Moving from Glendale, AZ to San Jose, CA
Relocating 701 mi from Glendale to San Jose is a 12h 56m drive through 2 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
701 mi · 12h 56m by car · CA → AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | CA → AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 5, I 5 TRUCK |
| Major cities en route | Fremont, Hayward, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Salinas |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Glendale | San Jose | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 110.423 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 156.659 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 211.901 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 6.9% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 6.9% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $407,332 to $1,463,614 moving to San Jose.
YoY change: Glendale -2.6%, San Jose -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Glendale | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72°F | 62°F |
| January avg low | 41°F | 43°F |
| July avg high | 105°F | 82°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.3" | 16.1" |
Expect 10.4°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
San Jose gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: YOUNGTOWN, AZ US, SAN JOSE, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Glendale | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 250,193 | 990,054 |
| Median household income | $70,139 | $141,565 |
| Median age | 34.5 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.4% | 26.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.88 | 3.03 |
Expect median household income to rise 6.9% — $70,139 → $141,565 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in San Jose MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 161,790 | $175,110 |
| Management Occupations | 119,300 | $206,650 |
| Software Developers | 96,590 | $199,100 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 93,740 | $59,850 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 90,500 | $120,970 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arizona and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.4°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October — register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in San Jose compare to Glendale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $81,470 in the San Jose MSA vs $48,600 in the Glendale MSA, on total employment of 1,141,820 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Glendale and San Jose?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.5°F in San Jose vs 71.9°F in Glendale (10.4°F colder). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 16.1 in vs 8.3 in.
When is the best time to move from Glendale to San Jose?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 701 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is San Jose more expensive than Glendale?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in San Jose is 6.9% higher than Glendale (110.423 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Glendale vs San Jose?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $141,565 in San Jose vs $70,139 in Glendale — a 101.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is San Jose, CA from Glendale, AZ?
The driving distance is 701 mi and the route typically takes 12h 56m via I 10 and I 5. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in San Jose compared to Glendale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,463,614 in San Jose vs $407,332 in Glendale — a 259.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Glendale.
City profiles: Glendale, AZ · San Jose, CA.