Irvine, CA → San Jose, CA · Regional long-distance move
About 399 road miles heading northwest. Typical two-bedroom cost $3,770–$5,610, delivery in 1–3 days, 625 carriers on the Irvine side and 484 in San Jose.
San Jose sits about 399 miles northwest of Irvine, so this is an in-state move that most movers classify as a regional long-distance move.
At this distance carriers price by shipment weight and mileage rather than by the hour. A two-bedroom home (around 5,000 lb of goods) typically costs $3,770 to $5,610 with a full-service mover, and delivery usually takes 1 to 3 days after pickup because long-haul trucks consolidate several households per trip. Driving it yourself takes about 7 h 35 min.
On the Irvine side there are 625 household-goods carriers registered with the FMCSA in and around the city (239 of them authorized for interstate work), and 484 around San Jose (125 interstate). For an in-state move you can book from either end; movers near the origin handle loading and are usually the better first call, while a destination-side company can be useful if you need storage or delivery-day help in San Jose.
Irvine has a population of about 318,764 and San Jose about 989,814. The two cities have comparable density (4,690 and 5,683 people per square mile), so loading and unloading conditions are usually similar at both ends.
| Home size | Est. weight | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,000 lb | $1,540 | $1,880 | $2,290 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $2,260 | $2,760 | $3,370 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $3,770 | $4,600 | $5,610 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $6,040 | $7,360 | $8,980 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $8,300 | $10,120 | $12,350 |
$560–$790
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$1,380–$2,020
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$3,770–$5,610
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for Irvine, CA → San Jose, CA. Adjust the other options to see your range.
Typical full-service range.
Estimates use market baselines described on the cost guide; your quotes will vary by inventory, access and date.
Legal name: Home Express Delivery Service LLC
Legal name: Maeflower Logistics LLC
Legal name: Managed Facilities Solutions LLC
Legal name: Shefali Toor
Legal name: Amber Transportation Group INC
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $1,540 to $2,290 for a studio, $2,260 to $3,370 for a one-bedroom, $3,770 to $5,610 for a two-bedroom, $6,040 to $8,980 for a three-bedroom and $8,300 to $12,350 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 399 road miles (338 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 7 h 35 min.
Expect a delivery window of 1 to 3 days after pickup. Carriers give a spread rather than a fixed date because long-distance trucks carry several shipments; a dedicated truck or expedited service shortens the window for an extra fee.
No. Because both Irvine and San Jose are in California, this is an intrastate move regulated by the state rather than the FMCSA. Still, choosing a carrier with an active USDOT number is the easiest way to confirm the company is a registered motor carrier with insurance on file.
A one-way rental truck for this distance typically runs $560 to $790 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $1,380 to $2,020. Both save money versus a full-service crew but you do the loading, and container transit can take longer than a mover's delivery window.
Rates are highest in summer and around the last days of any month, when demand peaks. Mid-month, mid-week and winter dates are usually quoted below the standard rate. Booking four to eight weeks ahead gives you the widest choice of carriers on the Irvine–San Jose corridor.