($1,687+) Oakland, CA to Philadelphia, PA Movers
The cost to move from Oakland, CA to Philadelphia, PA ranges from $1,441 to $12,713, with an average cost of $4,750. Moves can be as low as $1,687 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,867 miles and usually takes 7 to 21 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 Philadelphia, PA
Moving options from Oakland to Philadelphia fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,441 - $12,713 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,750, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 2,867 miles and typically takes 7 to 21 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,867-mile route from Oakland to Philadelphia, 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 $1,441 - $6,808 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,993 - $4,042), rental truck ($1,670 - $3,336), or freight trailer ($1,794 - $3,530). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $4,044 - $8,718 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $12,713.
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 Oakland, CA to Philadelphia, PA
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 2,867-mile move from Oakland, California, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with prices running from $1,441 - $12,713. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $478 - $3,184 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Oakland and Philadelphia are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Oakland movers tend to run around $281 as a base rate plus $147/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Oakland to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,441 - $6,808
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,044 - $8,718
- 4+ bedrooms: $8,089 - $12,713
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 Philadelphia.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Pennsylvania. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Oakland, CA to Philadelphia, PA
Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Oakland movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Philadelphia, 90% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing98% of local movers | $796 - $7,960 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready85% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: West Coast Moving Systems, Inc | $318 - $1,910/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $478 - $3,821 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage54% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs47% of local movers | $1,592 - $4,776 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,980 - $15,920 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,192 - $2,265 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items67% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Sweet Lemon Moving Services | $1,592 - $3,980 |
| Piano | Any piano type79% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Sweet Lemon Moving Services | $1,274 - $5,572 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling37% of local movers | $478 - $2,388 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect25% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Big Family Movers | $1,035 - $3,184 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $478 - $23,880+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $478 - $5,572+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Oakland to Philadelphia?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Pennsylvania Moving & Storage Associates 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 almost always better priced than local movers in Oakland, CA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Oakland, CA to Philadelphia, PA
Moving containers from Oakland, California, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, cost between $1,993 and $7,990. 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 Philadelphia. If you go over that window, storage in Oakland adds around $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Oakland to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,993 - $4,042
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,771 - $5,686
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,826 - $7,990
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Oakland, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $1,114, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $119 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $239 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Oakland, CA, and Philadelphia, PA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Pennsylvania 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 $1,993. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,771 - $5,686, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Oakland to Philadelphia?
- 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
- West Coast Moving Systems, Inc (4.8/5), 19 years in business
- Good Green Moving (4.7/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Oakland, CA to Philadelphia, PA
A rental truck for this 2,867-mile move from Oakland, California, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, costs between $1,670 and $4,688. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,452 - $1,660
- Daily insurance: $48/day
- Equipment rentals: $11 - $32
- 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 Philadelphia based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,670 - $3,336
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,756 - $3,705
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,174 - $4,688
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,670 - $4,688 does not include fuel ($1,452 - $1,660) , lodging ($239/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Oakland to Philadelphia typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $239 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 $103 and $517 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $1,452 - $1,660 in fuel for the 2,867-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $1,114 in Oakland, California, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Oakland to Philadelphia?
- 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 Philadelphia, PA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Oakland, California, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 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. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $2,196 and $4,326.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Oakland to Philadelphia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,794 - $3,530
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,196 - $4,326
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,796 - $6,270
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final 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 $119 and $239.
- 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 Oakland, California, for roughly five hours typically average $1,114.
What are the best freight companies from Oakland to Philadelphia?
- 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.
- PRO Logistics (4.54/5 stars): PRO Logistics 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: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Oakland, CA vs Philadelphia, PA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Philadelphia, side by side with Oakland on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Oakland, CA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 196 | 104 |
| Average rent | $2,200/mo | $1,695/mo |
| Median home value | $925,411 | $231,098 |
| Average income | $97,369/yr | $60,698/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 10.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 3.07% |
| Walkability score | 75/100 | 75/100 |
| Safety index | 31.38/100 | 33.91/100 |
| 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 Philadelphia, PA to Oakland, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from California to Pennsylvania, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 374 movers in California, so you have real options to compare for this 2,867-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 2,867-mile route from Oakland, CA, to Philadelphia, PA, run $1,441 - $12,713 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,993 - $7,990, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,670 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,044, 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 Amtak and Comcast.
FAQs: Moving from Oakland, CA, to Philadelphia, PA
How long does a move from Oakland, CA to Philadelphia, PA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 is the best time of year to move from Oakland, CA to Philadelphia, PA?
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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Oakland, CA to Philadelphia, PA?
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.
Is Philadelphia a safe place to live?
Philadelphia has a safety index of 33.91 out of 100 and a crime index of 66.09, 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.
How walkable is Philadelphia?
Philadelphia has a walkability score of 75 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 67, compared to 75 and 65 in Oakland. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Oakland movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 79% of movers in Oakland handle piano moves, and 67% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
