($1,139) Cost to Move From New York City, NY to Oakland, CA

1. NYC Great Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
2. Imperial Moving and Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
3. Roadway Moving : 4.64 out of 5 stars
4. Alpha Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
5. White Glove Moving & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from New York City to Oakland

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from New York City to Oakland, you can expect to spend between $1,139 and $5,307. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,648 to $7,397 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from New York City to Oakland typically runs between $6,393 and $11,016.

Cost of moving containers from New York City to Oakland

When moving from New York City to Oakland, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,469 and $3,733. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,402 to $5,237. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,385 up to $7,150. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from New York.

Cost of moving truck rentals from New York City to Oakland

Renting a moving truck in New York City is usually your cheapest option to get to Oakland. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,508 and $2,958. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,736 and $3,558. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $2,218 and $4,635.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 49% lower in Oakland than in New York City, giving you more disposable income monthly.
• Home prices are within about 5% of each other in Oakland and New York City, so there’s no need to change up your mortgage budget, unless you’re upgrading your living situation.
• Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 21% higher in Oakland compared to New York City, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
• Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Oakland, where the cost of living for a single person is 45% less than in New York City.
• Moving to Oakland could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 43% less than in New York City.
• Oakland experiences an unemployment rate that is about 60% lower than that of New York City. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
• Sales taxes are 28% higher in Oakland than in New York City. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
• Income taxes are 22% higher in California compared to New York. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.

• Oakland’s population is about 95% less than New York City.
• Oakland’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is lower than New York City’s score of 10.
• Oakland is less walkable than New York City with a score of 75 out of 100 vs New York City’s 88 out of 100.
• Oakland has a bike-friendliness score of 65 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as New York City, which has a score of 69.
• Oakland’s crime rate is higher than New York City with a score of 68.62 compared to New York City’s 50.83. This means that Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and New York City neighborhoods are safer than 50.83%.
• Oakland is considered to be less safe than New York City with a score of 31.38 vs New York City’s 49.17.
• Air quality in Oakland is Good, and in New York City it’s Good.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a California moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While California doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Oakland smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
• Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Downtown
• Grand Lake
• Piedmont Avenue
• Rockridge
• Temescal

Best neighborhoods for families

• Fairview Park
• Rockridge
• Bushrod
• Upper Rockridge
• Lakeshore

Things to do in Oakland

After getting comfortable in your new California home, it’s time to see what Oakland is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Oakland offers cultural landmarks like the Oakland Museum of California, Chabot Space & Science Center, USS Potomac, and Oakland Aviation Museum.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Redwood Regional Park, Joaquin Miller Park, East Bay Regional Park District, and Lakeside Park and Garden Center — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Oakland Athletics (MLB)Oakland Roots DC (USLC) game.