($1,277+) Memphis, TN to Oakland, CA Movers
Moving from Memphis, TN, to Oakland, CA, runs anywhere from $1,302 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,323 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,078 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 6 to 17 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 $2,712, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $12,323 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,773 - $6,388, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,302 - $3,697.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Memphis, TN, to Oakland, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,710 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 Memphis, TN to Oakland, CA
Moving options from Memphis to Oakland fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $3,710 - $8,332 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 2,078 miles and typically takes 6 to 17 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,078-mile route from Memphis to Oakland, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,712 for a studio up to $12,323 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,773 - $6,388 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,302 - $3,697, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,595 - $4,669, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 23, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Memphis, TN to Oakland, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 2,078-mile move from Memphis, Tennessee, to Oakland, California, with costs ranging from $2,712 - $12,323. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $390 - $2,600. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Memphis and Oakland. Local movers in Memphis typically start around $334 as a base rate plus $125/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Memphis to Oakland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,712 - $5,542
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,710 - $8,332
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,747 - $12,323
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 Memphis to Oakland.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Tennessee to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Memphis, TN to Oakland, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Memphis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Oakland, 85% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $650 - $6,500 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company | $260 - $1,560/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $390 - $3,120 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage14% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs57% of local movers | $1,300 - $3,900 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,250 - $13,000 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $974 - $1,850 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items71% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company | $1,300 - $3,250 |
| Piano | Any piano type100% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company | $1,040 - $4,550 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling29% of local movers | $390 - $1,950 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect29% of local movers21% nationallyTop pick: Spyder Moving and Storage | $845 - $2,600 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $390 - $19,500+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $390 - $4,550+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Memphis to Oakland?
California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Memphis, TN. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Memphis, TN to Oakland, CA
Moving containers from Memphis, Tennessee, to Oakland, California, cost between $1,773 and $6,388. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Memphis runs about $45/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Memphis to Oakland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,773 - $3,244
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,228 - $4,548
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,025 - $6,388
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Memphis, TN 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 $910 in Memphis, TN, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $98 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $195 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 Tennessee 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 $1,773. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,228 - $4,548, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Memphis 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 Memphis 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 Memphis:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 36 years in business
- Cord Moving and Storage (4.7/5), 106 years in business
- Spyder Moving and Storage (4.7/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Memphis, TN to Oakland, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 2,078 miles from Memphis, Tennessee, to Oakland, California, running $1,302 - $3,697. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $860 - $982
- Daily insurance: $39/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
- Memphis daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Memphis to Oakland based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,302 - $2,343
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,342 - $2,960
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,778 - $3,697
Pro tip: A rental truck from Memphis to Oakland looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,302 - $3,697. But once you factor in fuel ($860 - $982) , overnight lodging ($195/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $860 - $982 for the 2,078-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Memphis, Tennessee, for about 5 hours typically costs around $910.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 2,078-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $195 per night, adding $390 - $585 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $65 and $390.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Memphis 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 Memphis, TN to Oakland, CA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Memphis, Tennessee, 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. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,748 and $3,674.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Memphis to Oakland:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,595 - $2,977
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,748 - $3,674
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,396 - $4,669
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Memphis, Tennessee, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $910.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $98 and $195 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Memphis to Oakland?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Empire Express, Inc. (4.7/5 stars): Empire Express, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
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: Memphis, TN 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 Memphis on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Memphis, TN | Oakland, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 86 | 196 |
| Average rent | $1,299/mo | $2,200/mo |
| Median home value | $154,209 | $925,411 |
| Average income | $51,211/yr | $97,369/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 4.5% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 35/100 | 75/100 |
| Safety index | 22.51/100 | 31.38/100 |
| 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 Oakland, CA to Memphis, TN guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Tennessee to California, 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 70 movers in Tennessee, so you have real options to compare for this 2,078-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 2,078-mile route from Memphis, TN, to Oakland, CA, run $2,712 - $12,323 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,773 - $6,388, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,302 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,710, 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 Memphis, TN, to Oakland, CA
How long does a move from Memphis, TN to Oakland, CA 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 Memphis, TN to Oakland, CA?
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 Memphis, TN 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.
Is Oakland a safe place to live?
Oakland has a safety index of 31.38 out of 100 and a crime index of 68.62, compared to 22.51 and 77.49 in Memphis. 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 Oakland?
Oakland has a walkability score of 75 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 65, compared to 35 and 41 in Memphis. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Memphis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 100% of movers in Memphis handle piano moves, and 71% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
