Seattle, WA to Oakland, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Seattle to Oakland typically costs $2,800–$7,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 801 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Seattle to Oakland
Moving from Seattle, WA to Oakland, CA typically costs $2,800–$7,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 801-mile move from Seattle to Oakland, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2-3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $6,804 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $599 for a 2 bedroom using a rental truck.
- Roadway Moving recently quoted $2,599 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 30, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 27, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 26, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 19, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 06, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 03, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 23, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 20, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 14, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 12, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from Seattle to Oakland
Your total cost will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Seattle to Oakland might be as low as $2,300, while a four-bedroom could reach $9,700.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Seattle.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $600 to $1,700 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Oakland, CA to Seattle, WA guide.
Best Seattle to Oakland movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Seattle to Oakland
When it comes to handling your interstate move from Seattle to Oakland, entrusting professionals with the details is often the best decision. Full-service movers are equipped to manage everything, allowing you to concentrate on settling into your new place.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best WA→CA movers
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 94 Washington movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
- Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
- Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
- Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Seattle to Oakland
Many movers find Oakland easier on the wallet than Seattle - roughly 16% less for singles and 12% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,146 for one person in Oakland versus $3,740 in Seattle. For a family of four, it's $8,584 compared with $9,801.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Seattle | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,306 | $1,969 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,655 | $4,450 |
| Average home value | $842,068 | $736,156 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,845 | $94,389 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,740 | $3,146 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,801 | $8,584 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 4.5% |
| Sales tax | 10.35% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 11% higher in Oakland than in Seattle, which may impact your monthly finances.
- With home prices being nearly 13% cheaper in Oakland, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 21% higher in Oakland than in Seattle, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Oakland. The cost of living for a single person is 16% less compared to Seattle.
- Relocating to Oakland could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 12% lower than in Seattle.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 6% lower than Seattle, Oakland boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are effectively the same in Oakland and Seattle (within a 5% range), allowing you to focus on other financial aspects when moving.
- California has a state income tax, while Washington 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.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Seattle and Oakland, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Seattle | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $250.22 | $277.25 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.15 | $53.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $6.07 | $6.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.84 | $5.09 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $30.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $140.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.35 | $54.28 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Seattle than in Oakland, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Seattle than in Oakland.
- Eggs are less expensive in Seattle than in Oakland.
- Bread costs less in Seattle than in Oakland.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Seattle than in Oakland.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Seattle than in Oakland.
- Gym memberships cost more in Seattle than in Oakland.
How life is different in Seattle vs. Oakland
| Seattle | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 737,015 | 440,646 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 74 | 75 |
| Bike friendliness score | 71 | 65 |
| Crime index | 58.88 | 68.62 |
| Safety index | 49.23 | 31.38 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Oakland's population is about 40% less than Seattle.
- Oakland's public transportation score is within about 5% of Seattle, making them very similar.
- Oakland and Seattle are similarly walkable.
- Oakland has a bike-friendliness score of 65 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Seattle, which has a score of 71.
- Oakland's crime rate is higher than Seattle with a score of 68.62 compared to Seattle's 58.88. This means that Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88%.
- Oakland is considered to be less safe than Seattle with a score of 31.38 vs Seattle's 49.23.
- Air quality in Oakland is Good, and in Seattle it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Seattle to Oakland move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in California, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Oakland without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Oakland
Ready to relocate to The Town? Here are some of the top 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
Now that you've made the move to California, it's the perfect time to explore Oakland. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Oakland include museums and art centers like the Oakland Museum of California, Chabot Space & Science Center, USS Potomac, and Oakland Aviation Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Redwood Regional Park, Joaquin Miller Park, East Bay Regional Park District, and Lakeside Park and Garden Center, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Oakland Athletics (MLB)Oakland Roots DC (USLC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Seattle to Oakland?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Seattle to Oakland. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Seattle.
When is the cheapest time to move from Seattle to Oakland?
With many people choosing to move from Seattle to Oakland in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Seattle to Oakland take?
Covering 801 miles, the move from Seattle, WA to Oakland, CA typically takes two to seven days. Some Seattle movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Oakland can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Seattle offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 2 movers provide military discounts. 3 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Seattle can handle specialty items for my move to Oakland?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Seattle, 47 movers can handle pianos. 35 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of WA, there are 72 piano movers and 45 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
