Highly rated local moving companies for Austin to Oakland moves
Organizing a move from Austin to Oakland can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 33 local movers in Austin known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Austin to Oakland.
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.62 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Black Tie Moving: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 009181943C
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 000534796B
Years in Business: 40
DOT #: 1914113
Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 007743472C
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: College Hunks Moving Central Austin
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 006733496C
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2407712
Alternate Names: Black Tie Moving Services, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 009668291C
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Austin to Oakland?
On average, moving companies in Texas charge about $131 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,189 – $4,884 | $1,109 – $2,477 | $1,009 – $1,844 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,027 – $6,595 | $1,848 – $4,044 | $1,124 – $2,425 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,744 – $10,559 | $2,471 – $5,065 | $1,335 – $2,909 |
Cost to hire movers from Austin to Oakland
When planning a move to Oakland from Austin, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,189 and $4,884. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,027 and $6,595 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $5,744 to $10,559.
Cost of moving containers from Austin to Oakland
When you’re heading from Austin to Oakland, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,109 and $2,477. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,848 and $4,044. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,471 to $5,065. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Texas easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Austin to Oakland
A moving rental truck from Austin to Oakland is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,009 to $1,844. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,124 to $2,425, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Austin to Oakland costs around $1,335 to $2,909.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Austin to Oakland
The cost of Austin movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Austin to Oakland may only cost $2,433, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $8,853.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Austin.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,009–$2,656), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Austin to Oakland
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Oakland runs about -6% higher for singles and 10% higher for families than Austin.
Singles spend around $3,146 in Austin versus $3,345 in Austin; families pay $8,584 compared with $7,815.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Austin | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,208 | $1,969 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,827 | $4,450 |
| Average home value | $508,841 | $736,156 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,258 | $94,389 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,345 | $3,146 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,815 | $8,584 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 4.5% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 25% more expensive in Oakland than in Austin. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 45% steeper in Oakland compared to Austin.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 38% greater in Oakland than in Austin, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Oakland. The cost of living for a single person there is 6% below that of Austin.
- When considering a family move to Oakland, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 10% higher than in Austin.
- Oakland has a higher unemployment rate than Austin by about 29%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes in Oakland surpass those in Austin by 24%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- California has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Austin versus Oakland:
| Living Expense | Austin | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $181.48 | $277.25 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.16 | $53.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.35 | $6.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.50 | $5.09 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $30.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $140.00 |
| Gym membership | $62.38 | $54.28 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Austin than in Oakland, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Austin than in Oakland.
- Eggs are less expensive in Austin than in Oakland.
- Bread costs less in Austin than in Oakland.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Austin than in Oakland.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Austin than in Oakland.
- Gym memberships cost more in Austin than in Oakland.
How life is different in Austin vs. Oakland
| Austin | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 974,447 | 440,646 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 42 | 75 |
| Bike friendliness score | 54 | 65 |
| Crime index | 42.91 | 68.62 |
| Safety index | 59.87 | 31.38 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Oakland’s population is about 55% less than Austin.
- Oakland’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Austin’s score of 5.
- Oakland is more walkable than Austin with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Austin’s 42 out of 100.
- With a score of 65 out of 100, Oakland is more bike-friendly than Austin, which has a score of 54 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Oakland’s crime rate is higher than Austin with a score of 68.62 compared to Austin’s 42.91. This means that Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91%.
- Oakland is considered to be less safe than Austin with a score of 31.38 vs Austin’s 59.87.
- Air quality in Oakland is Good, and in Austin it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Austin to Oakland move
- HOA rules: Costs across Austin and Oakland are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in California, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in California, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Oakland. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Oakland
With your sights set on The Town, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Oakland.
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
With your move to California complete, you can dive right into experiencing Oakland. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Oakland is home to museums and cultural arts centers 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 spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Oakland Athletics (MLB)Oakland Roots DC (USLC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Austin to Oakland?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Austin to Oakland. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Austin.
When is the cheapest time to move from Austin to Oakland?
Want to save on your move from Austin to Oakland? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Austin to Oakland take?
The 1,747-mile move from Austin, TX, to Oakland, , takes four to 15 days. Some Austin movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Oakland.
What kinds of discounts do Austin movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 2 movers offer special pricing for military members. 2 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Austin?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 19 movers in Austin provide piano moving services. 14 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 180 piano movers and 125 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Austin moving services
Popular Texas routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!