Moving from Ontario to Oakland, CA

Quick answer: Moving from Ontario to Oakland costs between $461 to $8,151 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 405-mile route within California take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.

Compare moving options from Ontario to Oakland

The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Ontario to Oakland are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.

  • Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Ontario 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 405 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
Move type Top pick Average cost Best for Main downside
Full-service mover Safeway Moving $2,256 - $5,940 Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading Highest price of all options
Moving container PODS $1,463 - $2,564 Pack and load on your own schedule You handle all loading and unloading
Rental truck Budget Truck Rental $482 - $956 Lowest upfront cost You drive, load, and unload everything yourself
Labor-only Big Deahl's Movers $110/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 Ontario to Oakland?

It costs between $461 to $8,151 to move from Ontario to Oakland. The prices below break down your 405-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.

  • Full service movers: $1,389 - $8,151
  • Moving containers: $1,142 - $3,343
  • Rental trucks: $461 - $1,205
Home size Full-service mover Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,389 - $4,527 $1,142 - $1,977 $461 - $815
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,256 - $5,940 $1,463 - $2,564 $482 - $956
4+ bedrooms $3,494 - $8,151 $1,866 - $3,343 $581 - $1,205
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 11 years of experience, reviewing 3,155 moving companies, and are updated as of May 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.

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 $357 - $2,975+ Full-service movers
Loading labor $110/hr per mover Moving containers, rental trucks
Storage About $100/month Moving containers
Shuttle fee $238 - $952 Full-service movers
Equipment rental $60 - $238 Rental trucks
Added protection 1% - 2% of declared value All move types

Best movers from Ontario to Oakland

At 405 miles, your Ontario 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 Ontario to Oakland. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 405 miles.

Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves

Flex Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Ontario to Oakland. They've been in business since 2002 (24 years of experience) and 88.2% of their 51 verified reviews are positive.

More California moving resources

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Oakland to Ontario guide.

Considerations when moving from Ontario to Oakland

Cost of living: Ontario vs. Oakland

Comparing life in Ontario 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 Ontario.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Ontario Oakland
Average rent cost $2,619 $2,200
Average home cost $564,076 $925,411
Average income (per capita) $82,806 $97,369
Cost of living (single person) $2,473 $3,146
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,793 $8,584
Unemployment rate 6.9% 4.5%
Average Sales Tax 8.75% 10.25%
  • Rent prices in Oakland are 16% lower than in Ontario, meaning you'll likely have more room in your budget for savings, leisure, or other living expenses.
  • Home prices in Oakland are 64% higher than in Ontario. That means you might face a steeper down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
  • Income in Oakland is 18% higher than in Ontario, 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 27% higher in Oakland compared to Ontario. 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 48% higher than in Ontario. Expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will probably go up, making Oakland a pricier choice for families.
  • The unemployment rate in Oakland is 35% lower than in Ontario, which suggests a stronger job market with more employment opportunities and greater economic stability.
  • Sales tax in Oakland is 17% higher than in Ontario, 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 Ontario, you’d need roughly $3,810 to maintain the same lifestyle in Oakland.

How life is different in Ontario vs. Oakland

Before you move, see how life stacks up in Oakland compared to Ontario. 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.

Ontario Oakland
Population 175,265 440,646
Political leaning Democratic 49.8-48.3 Democratic 51-46
Summer high 92ºF 72ºF
Winter low 43ºF 44ºF
Annual rain 16" 24"
Annual snow 0" 0"
Crime index 50.25 68.62
  • The population of Oakland is approximately 151% greater than the population of Ontario. Moving to a larger city means more of everything: people, opportunity, noise, cost, culture, and complexity. Whether that’s exciting or overwhelming depends on your preferences and goals.
  • Ontario and Oakland both voted Democratic in the last election.
  • Summers in Oakland average 72°F, while Ontario reaches 92°F. Expect more comfortable summers and lower cooling costs in your new city.
  • During the chilliest months, both Ontario and Oakland experience similar lows—expect 43°F in Ontario and 44°F in Oakland.
  • Oakland sees more rain each year than Ontario, averaging about 24 inches annually, while Ontario gets only 16 inches.
  • Both Ontario 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 Ontario (50.25).

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 Ontario to Oakland?

Shipping furniture from Ontario to Oakland with a mover will cost between $1,192 and $3,740. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,256–$5,940, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Ontario to Oakland will cost from $3,494–$8,151.

How much are moving container companies from Ontario to Oakland?

If you're moving from Ontario to Oakland and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $793 to $1,827. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $1,463 and $2,564. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $1,866 up to $3,343.

How much is a moving truck from Ontario 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 $431 and $847. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $482 to $956. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Ontario to Oakland, truck rental prices typically range from $581 up to $1,205.

How far in advance should I book Ontario-to-Oakland movers?

For a smooth move from Ontario 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.