Moving from Sacramento to Oakland, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Sacramento to Oakland costs between $94 to $4,690 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 Sacramento to Oakland
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Sacramento to Oakland are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Sacramento 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 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 | $1,276 - $3,471 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $861 - $1,750 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $111 - $175 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Two Men and a Truck Moving | $130/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 Sacramento to Oakland?
It costs between $94 to $4,690 to move from Sacramento to Oakland. The prices below break down your 81-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $616 - $4,690
- Moving containers: $675 - $2,134
- Rental trucks: $94 - $190
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $616 - $3,194 | $675 - $1,170 | $94 - $159 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,276 - $3,471 | $861 - $1,750 | $111 - $175 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,713 - $4,690 | $1,123 - $2,134 | $127 - $190 |
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 | $381 - $3,175+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $130/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $120/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $254 - $1,016 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $64 - $254 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Sacramento to Oakland
At 81 miles, your Sacramento 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 Sacramento to Oakland. 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
Double Move is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Sacramento to Oakland. They've been in business since 2024 (2 years of experience) and 98.5% of their 203 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Oakland to Sacramento guide.
Considerations when moving from Sacramento to Oakland
Cost of living: Sacramento vs. Oakland
The cost of living in Sacramento vs. Oakland goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in Oakland stacks up against Sacramento.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Sacramento | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,899 | $2,200 |
| Average home cost | $483,739 | $925,411 |
| Average income (per capita) | $83,753 | $97,369 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,656 | $3,146 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,191 | $8,584 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.7% | 4.5% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.75% | 10.25% |
- Rent prices in Oakland are 16% higher than in Sacramento. That means you might end up spending more of your income on housing, leaving less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Oakland are 91% higher than in Sacramento. If you’re planning to buy a home, be prepared for a bigger down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments.
- You could boost your income and enjoy more financial stability in Oakland, where the average salary is 16% higher than in Sacramento, especially if your income aligns with local averages.
- The cost of living for a single person in Oakland is 18% higher than in Sacramento, you'll likely need to adjust your budget to accommodate increased expenses.
- Moving your family to Oakland? Get ready for living expenses to be about 39% higher than in Sacramento. Expect to pay more for essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare. Overall, Oakland is a pricier place for families.
- The unemployment rate in Oakland is 42% lower than in Sacramento, which means you’ll find a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- In Oakland, sales taxes are 17% higher than in Sacramento. That means everyday buys — from groceries to gadgets — could end up costing you more.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Sacramento, expect to budget around $3,540 to maintain the same lifestyle in Oakland.
How life is different in Sacramento vs. Oakland
As you plan your move, comparing life in Sacramento vs. Oakland 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 Sacramento and Oakland to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Sacramento | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 524,943 | 440,646 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-46 | Democratic 51-46 |
| Summer high | 93ºF | 72ºF |
| Winter low | 39ºF | 44ºF |
| Annual rain | 20" | 24" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 49.21 | 68.62 |
Oakland sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll find that Oakland is about 16% less populated than Sacramento. Living in a smaller city often means more peace, extra space, and lower costs, but you might miss some of the perks that come with big-city life.
- The last presidential election saw both Sacramento and Oakland siding with the Democratic party.
- Oakland typically records highs of 72°F, cooler than Sacramento where averages hit 93°F. Expect relief from harsh heat and lower energy bills.
- During the coldest months, both Sacramento and Oakland experience similar chilly lows, with temperatures near 39°F and 44°F.
- You won’t have to adjust to new weather conditions when you move from Sacramento to Oakland. Both spots see about the same amount of rain each year: 20 inches in Sacramento and 24 inches in Oakland.
- Both Sacramento and Oakland receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Crime rates are higher in Oakland, with an index of 68.62, compared to Sacramento at 49.21.
Things to do in Oakland
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Oakland has something for everyone.
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 Sacramento to Oakland?
Moving your furniture from Sacramento to Oakland with a professional moving company usually ranges from $576 to $2,532. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $1,276 and $3,471. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $1,713 to $4,690 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Sacramento to Oakland?
If you’re moving from Sacramento to Oakland 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 $1,116. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $861 and $1,750. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,123 to $2,134.
How much is a moving truck from Sacramento to Oakland?
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 $102 and $153. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $111 to $175. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Sacramento to Oakland, rental prices generally fall between $127 and $190.
How far in advance should I book Sacramento-to-Oakland movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Sacramento to Oakland 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 Sacramento-to-Oakland 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 Oakland?
If you want to save money on your move to Oakland, 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.
