Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Dec, 24 2025
What Is the Cost of San Jose International Movers?
Are you considering a move to beautiful San Jose, Costa Rica? As a U.S. expat, the process of relocating to a new country can be overwhelming. Three Movers wants to help ensure that you have the best moving team to manage your San Jose moving services. That's why we've put together this guide to help make your transition as smooth as possible. We hope this article will help detail a little about San Jose, and a few expenses you should be prepared for when you make your move.
San Jose International Moving Companies Rates
| To / From San Jose | 2 BR | 3 BR | 4 BR |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CR To Christchurch, NZ | $5,805 - $6,540 | $7,715 - $8,450 | $9,185 - $9,920 |
| Vienna, AT To San Jose, CR | $4,880 - $5,498 | $6,486 - $7,104 | $7,721 - $8,339 |
| San Jose, CR To Madrid, ES | $4,161 - $4,688 | $5,530 - $6,057 | $6,584 - $7,110 |
| Saint Petersburg, RU To San Jose, CR | $5,081 - $5,724 | $6,754 - $7,397 | $8,040 - $8,683 |
| San Jose, CR To Milan, IT | $4,648 - $5,237 | $6,178 - $6,767 | $7,355 - $7,943 |
| Berlin, DE To San Jose, CR | $4,726 - $5,324 | $6,281 - $6,879 | $7,478 - $8,076 |
| San Jose, CR To Geneva, CH | $4,528 - $5,101 | $6,019 - $6,592 | $7,165 - $7,738 |
| Moscow, RU To San Jose, CR | $5,376 - $6,056 | $7,145 - $7,826 | $8,506 - $9,187 |
| San Jose, CR To Coevorden, NL | $4,506 - $5,077 | $5,989 - $6,560 | $7,130 - $7,700 |
| Hamburg, DE To San Jose, CR | $4,605 - $5,188 | $6,120 - $6,703 | $7,286 - $7,869 |
*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and other factors. Get a quote custom tailored to you.
Things to Do in San Jose
San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, is a vibrant and diverse city with plenty to see and do. Whether you're into art, culture, or outdoor activities, there's something for everyone in San Jose. Here are just a few of the many things you can enjoy in the city:
- Visit the National Museum of Costa Rica: This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Costa Rica, and features exhibits on pre-Columbian civilizations, colonial history, and contemporary art.
- Explore the Central Market: This bustling market is a great place to experience local culture and find unique souvenirs. You'll find everything from handmade crafts to fresh produce and traditional Costa Rican food.
- Take a stroll through Parque Central: This beautiful park is in the heart of San Jose and is a great place to relax and enjoy the city's tropical climate. It's also home to several historic buildings, including the National Theater and the Cathedral of San Jose.
- Go for a hike in the nearby mountains: San Jose is surrounded by beautiful mountains, and there are plenty of hiking trails to explore. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely walk, there's a trail that's perfect for you.
San Jose Container Shipping Rates
FCL shipping is best for transporting lots of boxes, pallets and anything which will require a full container shipping to San Jose of up to 45,000lbs.
Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| 20 ft Container | $795 |
| 40 ft Container | $855 |
LCL shipping is more affordable way to transport less than container load shipments to San Jose.
Less Than Container (LCL) Shipping Rates | |
|---|---|
| LCL | $79/CBM |
| Personal Effects | $685 |
| Household Goods | $735 |
International house moving to San Jose services - quick, easy and cheap.
International House Moving Costs | |
|---|---|
| Partial House (2000Lbs & Less) | $685 |
| 1 Bedroom (3850 Lbs) | $1075 |
| 2 Bedroom (4500 Lbs) | $1360 |
| 3+ Bedroom (8750 Lbs) | $2160 |
International auto transport services to San Jose via RoRo and container ships. Ship cars, trucks, suvs, atv's, boats, RV's, heavy equipment and more.
