San Jose, CA → Chico, CA · Regional long-distance move
About 201 road miles heading north. Typical two-bedroom cost $2,880–$4,280, delivery in 1–2 days, 484 carriers on the San Jose side and 47 in Chico.
Chico sits about 201 miles north of San Jose, 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 $2,880 to $4,280 with a full-service mover, and delivery usually takes 1 to 2 days after pickup because long-haul trucks consolidate several households per trip. Driving it yourself takes about 4 h 10 min.
On the San Jose side there are 484 household-goods carriers registered with the FMCSA in and around the city (125 of them authorized for interstate work), and 47 around Chico (22 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 Chico.
San Jose has a population of about 989,814 and Chico about 105,081. San Jose is considerably denser (5,683 people per square mile versus 2,976), so expect tighter loading conditions, parking permits or elevator reservations at the origin and easier truck access at the destination.
| Home size | Est. weight | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,000 lb | $1,540 | $1,880 | $2,290 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $1,730 | $2,110 | $2,570 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $2,880 | $3,510 | $4,280 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $4,610 | $5,620 | $6,850 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $6,340 | $7,730 | $9,430 |
$360–$500
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$1,200–$1,760
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$2,880–$4,280
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for San Jose, CA → Chico, 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.
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Typical full-service estimates for this route are $1,540 to $2,290 for a studio, $1,730 to $2,570 for a one-bedroom, $2,880 to $4,280 for a two-bedroom, $4,610 to $6,850 for a three-bedroom and $6,340 to $9,430 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 201 road miles (170 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 4 h 10 min.
Expect a delivery window of 1 to 2 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 San Jose and Chico 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 $360 to $500 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $1,200 to $1,760. 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 San Jose–Chico corridor.