($530+) Oakland, CA to Salt Lake City, UT Movers
The cost to move from Oakland, CA to Salt Lake City, UT ranges from $1,156 to $8,124, with an average cost of $2,800. Moves can be as low as $530 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 730 miles and usually takes 1 to 6 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Oakland, CA to Salt Lake City, UT
Moving options from Oakland to Salt Lake City fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,156 - $8,124 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $2,800, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 45% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 74% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 730 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 730-mile route from Oakland to Salt Lake City, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,156 - $4,053 | $1,022 - $1,895 | $499 - $1,025 | $948 - $1,621 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,279 - $5,564 | $1,260 - $2,497 | $584 - $1,159 | $1,114 - $2,102 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,746 - $8,124 | $1,795 - $3,518 | $666 - $1,446 | $1,408 - $2,761 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Oakland, CA to Salt Lake City, UT
Full-service movers for the 730-mile relocation from Oakland, California, to Salt Lake City, Utah, cost between $1,156 and $8,124. 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 $498 - $3,320, 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 Oakland typically charge a base rate around $281 plus $147 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Oakland to Salt Lake City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,156 - $4,053
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,279 - $5,564
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,746 - $8,124
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 Oakland to Salt Lake City.
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 Oakland, CA to Salt Lake City, UT
Specialty needs vary by market: 53% of Oakland movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Salt Lake City, 47% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing76% of local movers | $830 - $8,300 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready53% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Pure Moving Company | $332 - $1,992/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $498 - $3,984 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs52% of local movers | $1,660 - $4,980 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,150 - $16,600 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,243 - $2,362 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Pure Moving Company | $1,660 - $4,150 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Got2Move | $1,328 - $5,810 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $498 - $2,490 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $1,079 - $3,320 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $498 - $24,900+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $498 - $5,810+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Oakland to Salt Lake City?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Oakland, CA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Oakland, CA to Salt Lake City, UT
Moving containers from Oakland, California, to Salt Lake City, Utah, cost between $1,022 and $3,518. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Oakland typically costs about $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Oakland to Salt Lake City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,022 - $1,895
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,260 - $2,497
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,795 - $3,518
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $125 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $249 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $1,162 in Oakland, CA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Salt Lake City, UT, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Utah 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 $1,022. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,260 - $2,497.
What are the best moving containers Oakland to Salt Lake City?
- 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 Oakland 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 Oakland:
- Sweet Lemon Moving Services (5.0/5), 9 years in business
- Got2Move (4.8/5), 19 years in business
- 680 Movers (4.8/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Oakland, CA to Salt Lake City, UT
Truck rentals from Oakland, California, to Salt Lake City, Utah, range from $499 - $1,446 for the 730-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $386 - $441
- Daily insurance: $50/day
- Equipment rentals: $12 - $33
- Oakland daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.39
| 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 Oakland to Salt Lake City based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $499 - $1,025
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $584 - $1,159
- 4+ bedrooms: $666 - $1,446
Pro tip: A rental truck from Oakland to Salt Lake City looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $499 - $1,446. But once you factor in fuel ($386 - $441), overnight lodging ($249/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Oakland, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $1,162.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $386 - $441 for the 730-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $100 and $540, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $249 per night for hotel stops on the 730-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $498 - $747.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Oakland to Salt Lake City?
- 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 Oakland, CA to Salt Lake City, UT
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Oakland, California, to Salt Lake City, Utah. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,494 and $2,102.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Oakland to Salt Lake City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $948 - $1,621
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,114 - $2,102
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,408 - $2,761
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $125 - $249 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Oakland, California, for about five hours typically runs $1,162.
What are the best freight companies from Oakland to Salt Lake City?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Oakland to Salt Lake City. 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: Oakland, CA vs Salt Lake City, UT
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Salt Lake City, side by side with Oakland on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Oakland, CA | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 196 | 121 |
| Average rent | $2,200/mo | $1,495/mo |
| Median home value | $925,411 | $495,721 |
| Average income | $97,369/yr | $74,925/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 3.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 75/100 | 59/100 |
| Safety index | 31.38/100 | 65.36/100 |
| 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 Salt Lake City, UT to Oakland, CA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Utah in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 1,154 movers based in California, handy for sizing up options on this 730-mile route.
Our take
A move from Oakland, CA, to Salt Lake City, UT, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,156 - $8,124 on the 730-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,022 - $3,518, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $499 - $1,446. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,279 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Intermountain Healthcare and Alsco.
FAQs: Moving from Oakland, CA, to Salt Lake City, UT
How long does a move from Oakland, CA to Salt Lake City, UT take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 6 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What are the best neighborhoods in Salt Lake City?
For families, East Bench, Greater Avenues, and Liberty Wells are worth a look in Salt Lake City. If you're moving solo or without kids, Capitol Hill, Central City, and East Bench tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Oakland, CA to Salt Lake City, UT?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $584 - $1,159. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Salt Lake City a safe place to live?
Salt Lake City has a safety index of 65.36 out of 100 and a crime index of 34.64, compared to 31.38 and 68.62 in Oakland. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Oakland movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Oakland handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.