Burlington, VT to Oakland, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

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Quick answer: Moving from Burlington to Oakland typically costs $5,500–$11,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 3,004 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Veteran owned
  • Portion to charity
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.2 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience

Cost to move from Burlington to Oakland

Moving from Burlington, VT to Oakland, CA typically costs $5,500–$11,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.

The price ranges below are estimates for a 3,004-mile move from Burlington to Oakland, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.

Studio Icon

Studio / 1 bedroom

  • Moving Company $3,500 - $8,100
  • Moving Container $2,300 - $4,500
  • Rental Truck $2,000 - $3,600
Two Three Bed Icon

2-3 bedrooms

  • Moving Company $5,500 - $11,200
  • Moving Container $2,900 - $6,000
  • Rental Truck $2,000 - $4,200
Four Bed Icon

4+ bedrooms

  • Moving Company $10,300 - $17,400
  • Moving Container $4,200 - $8,400
  • Rental Truck $2,500 - $5,200

Recent moving quotes for similar moves

  • PODS recently quoted $6,123 for a 4 bedroom using a moving container.
  • Allied Van Lines recently quoted $4,619 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
  • Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $10,228 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
Recent Moving Price Estimates
The following are real, anonymized quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 48 hours. Prices change with dates and availability; use these as a ballpark, not a guarantee.
PODS
Colchester, VT San Francisco, CA
Icon of a house 4 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Feb 10, 2026
Allied Van Lines
Essex Junction, VT Blackhawk, CA
Icon of a house Studio apartment
Icon of a calendar Feb 10, 2026
Colonial Van Lines
Barre, VT El Sobrante, CA
Icon of a house 5+ Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Feb 02, 2026
Budget Truck Rental
Essex, VT Benicia, CA
Icon of a house 2 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Jan 31, 2026
BLVD Moving
Winooski, VT San Pablo, CA
Icon of a house Studio apartment
Icon of a calendar Jan 24, 2026
Roadway Moving
Vergennes, VT Fairview, CA
Icon of a house Studio apartment
Icon of a calendar Jan 01, 2026
Safeway Moving
St. Albans, VT Livermore, CA
Icon of a house 2 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Dec 31, 2025
Mayzlin Relocation
Jeffersonville, VT Orinda, CA
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (large)
Icon of a calendar Dec 15, 2025
American Van Lines
Milton, VT Millbrae, CA
Icon of a house 5+ Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Dec 08, 2025
1-800-Pack-Rat
Enosburg Falls, VT Richmond, CA
Icon of a house 3 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Dec 01, 2025

Key factors that impact the cost of your Burlington to Oakland move

Your total cost will depend on:

  • Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $3,500 for a one-bedroom, or up to $17,400 for a four-bedroom.
  • The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Burlington.
  • DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $2,000 to $5,200, but require more effort than hiring movers.

Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Oakland, CA to Burlington, VT guide.

Best Burlington to Oakland movers by type

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Professional
Local Movers Icon
Local
Container Icon
Container
Rental Truck Icon
Rental Truck
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Labor Only

Best professional movers from Burlington to Oakland

Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Burlington to Oakland much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.

Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.

  1. Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  2. American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  3. Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
  4. Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  5. North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans

How we chose the best VT→CA movers

The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 5 Vermont movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.

  • Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
  • Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
  • Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
  • Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
  • Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Burlington to Oakland

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Oakland runs about 17% higher for singles and 55% higher for families than Burlington.

Singles spend around $3,146 in Oakland versus $2,693 in Burlington; families pay $8,584 compared with $5,537.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

Burlington Oakland
Average 1 BR rent $1,800 $1,969
Average 3 BR rent $3,000 $4,450
Average home value $495,758 $736,156
Average income (per capita) $66,546 $94,389
Cost of living (single) $2,693 $3,146
Cost of living (family of four) $5,537 $8,584
Unemployment rate 3.2% 4.5%
Sales tax 7.0% 10.25%
State income tax 8.75% 13.3%
  • Moving to Oakland from Burlington won't change your financial plan too much, as rent costs are comparable.
  • Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Oakland are about 48% higher than those in Burlington.
  • Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 42% higher in Oakland compared to Burlington, which might allow for more savings or investments.
  • Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Oakland, as living costs for a single person are 17% higher than in Burlington. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
  • If you're moving your family to Oakland, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Oakland is 55% higher than in Burlington.
  • Oakland shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Burlington by around 41%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
  • Sales taxes in Oakland are 46% more than in Burlington, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
  • Income taxes in California are 52% above those in Vermont. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.

See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Burlington and Oakland:

Living Expense Burlington Oakland
Basic utilities $192.91 $277.25
Cell phone plan $57.53 $53.00
Dozen eggs $4.43 $6.71
Loaf of bread $4.07 $5.09
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $21.00 $30.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $80.00 $140.00
Gym membership $75.00 $54.28
  • Basic utilities cost less in Burlington than in Oakland, helping trim your monthly bills.
  • Cell phone plans typically cost more in Burlington than in Oakland.
  • Eggs are less expensive in Burlington than in Oakland.
  • Bread costs less in Burlington than in Oakland.
  • A quick meal is cheaper in Burlington than in Oakland.
  • A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Burlington than in Oakland.
  • Gym memberships cost more in Burlington than in Oakland.

How life is different in Burlington vs. Oakland

Burlington Oakland
Population 44,743 440,646
Transportation score 5 8
Walkability score 59 75
Bike friendliness score 81 65
Crime index 43.33 68.62
Safety index 56.67 31.38
Air quality Good Good
  • Oakland's population is about 885% greater than Burlington.
  • Oakland's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Burlington's score of 5.
  • Oakland is more walkable than Burlington with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Burlington's 59 out of 100.
  • Oakland has a bike-friendliness score of 65 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Burlington, which has a score of 81.
  • Oakland's crime rate is higher than Burlington with a score of 68.62 compared to Burlington's 43.33. This means that Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Burlington neighborhoods are safer than 43.33%.
  • Oakland is considered to be less safe than Burlington with a score of 31.38 vs Burlington's 56.67.
  • Air quality in Oakland is Good, and in Burlington it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Burlington to Oakland 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: 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: California’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
  • Moving Permits: California 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 Oakland. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Oakland

Planning your move to The Town? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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

After settling into your new California home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Oakland has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Oakland features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — 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 Oakland Athletics (MLB)Oakland Roots DC (USLC) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Burlington to Oakland?

Planning your move from Burlington to Oakland? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Burlington.

When is the cheapest time to move from Burlington to Oakland?

Because most people are moving from Burlington to Oakland 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 Burlington to Oakland take?

The 3,004-mile journey from Burlington, VT to Oakland, CA, typically takes seven to 21 days. Some movers in Burlington offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Oakland.

Are piano and antique moving services available in Burlington?

Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Burlington, 5 movers can manage piano relocations. 2 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Vermont has 5 piano movers and 2 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.

Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.