($1,524+) Jersey City, NJ to Oakland, CA Movers
Moving from Jersey City, NJ, to Oakland, CA, runs anywhere from $1,524 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,745 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,893 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 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 $2,503, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,745 or more.
- Moving containers run $2,046 - $7,077, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,524 - $4,457.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Jersey City, NJ, to Oakland, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,587 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 Jersey City, NJ to Oakland, CA
Moving options from Jersey City to Oakland fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,587 - $7,429 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 31% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 53% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 2,893 miles, this route usually takes 7 to 21 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,893-mile route from Jersey City to Oakland, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,503 - $5,692 | $2,046 - $3,609 | $1,524 - $2,988 | $1,736 - $3,518 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,587 - $7,429 | $2,478 - $5,501 | $1,668 - $3,776 | $1,942 - $4,401 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,033 - $11,745 | $3,525 - $7,077 | $2,196 - $4,457 | $2,653 - $5,951 |
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 Jersey City, NJ to Oakland, CA
For the 2,893-mile move from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Oakland, California, full-service movers cost between $2,503 and $11,745. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $487 - $3,248 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Jersey City generally start around $256 plus $139 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Jersey City to Oakland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,503 - $5,692
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,587 - $7,429
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,033 - $11,745
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 Jersey City to Oakland.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Jersey City, NJ to Oakland, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 61% of Jersey City movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Oakland, 53% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing71% of local movers | $812 - $8,120 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready61% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $325 - $1,949/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $487 - $3,898 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs46% of local movers | $1,624 - $4,872 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,060 - $16,240 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,216 - $2,311 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $1,624 - $4,060 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $1,299 - $5,684 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $487 - $2,436 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect3% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (NJ) | $1,056 - $3,248 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $487 - $24,360+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $487 - $5,684+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Jersey 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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Jersey City, NJ, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Jersey City, NJ to Oakland, CA
Moving containers from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Oakland, California, cost between $2,046 and $7,077. 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 Jersey City adds around $130/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Jersey City to Oakland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,046 - $3,609
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,478 - $5,501
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,525 - $7,077
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Jersey City, NJ 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 $1,137 in Jersey City, NJ, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $122 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $244 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 New Jersey 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 $2,046. 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 $2,478 - $5,501.
What are the best moving containers Jersey 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 Jersey 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 Jersey City:
- Piece of Cake Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- Moishe's Moving Systems (4.5/5), 33 years in business
- Metropolis Moving, Inc. (4.9/5), 11 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Jersey City, NJ to Oakland, CA
Plan on $1,524 - $4,457 for a rental moving truck on the 2,893-mile route from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Oakland, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,495 - $1,708
- Daily insurance: $49/day
- Equipment rentals: $11 - $32
- Jersey City daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $0.99
| 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 Jersey City to Oakland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,524 - $2,988
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,668 - $3,776
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,196 - $4,457
Pro tip: A rental truck from Jersey City to Oakland looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,524 - $4,457. But once you factor in fuel ($1,495 - $1,708), overnight lodging ($244/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?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $122 and $568.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $244.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $1,495 and $1,708 for the 2,893-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $1,137 for 2 movers in Jersey City, New Jersey, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Jersey 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 Jersey City, NJ to Oakland, CA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Jersey City, New Jersey, to Oakland, California, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,942 and $4,401.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Jersey City to Oakland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,736 - $3,518
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,942 - $4,401
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,653 - $5,951
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Jersey City, New Jersey, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $1,137.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $122 - $244 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Jersey City to Oakland?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Oakland fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Jersey City, NJ 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 Jersey City on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Jersey City, NJ | Oakland, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 140 | 196 |
| Average rent | $2,975/mo | $2,200/mo |
| Median home value | $538,163 | $925,411 |
| Average income | $94,813/yr | $97,369/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 8.3% | 4.5% |
| State income tax | Up to 10.7% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 87/100 | 75/100 |
| Safety index | 56.79/100 | 31.38/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 Jersey City, NJ guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from New Jersey 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 315 movers licensed in New Jersey, useful context for sizing up this 2,893-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 2,893-mile route from Jersey City, NJ, to Oakland, CA, run $2,503 - $11,745 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $2,046 - $7,077, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,524 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,587, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Kaiser Permanente and Dreyer's.
FAQs: Moving from Jersey City, NJ, to Oakland, CA
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
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.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($1,495 - $1,708), daily insurance ($49/day), and equipment rentals ($11 - $32) on top. Overnight stops can add another $244/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Oakland?
Oakland has a walkability score of 75 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 65, compared to 87 and 64 in Jersey City. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Jersey City, NJ to Oakland, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,524 to $11,745, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,503 and $11,745, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Jersey City, NJ 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 percentage of Jersey City movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Jersey City handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.