Moving from Lancaster to Oakland, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Lancaster to Oakland costs between $397 to $7,678 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 352-mile route within California take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Lancaster to Oakland
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Lancaster to Oakland are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Lancaster to driving and unloading in Oakland, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 352 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,066 - $6,021 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,359 - $2,647 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $432 - $905 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Gentlemen's Moving Company | $100/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Lancaster to Oakland?
It costs between $397 to $7,678 to move from Lancaster to Oakland. The prices below break down your 352-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,337 - $7,678
- Moving containers: $1,020 - $3,435
- Rental trucks: $397 - $1,029
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,337 - $4,481 | $1,020 - $1,941 | $397 - $725 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,066 - $6,021 | $1,359 - $2,647 | $432 - $905 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,246 - $7,678 | $1,871 - $3,435 | $573 - $1,029 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $486 - $4,050+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $100/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $80/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $324 - $1,296 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $81 - $324 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Lancaster to Oakland
At 352 miles, your Lancaster to Oakland move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Lancaster to Oakland. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 352 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Best California Movers is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Lancaster to Oakland. They've been in business since 2019 (7 years of experience) and 98.3% of their 414 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Oakland to Lancaster guide.
Considerations when moving from Lancaster to Oakland
Cost of living: Lancaster vs. Oakland
The cost of living in Lancaster vs. Oakland isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in Oakland compares to what you’re used to in Lancaster.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Lancaster | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,600 | $2,200 |
| Average home cost | $400,712 | $925,411 |
| Average income (per capita) | $76,083 | $97,369 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,540 | $3,146 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,562 | $8,584 |
| Unemployment rate | 15.6% | 4.5% |
| Average Sales Tax | 10.25% | 10.25% |
- Rent in Oakland is about 15% cheaper than in Lancaster. That means you’ll probably free up more of your budget for savings, fun, or other expenses.
- Home prices in Oakland are 131% higher than in Lancaster, so you’ll likely need a larger down payment and can expect bigger monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- You could enjoy greater earning potential and improved financial stability in Oakland, where average income is 28% higher than in Lancaster — especially if your salary is on par with the local average.
- Living costs for one person are 24% higher in Oakland compared to Lancaster. Make sure to budget for these higher expenses.
- If you’re relocating your family to Oakland, plan for living expenses to be about 54% higher than in Lancaster. Things like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, so Oakland is generally a more expensive spot for families.
- The unemployment rate in Oakland is 71% lower than in Lancaster. This points to a healthier job market, more openings, and better economic stability in your new city.
- You’ll find sales taxes are basically identical in Oakland and Lancaster, which means no change in what you’ll pay at checkout.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Lancaster, you’ll need about $3,720 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Oakland.
How life is different in Lancaster vs. Oakland
Before you move, check out how life in Oakland measures up to Lancaster. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| Lancaster | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 173,516 | 440,646 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 58-38 | Democratic 51-46 |
| Summer high | 98ºF | 72ºF |
| Winter low | 31ºF | 44ºF |
| Annual rain | 8" | 24" |
| Annual snow | 1" | 0" |
| Crime index | 45.5 | 68.62 |
Oakland sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Oakland has a population roughly 154% higher than Lancaster. Relocating to a bigger city brings more people, possibilities, cultural experiences, and higher costs and a faster paced lifestyle. Whether that energizes or exhausts you all comes down to what you’re looking for.
- During the last presidential election, both Lancaster and Oakland supported the Democratic candidate.
- In Oakland, summer highs top out around 72°F, lower than Lancaster’s 98°F. Relocating here means milder summers and a more relaxed pace outdoors.
- During winter, Lancaster gets colder than Oakland, with lows reaching 31°F compared to Oakland’s 44°F.
- Oakland typically gets more rainfall than Lancaster, with an annual average of 24 inches compared to just Lancaster’s 8 inches.
- Oakland has no annual snowfall, while Lancaster averages about 1 inch per year. A move here means saying goodbye to snowy winters.
- Oakland shows a higher crime rate than Lancaster, with index scores of 68.62 compared to 45.5.
Things to do in Oakland
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Oakland has plenty to offer:
Museums in Oakland
- Oakland Museum of California
- Chabot Space & Science Center
- USS Potomac
- Oakland Aviation Museum
- African American Museum and Library
Parks in Oakland
- Redwood Regional Park
- Joaquin Miller Park
- East Bay Regional Park District
- Lakeside Park and Garden Center
- Piedmont Park
Sports teams in Oakland
- Oakland Athletics (MLB)
- Oakland Roots DC (USLC)
Universities in Oakland
- Laney College
- Merritt College
- California College of the Arts (formerly the California College of Arts and Crafts)
- Holy Names University (formerly Holy Names College)
- Lincoln University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Lancaster to Oakland?
Shipping furniture from Lancaster to Oakland with a moving company typically costs between $1,246 and $3,728. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $2,066 to $6,021. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $3,246 and $7,678 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Lancaster to Oakland?
If you’re planning a move from Lancaster to Oakland and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $765 and $1,759. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $1,359 to $2,647. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,871 to $3,435.
How much is a moving truck from Lancaster to Oakland?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $430 and $785. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $432 and $905. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Lancaster to Oakland, truck rentals usually range from $573 up to $1,029.
How far in advance should I book Lancaster-to-Oakland movers?
To make your move from Lancaster to Oakland as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Oakland?
The cheapest time of year to move to Oakland is between early October and late April. This period is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.
