Moving from Oakland to Sacramento, CA
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: Moving from Oakland to Sacramento costs between $104 to $4,646 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 81-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Oakland to Sacramento
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Oakland to Sacramento are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Oakland to driving and unloading in Sacramento, 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 81 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,216 - $3,688 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $888 - $1,632 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $108 - $184 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Sweet Lemon Moving Services | $147/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 Oakland to Sacramento?
It costs between $104 to $4,646 to move from Oakland to Sacramento. The prices below break down your 81-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $674 - $4,646
- Moving containers: $689 - $2,134
- Rental trucks: $104 - $200
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $674 - $2,890 | $689 - $1,123 | $104 - $153 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,216 - $3,688 | $888 - $1,632 | $108 - $184 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,662 - $4,646 | $1,215 - $2,134 | $132 - $200 |
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 | $588 - $4,900+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $147/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $120/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $392 - $1,568 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $98 - $392 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Oakland to Sacramento
At 81 miles, your Oakland to Sacramento 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 Oakland to Sacramento. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 81 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Oakland to Sacramento. They've been in business since 2011 (15 years of experience) and 86.9% of their 634 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Sacramento to Oakland guide.
Considerations when moving from Oakland to Sacramento
Cost of living: Oakland vs. Sacramento
The cost of living in Oakland vs. Sacramento goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in Sacramento stacks up against Oakland.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Oakland | Sacramento | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,200 | $1,899 |
| Average home cost | $925,411 | $483,739 |
| Average income (per capita) | $97,369 | $83,753 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,146 | $2,656 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,584 | $6,191 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 7.7% |
| Average Sales Tax | 10.25% | 8.75% |
- Rent in Sacramento is roughly 14% less expensive than in Oakland. That leaves you with extra cash for savings, entertainment, or anything else you want to spend money on.
- Home prices in Sacramento are 48% lower than in Oakland, which may make it easier to enter the housing market and get a more affordable mortgage, freeing up your budget for other priorities.
- Income in Sacramento is 14% lower than in Oakland. You may need to keep a closer eye on your budget, particularly if salaries don’t match the cost of living.
- Cost of living for a single person in Sacramento is 16% lower than in Oakland. That means you’ll probably have more room in your budget for saving, spending, or investing.
- The living costs for a family of four are 28% lower in Sacramento than in Oakland. That means your money stretches further, giving you extra room in your budget and the opportunity to enjoy an even better quality of life after your move.
- Unemployment in Sacramento is 71% higher than in Oakland. This means job hunting may be tougher and job security less certain, especially if you’re relocating without having a job lined up.
- You’ll benefit from 15% lower sales taxes in Sacramento compared to Oakland, leaving more room in your budget for family needs or personal spending.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Oakland, expect to budget around $2,520 to maintain the same lifestyle in Sacramento.
How life is different in Oakland vs. Sacramento
As you plan your move, comparing life in Oakland vs. Sacramento is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and needs. Factors like population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety can significantly impact your experience in a new place. Below is a side-by-side breakdown of key differences between Oakland and Sacramento to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Oakland | Sacramento | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 440,646 | 524,943 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-46 | Democratic 51-46 |
| Summer high | 72ºF | 93ºF |
| Winter low | 44ºF | 39ºF |
| Annual rain | 24" | 20" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 68.62 | 49.21 |
Sacramento sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Sacramento is about 19% larger than Oakland. Moving to a bigger city means more people, opportunities, and cultural experiences, plus higher costs and a faster pace. Whether that's exciting or overwhelming depends on what you want from your new home.
- The last presidential election saw both Oakland and Sacramento siding with the Democratic party.
- Sacramento summers peak around 93°F, noticeably warmer than Oakland’s 72°F. A move here means adapting to stronger heat with lifestyle and budget changes.
- During the coldest months, both Oakland and Sacramento experience similar chilly lows, with temperatures near 44°F and 39°F.
- You won’t have to adjust to new weather conditions when you move from Oakland to Sacramento. Both spots see about the same amount of rain each year: 24 inches in Oakland and 20 inches in Sacramento.
- Both Oakland and Sacramento receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Sacramento has a lower crime rate than Oakland, with a crime index of 49.21 vs 68.62.
Things to do in Sacramento
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Sacramento has something for everyone.
Museums in Sacramento
- California State Railroad Museum
- Crocker Art Museum
- California State Capitol Museum
- Old Sacramento
- California Automobile Museum
Parks in Sacramento
- Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park
- Capitol Park
- William Land Park
- McKinley Park
- American River Parkway
Sports teams in Sacramento
- Sacramento Kings (NBA)
- Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship)
- Sacramento River Cats (Triple-A West)
Universities in Sacramento
- California State University-Sacramento
- Epic Bible College
- MTI College
- Asher College
- Carrington College-Sacramento
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Oakland to Sacramento?
Moving your furniture from Oakland to Sacramento with a professional moving company usually ranges from $576 to $2,635. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $1,216 and $3,688. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $1,662 to $4,646 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Oakland to Sacramento?
If you’re moving from Oakland to Sacramento and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $491 to $1,081. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $888 and $1,632. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,215 to $2,134.
How much is a moving truck from Oakland to Sacramento?
Want to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest bet. Just remember, you’ll be in charge of both the driving and the heavy lifting. To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve included average fuel costs in our pricing so you’re not caught off guard.
Renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move will typically set you back between $103 and $160. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $108 to $184. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Oakland to Sacramento, rental prices generally fall between $132 and $200.
How far in advance should I book Oakland-to-Sacramento movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Oakland to Sacramento at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, it’s best to book your movers at least three months ahead. The sooner you reserve your Oakland-to-Sacramento movers, the better the chance you’ll get affordable rates and secure the exact moving date you need. Some movers even offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Sacramento?
If you want to save money on your move to Sacramento, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May to September), when most people relocate and prices soar. By steering clear of the busy summer months, you’ll take advantage of lower demand and lower rates.