Container Car Shipping | |
|---|---|
| Sedan (Container) | $855 |
| SUV (Container) | $895 |
| Sedan via RORO | $595 |
| SUV via RORO | $645 |
Calculating Moving Costs to San Jose from the United States
When planning your move to San Jose, it's important to factor in all the costs involved. Here are a few things to keep in mind when calculating your moving costs:
- Airfare: This is likely to be your biggest expense, so be sure to shop around for the best deal. Keep in mind that prices can vary depending on the time of year, so it's a good idea to book your tickets well in advance.
- Shipping your household goods: If you're planning on bringing your household goods with you, you'll need to factor in the cost of shipping. This can vary depending on the weight and volume of your belongings, so be sure to get quotes from several different companies. Keep in mind that Three Movers offers not only high-quality moving services, but we also have the lowest rates in the industry!
- Accommodation: You'll need to find a place to live in San Jose, and costs can vary depending on the location, size, and amenities of the property. Be sure to budget for the cost of rent or a mortgage, as well as any additional expenses such as utilities and internet.
- Taxes and fees: There may be additional taxes and fees associated with your move, such as customs and import duties. Be sure to research these costs in advance so that you can budget accordingly.
Overall, moving to San Jose is a great opportunity for U.S. expats to experience a new culture and way of life. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can make your transition as smooth and stress-free as possible. If you have any question please contact us, we are here to help you and make your moving process easy and stress-free.
Get a Quote
Ready to move to San Jose, Costa Rica? Fill out our form for a quick moving quote or call us here at Three Movers today at 1-888-202-0036 for an all-inclusive quote from one of our agents. Let us help make your move easy and stress-free!
Frequently Asked Questions
An international moving company in San Jose handles door-to-door overseas relocations, including export packing, inventory creation, customs documentation, ocean or air freight booking, and destination delivery. Services scale by home size (studio–5BR), shipment volume, and destination country. Many moves also include temporary storage, vehicle shipping, and insurance coordination. Shipments leaving California ports typically route through Oakland or Los Angeles, with timelines influenced by customs clearance and sailing schedules.
International moves from San Jose usually range from $3,500–$12,000+, depending on shipment size, destination country, and transport method. A 1–2 bedroom move using shared containers costs less than a full 20- or 40-foot container. Costs also reflect packing labor, customs fees, fuel surcharges, and delivery access abroad. For detailed breakdowns, see our guide on international moving costs.
Most international moves take 3–8 weeks door to door. Ocean freight accounts for the majority of transit time, while air freight can reduce delivery to 7–14 days at a higher cost. Timing depends on destination distance, port congestion, customs inspections, and whether shipments are consolidated. Bay Area traffic, port cut-off dates, and documentation accuracy also affect departure schedules.
Yes. Professional international movers manage export-grade packing, detailed inventories, and required customs forms. Proper documentation is critical to avoid delays, inspections, or fines at destination ports. Movers coordinate with overseas agents and comply with FMCSA and destination-country regulations. Many customers also choose international moving and storage when departure and delivery dates do not align.
Shipping containers are common for overseas moves. Smaller households often use shared containers, while larger homes use dedicated 20-foot or 40-foot containers. Container choice affects cost, transit speed, and risk of delays. Some movers also offer container-based alternatives through international moving pods for flexible loading and scheduling.
Yes. Many international movers coordinate corporate and office relocations, managing furniture breakdown, IT equipment packing, and phased deliveries. These projects require strict timelines, building access coordination, and customs planning for commercial goods. Companies relocating employees overseas often combine household shipments with business assets, aligning moves with visa start dates and international employment contracts.
Accurate quotes require a detailed inventory, destination country, preferred shipping method, and delivery access details. Virtual or in-home surveys help determine volume and container needs. Quotes should clearly list packing, freight, customs handling, and delivery charges. For planning timelines and pricing ranges, start with moving overseas quotes tailored to your destination.
