Top-rated movers to make your Oakland to Boston move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Oakland that offers long-distance services to Boston can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 101 top local movers in Oakland who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Oakland to Boston.
- 680 Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Pure Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.5 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0191566
Pricing: $125/hr
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 2950711
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0167668
Years in Business: 44
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Great Giant Moving Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191103
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3207734
Alternate Names: Pure Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190673
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 3670248
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
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
How much does it cost to move from Oakland to Boston?
In California, moving services typically cost around $128 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,466 – $6,240 | $1,524 – $3,548 | $1,715 – $3,201 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $4,459 – $8,356 | $2,650 – $5,718 | $1,857 – $3,774 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,910 – $12,551 | $3,518 – $7,147 | $2,170 – $4,635 |
Cost to hire movers from Oakland to Boston
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Boston from Oakland, you can expect prices to land between $1,466 and $6,240. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $4,459 to $8,356 for the trip from Oakland to Boston. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $7,910 and $12,551.
Cost of moving containers from Oakland to Boston
Moving containers from Oakland to Boston will cost you $1,524 to $3,548 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,650 to $5,718. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,518 to $7,147. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Oakland to Boston
Renting a moving truck from Oakland to Boston typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,715 and $3,201 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,857 to $3,774. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $2,170 to $4,635.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Oakland to Boston move
The cost of Oakland movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,841 for a one-bedroom, or up to $12,218 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Oakland.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $1,715 to $4,185, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Oakland to Boston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Boston runs about 53% higher for singles and 32% higher for families than Oakland.
Singles spend around $4,820 in Oakland versus $3,146 in Oakland; families pay $11,304 compared with $8,584.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Oakland | Boston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,969 | $3,361 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,450 | $5,973 |
| Average home value | $736,156 | $739,121 |
| Average income (per capita) | $94,389 | $89,212 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,146 | $4,820 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $8,584 | $11,304 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 6.2% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 6.25% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 9.0% |
- Planning a move to Boston? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 55% higher than in Oakland, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Home pricing is relatively consistent, with less than a 5% difference between Boston and Oakland, making significant budget changes unnecessary unless you opt for a larger space.
- In terms of average income, Boston and Oakland are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Boston, as living costs for a single person are 53% higher than in Oakland. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you’re moving your family to Boston, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Boston is 32% higher than in Oakland.
- Boston shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Oakland by around 38%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes are 39% less in Boston relative to Oakland. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in Massachusetts are 32% below those in California. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Oakland and Boston:
| Living Expense | Oakland | Boston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $277.25 | $203.15 |
| Cell phone plan | $53.00 | $57.53 |
| Dozen eggs | $6.71 | $4.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $5.09 | $4.07 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $30.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $140.00 | $135.00 |
| Gym membership | $54.28 | $77.50 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Oakland than in Boston.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Oakland than in Boston.
- Eggs cost more in Oakland than in Boston.
- Bread is more expensive in Oakland than in Boston.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Oakland than in Boston.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Oakland than in Boston.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Oakland than in Boston.
How life is different in Oakland vs. Boston
| Oakland | Boston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 440,646 | 675,647 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 75 | 98 |
| Bike friendliness score | 65 | 86 |
| Crime index | 68.62 | 39.88 |
| Safety index | 31.38 | 60.12 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Boston’s population is about 53% greater than Oakland.
- Boston’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Oakland’s score of 8.
- Boston is more walkable than Oakland with a score of 98 out of 100 vs Oakland’s 75 out of 100.
- With a score of 86 out of 100, Boston is more bike-friendly than Oakland, which has a score of 65 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Boston’s crime rate is lower than Oakland with a score of 39.88 compared to Oakland’s 68.62. This means that Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62%.
- Boston is considered to be safer than Oakland with a safety index of 60.12 vs Oakland’s 31.38.
- Air quality in Boston is Good, and in Oakland it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Oakland to Boston move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: Moving companies in Massachusetts are required to obtain a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division to provide local and intrastate moving services in Massachusetts movers must carry adequate cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs required to list the services they provide and the cost for each. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Massachusetts’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Massachusetts does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Boston. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. In Alabama and Massachusetts, Released Value Protection is a no-cost option provided by movers but offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. If you seek full value coverage for your items, consider consulting with your moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Boston
Planning your move to Athens of America? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Boston.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Allston-Brighton
- Back Bay-Beacon Hill
- East Boston
- Jamaica Plain
- South Boston
Best neighborhoods for families
- Charlestown
- East Boston
- Hyde Park
- Roslindale
- West Roxbury
Things to do in Boston
After settling into your new Massachusetts home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Boston has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Boston features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library, and Museum of Science.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Boston Public Garden, Boston Common, Arnold Arboretum, and Charles River Esplanade — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Boston Red Sox (MLB)Boston Bruins (NHL)Boston Celtics (NBA)New England Patriots (NFL)New England Revolution (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Oakland to Boston?
Planning your move from Oakland to Boston? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Oakland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Oakland to Boston?
Because most people are moving from Oakland to Boston in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Oakland to Boston take?
The 3,092-mile journey from Oakland, CA to Boston, , typically takes seven to 21 days. Some movers in Oakland offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Boston.
Are there special savings available from movers in Oakland?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 2 provide savings for AAA members.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Oakland?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Oakland, 80 movers can manage piano relocations. 68 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, California has 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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