as a counterpart to Pittsburgh’s Meat & Potatoes, with its creative American cuisine and lively atmosphere. Each of these San Jose establishments offers a piece of culinary comfort, echoing the flavors and experiences cherished in Pittsburgh dining.

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Pittsburgh vs. San Jose Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate weighs heavily in the decision to relocate, making a comparison between Pittsburgh, PA and San Jose, CA essential when considering your move. Understanding the cost , architecture , and lifestyle differences can help you make an informed choice.

Pittsburgh
San Jose
Typical Architecture Style
Victorian & Colonial
Spanish Revival & Modern
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Historic charm, green spaces
Tech-friendly, energy-efficient

When delving deeper into the housing market nuances of Pittsburgh and San Jose, you'll find stark contrasts. Pittsburgh's housing market offers more affordable options, with a median home price significantly lower than San Jose’s. This affordability in Pittsburgh extends to rent as well. The city's historic charm is often highlighted, with Victorian and Colonial architecture prevalent. San Jose, in the heart of Silicon Valley, commands a high cost of living due to its proximity to tech giants, reflected in its median home prices and rent. Here, homes boast modern amenities, catering to a tech-savvy population, and the architecture includes a lot of Spanish Revival and modern designs. However, it's less walkable than Pittsburgh. On the flip side, San Jose offers a more urban lifestyle with higher bikeability, indicative of the city's initiative towards fostering a greener environment.

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.

Pittsburgh vs. San Jose Weather Considerations

When planning a move, understanding how the weather will change is crucial to adapting smoothly. This comparison between Pittsburgh and San Jose highlights essential climate differences, preparing you for your transition.

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

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

82°F / 62°F
82°F / 58°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

37°F / 23°F
60°F / 42°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

38
15
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

41
0


Transitioning from Pittsburgh to San Jose means embracing a milder winter, more sunshine, and less humidity. The noticeable difference in the number of sunny days can significantly impact your mood and outdoor activities. San Jose's mild winters with virtually no snowfall offer a stark contrast to Pittsburgh's chilly winters. However, be prepared for the potential of natural disasters like earthquakes and wildfires in San Jose, a shift from the snowstorms and flooding common in Pittsburgh. Adjusting to these changes will be key to enjoying your new home to the fullest.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move from one city to another, comparing the financial landscape between your current and future home is crucial. This chart highlights key financial differences between Pittsburgh, PA, and San Jose, CA, covering aspects like income, taxes, and cost of living, to help you anticipate changes in your financial situation.

Pittsburgh
San Jose
Avg. Household Income
$57,821
$126,377
Cost of Living Index
91.5
156.1
State Income Tax
3.07
9.3
Avg. Property Tax
2.07
0.79
Avg. Sales Tax
7
9.25
Top 3 Industries
Healthcare, Education, Technology
Technology, Manufacturing, Retail
Affluence
Moderate
High
Poverty
Moderate
Low
Homelessness
Concerning
Significant

The move from Pittsburgh to San Jose represents a significant jump not only in potential earnings but also in the cost of living and taxes. In San Jose, you'll find yourself in a region where the technology industry dominates, offering higher average household incomes but also demanding a premium on living expenses. Despite California's attractive economic opportunities, it's essential to prepare for the state's higher sales and income taxes, alongside a cost of living that far surpasses Pittsburgh. Furthermore, while San Jose boasts lower property tax rates, the overall housing market is substantially more expensive, affecting affordability and your financial planning.

Pittsburgh vs. San Jose Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from Pittsburgh, PA to San Jose, CA, it's helpful to know how the communities compare. This quick snapshot provides insight into the comparison of the politics between Pittsburgh & San Jose , along with the religious makeup of the residents, offering a glimpse into the cultural vibe you might experience in your new home.

Pittsburgh
San Jose
Political Make-up
Lean Democratic
Strongly Democratic
Local Politics
Moderate with emphasis on industrial and education policies
Progressive with a focus on tech innovation and environmental sustainability
Religion
Diverse, with a significant Catholic community. Diocese of Pittsburgh is notable.
Diverse, higher percentage of non-religious individuals. Notable for its many cultural festivals catering to various religious groups.

In migrating from Pittsburgh to San Jose, you'll find yourself transitioning from a city with a strong Democratic leaning to one that is highly progressive and Democratic, particularly influenced by Silicon Valley's tech culture. San Jose's focus on technological development and environmental sustainability reflects its progressive local political climate, which might contrast with Pittsburgh's more moderate stance balancing between its historical industrial roots and its burgeoning education sector. Religious diversity is pronounced in both cities, though San Jose has a larger share of non-religious residents, speaking to the broader range of beliefs and values you’ll encounter there. This transition may present a unique blend of cultural and ideological differences that could enrich your experience in your new locale.

Pittsburgh vs. San Jose Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Pittsburgh, PA to San Jose, CA, presents a notable shift in your daily commute and traffic experiences. This guide aims to boldly compare the traffic and transportation options between Pittsburgh & San Jose to help you better understand what to expect and how to navigate your new city.

Pittsburgh
San Jose
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
26
29
Traffic Congestion
6 out of 10
7 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
5 out of 10
6 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
Challenging
Feasible

While the average commute time in Pittsburgh and San Jose doesn't significantly differ, with Pittsburgh averaging 26 minutes and San Jose at 29, the slight increase in San Jose could be attributed to its higher traffic congestion score. San Jose's public transit system is marginally better rated than Pittsburgh's, making it more feasible to live there without a car. Whereas in Pittsburgh, despite the city's efforts, it might still be challenging to depend entirely on public transportation for daily commuting. This comparison underscores the subtle yet impactful differences in navigating each city, helping you plan accordingly before you make the move.

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