Moving from Fresno to Oakland, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Fresno to Oakland costs between $226 to $6,046 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 174-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Fresno to Oakland
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Fresno to Oakland are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Fresno to driving and unloading in Oakland, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 174 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,561 - $4,656 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,098 - $2,181 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $249 - $443 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Colonial Van & Storage | $135/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Fresno to Oakland?
It costs between $226 to $6,046 to move from Fresno to Oakland. The prices below break down your 174-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $928 - $6,046
- Moving containers: $907 - $2,519
- Rental trucks: $226 - $515
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $928 - $3,806 | $907 - $1,564 | $226 - $376 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,561 - $4,656 | $1,098 - $2,181 | $249 - $443 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,174 - $6,046 | $1,463 - $2,519 | $305 - $515 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $312 - $2,600+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $135/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $90/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $208 - $832 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $52 - $208 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Fresno to Oakland
At 174 miles, your Fresno to Oakland move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Fresno to Oakland. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 174 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Meathead Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Fresno to Oakland. They've been in business since 2003 (23 years of experience) and 84.6% of their 500 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Oakland to Fresno guide.
Considerations when moving from Fresno to Oakland
Cost of living: Fresno vs. Oakland
Comparing life in Fresno and Oakland goes beyond just looking at housing prices. We’ll break down key financial factors, like rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends, so you can get a clear picture of how living in Oakland stacks up against Fresno.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Fresno | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,650 | $2,200 |
| Average home cost | $347,152 | $925,411 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,804 | $97,369 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,277 | $3,146 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,358 | $8,584 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.09% | 4.5% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.98% | 10.25% |
- Rent prices in Oakland are 33% higher than in Fresno. You can expect to pay more for housing, which could leave you with less money for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Oakland are 167% higher than in Fresno. That means you might face a steeper down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- Income in Oakland is 46% higher than in Fresno, which could mean greater earning potential and improved financial stability, especially if your salary aligns with the local average.
- Cost of living for one person is 38% higher in Oakland compared to Fresno. Make sure to adjust your budget to account for these higher expenses.
- If you’re moving your family to Oakland, expect living costs to be about 60% higher than in Fresno. Expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will probably go up, making Oakland a pricier choice for families.
- The unemployment rate in Oakland is 37% lower than in Fresno, which suggests a stronger job market with more employment opportunities and greater economic stability.
- Sales tax in Oakland is 28% higher than in Fresno, so expect to spend a bit more on things like meals, shopping, and other taxable purchases.
If you’re used to living on $3,000 a month in Fresno, you’d need roughly $4,140 to maintain the same lifestyle in Oakland.
How life is different in Fresno vs. Oakland
Before you move, see how life stacks up in Oakland compared to Fresno. You should compare everything from weather and cost of living to politics, safety, and population. This side-by-side breakdown will help you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.
| Fresno | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 542,107 | 440,646 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-46 | Democratic 51-46 |
| Summer high | 98ºF | 72ºF |
| Winter low | 38ºF | 44ºF |
| Annual rain | 13" | 24" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 56.85 | 68.62 |
Oakland sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll find that Oakland has about 19% fewer people than Fresno. Living in a smaller city often comes with perks like more tranquility, extra space, and lower costs. Just keep in mind you might miss some big-city amenities.
- Fresno and Oakland both voted Democratic in the last election.
- Summers in Oakland average 72°F, while Fresno reaches 98°F. Expect more comfortable summers and lower cooling costs in your new city.
- In the coldest months, Fresno sees lower temperatures than Oakland, dropping to 38°F while Oakland only falls to 44°F.
- Oakland sees more rain each year than Fresno, averaging about 24 inches annually, while Fresno gets only 13 inches.
- Both Fresno and Oakland receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Crime is higher in Oakland (68.62) than in Fresno (56.85).
Things to do in Oakland
Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in Oakland.
Museums in Oakland
- Oakland Museum of California
- Chabot Space & Science Center
- USS Potomac
- Oakland Aviation Museum
- African American Museum and Library
Parks in Oakland
- Redwood Regional Park
- Joaquin Miller Park
- East Bay Regional Park District
- Lakeside Park and Garden Center
- Piedmont Park
Sports teams in Oakland
- Oakland Athletics (MLB)
- Oakland Roots DC (USLC)
Universities in Oakland
- Laney College
- Merritt College
- California College of the Arts (formerly the California College of Arts and Crafts)
- Holy Names University (formerly Holy Names College)
- Lincoln University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Fresno to Oakland?
Shipping furniture from Fresno to Oakland with a mover will cost between $785 and $3,256. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,561–$4,656, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Fresno to Oakland will cost from $2,174–$6,046.
How much are moving container companies from Fresno to Oakland?
If you're moving from Fresno to Oakland and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $627 to $1,510. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $1,098 and $2,181. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $1,463 up to $2,519.
How much is a moving truck from Fresno to Oakland?
If you want to keep costs down, renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just remember, you’ll be responsible for driving and all the heavy lifting. We’ve included estimated fuel costs in our pricing, so there are no surprises.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, you’ll usually spend between $228 and $388. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $249 to $443. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Fresno to Oakland, truck rental prices typically range from $305 up to $515.
How far in advance should I book Fresno-to-Oakland movers?
For a smooth move from Fresno to Oakland, book your movers at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, try to secure your moving reservation three months ahead. Early booking not only increases your chances of getting your preferred date but can also help you snag lower rates. Some companies even throw in early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Oakland?
To score the best moving deals to Oakland, plan your move between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means you’ll spend less and have an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
