($573+) Salt Lake City, UT to Oakland, CA Movers
Moving from Salt Lake City, UT, to Oakland, CA, runs anywhere from $578 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,945 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 729 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,676, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,945 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,106 - $3,766, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $578 - $1,534.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Salt Lake City, UT, to Oakland, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,464 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Salt Lake City, UT to Oakland, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Salt Lake City to Oakland: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,464 - $6,195. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 6 days for this 729-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 729-mile route from Salt Lake City to Oakland, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,676 - $4,611 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,106 - $2,069), rental truck ($578 - $993), or freight trailer ($976 - $1,737). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,464 - $6,195 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $7,945.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Salt Lake City, UT to Oakland, CA
Full-service movers for the 729-mile relocation from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Oakland, California, cost between $1,676 and $7,945. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $453 - $3,020, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Salt Lake City typically charge a base rate around $340 plus $137 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Salt Lake City to Oakland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,676 - $4,611
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,464 - $6,195
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,218 - $7,945
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Salt Lake City to Oakland.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Utah to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Salt Lake City, UT to Oakland, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 91% of Salt Lake City movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Oakland, 85% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $755 - $7,550 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready91% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Best Of Utah Moving Company LLC | $302 - $1,812/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $453 - $3,624 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage39% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs78% of local movers | $1,510 - $4,530 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,775 - $15,100 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,131 - $2,149 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items61% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Best Of Utah Moving Company LLC | $1,510 - $3,775 |
| Piano | Any piano type74% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Best Of Utah Moving Company LLC | $1,208 - $5,285 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling30% of local movers | $453 - $2,265 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Moving Connections | $982 - $3,020 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $453 - $22,650+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $453 - $5,285+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Salt Lake City to Oakland?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in California Moving & Storage Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Salt Lake City, UT. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Salt Lake City, UT to Oakland, CA
Moving containers from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Oakland, California, cost between $1,106 and $3,766. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Oakland. If you go over that window, storage in Salt Lake City adds around $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Salt Lake City to Oakland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,106 - $2,069
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,462 - $2,813
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,922 - $3,766
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Salt Lake City, UT and Oakland, CA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $1,057 in Salt Lake City, UT, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $113 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $227 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Utah to California move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,106. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,462 - $2,813, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Salt Lake City to Oakland?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Salt Lake City to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Salt Lake City:
- Best Of Utah Moving Company LLC (5.0/5), 10 years in business
- Moving Connections (4.9/5), 27 years in business
- Kellogg Movers (4.9/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Salt Lake City, UT to Oakland, CA
Truck rentals from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Oakland, California, range from $578 - $1,534 for the 729-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $350 - $400
- Daily insurance: $45/day
- Equipment rentals: $11 - $30
- Salt Lake City daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.09 - $1.29
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Salt Lake City to Oakland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $578 - $993
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $619 - $1,167
- 4+ bedrooms: $773 - $1,534
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $578 - $1,534 when pricing out a rental truck from Salt Lake City to Oakland. Fuel alone runs ($350 - $400) , and overnight lodging ($227/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $227 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $98 and $491 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $350 - $400 in fuel for the 729-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $1,057 in Salt Lake City, Utah, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Salt Lake City to Oakland?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Salt Lake City, UT to Oakland, CA
If you're moving a larger household from Salt Lake City, Utah, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Oakland, California.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,147 and $2,272.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Salt Lake City to Oakland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $976 - $1,737
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,147 - $2,272
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,447 - $2,812
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $113 and $227.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Salt Lake City, Utah, for roughly five hours typically average $1,057.
What are the best freight companies from Salt Lake City to Oakland?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Savage Services Corporation (4.76/5 stars): Savage Services Corporation is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Salt Lake City to Oakland. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Oakland, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Oakland, side by side with Salt Lake City on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Salt Lake City, UT | Oakland, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 121 | 196 |
| Average rent | $1,495/mo | $2,200/mo |
| Median home value | $495,721 | $925,411 |
| Average income | $74,925/yr | $97,369/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 4.5% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.95% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 59/100 | 75/100 |
| Safety index | 65.36/100 | 31.38/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Oakland, CA to Salt Lake City, UT guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Utah to California, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 32 movers licensed in Utah, useful context for sizing up this 729-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Salt Lake City, UT, to Oakland, CA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,676 - $7,945 on the 729-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,106 - $3,766 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $578 - $1,534 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,464 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Kaiser Permanente and Dreyer's.
FAQs: Moving from Salt Lake City, UT, to Oakland, CA
What are the best neighborhoods in Oakland?
For families, Fairview Park, Rockridge, and Bushrod are worth a look in Oakland. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown, Grand Lake, and Piedmont Avenue tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Oakland?
Oakland has a walkability score of 75 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 65, compared to 59 and 74 in Salt Lake City. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Oakland a safe place to live?
Oakland has a safety index of 31.38 out of 100 and a crime index of 68.62, compared to 65.36 and 34.64 in Salt Lake City. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Salt Lake City, UT to Oakland, CA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What is the best time of year to move from Salt Lake City, UT to Oakland, CA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What percentage of Salt Lake City movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 74% of movers in Salt Lake City handle piano moves, and 61% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
