Moving from Kent, WA to San Jose, CA
A move from Kent, WA to San Jose, CA covers 828 mi and around 15h 60m of driving through 3 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
828 mi Β· 15h 60m by car Β· CA β OR β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β OR β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, I 505, OR 99 |
| Major cities en route | Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Fremont, Hayward, San Mateo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kent | San Jose | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.133 | 110.423 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 92.814 | 156.659 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.972 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.314 | 211.901 | 100.0 |
San Jose and Kent are close on the overall BEA RPP (111.133 vs 110.423); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: San Jose typical home at $1,463,614 is 0.6% above Kent at $656,314 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Kent -2.1%, San Jose -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Kent | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 78Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.1" | 16.1" |
San Jose runs 7.7Β°F warmer on the annual average (53.8Β°F vs 61.5Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: San Jose sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KENT, WA US, SAN JOSE, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kent | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 135,015 | 990,054 |
| Median household income | $90,416 | $141,565 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 38.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.1% | 26.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.89 | 3.03 |
Median household income in San Jose is 0.6% above Kent ($90,416 vs $141,565, ACS 5-year 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 Washington 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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β 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 household income compare in Kent vs San Jose?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $141,565 in San Jose vs $90,416 in Kent β a 56.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in San Jose compare to Kent?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $81,470 in the San Jose MSA vs $65,260 in the Kent MSA, on total employment of 1,141,820 and 2,079,090 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Kent to San Jose?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 828 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in San Jose compared to Kent?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,463,614 in San Jose vs $656,314 in Kent β a 123.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is San Jose, CA from Kent, WA?
The driving distance is 828 mi and the route typically takes 15h 60m via I 5 and I 505. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is San Jose more expensive than Kent?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in San Jose is 0.6% lower than Kent (110.423 vs 111.133, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Kent.
City profiles: Kent, WA Β· San Jose, CA.