($1,385) Cost to Move From Birmingham, AL to Oakland, CA

1. Changing Spaces Moving Inc: 4.8 out of 5 stars
2. Bellhop Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
3. New Latitude Movers : 4.58 out of 5 stars
4. Move Daddy: 4.52 out of 5 stars
5. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Birmingham to Oakland

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Birmingham to Oakland, you can expect to spend between $1,385 and $5,464. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,674 to $7,527 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Birmingham to Oakland typically runs between $6,622 and $11,518.

Cost of moving containers from Birmingham to Oakland

When moving from Birmingham to Oakland, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,232 and $3,244. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,234 to $4,811. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,946 up to $6,333. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Alabama.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Birmingham to Oakland

Renting a moving truck in Birmingham is usually your cheapest option to get to Oakland. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,293 and $2,601. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,372 and $2,855. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,750 and $3,501.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• As you consider relocating to Oakland, note that rent can be roughly 76% more expensive than it is in Birmingham; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
• Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 484% higher in Oakland than in Birmingham.
• Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 140% higher in Oakland compared to Birmingham, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
• Plan for higher expenses in Oakland, since the cost of living for a single person is 17% more than in Birmingham. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
• If your journey leads to Oakland, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Oakland is 28% more than it is in Birmingham.
• Oakland experiences an unemployment rate that is about 20% lower than that of Birmingham. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
• Sales taxes are similar in Oakland and Birmingham (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
• Income taxes are 166% higher in California compared to Alabama. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.

• Oakland’s population is about 124% greater than Birmingham.
• Oakland has a public transportation score of 8 out of 10, while Birmingham has no measurable transit system (score of 0).
• Oakland is more walkable than Birmingham with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Birmingham’s 33 out of 100.
• With a score of 65 out of 100, Oakland is more bike-friendly than Birmingham, which has a score of 31 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Oakland’s crime rate is higher than Birmingham with a score of 68.62 compared to Birmingham’s 61.64. This means that Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64%.
• Oakland is considered to be less safe than Birmingham with a score of 31.38 vs Birmingham’s 38.36.
• Air quality in Oakland is Good, and in Birmingham it’s Good.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a California moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While California doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Oakland smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

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 getting comfortable in your new California home, it’s time to see what Oakland is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Oakland offers cultural landmarks like 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 — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Oakland Athletics (MLB)Oakland Roots DC (USLC) game.