($1,375) Cost to Move From Oakland, CA to Boston, MA

1. West Coast Moving Systems, Inc: 4.52 out of 5 stars
2. Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.64 out of 5 stars
3. NorthStar Moving Company : 4.52 out of 5 stars
4. Sweet Lemon Moving Services: 4.44 out of 5 stars
5. Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.58 out of 5 stars

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 $1,375 and $6,148. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $3,937 to $8,237 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 $7,798 and $12,506.

Cost of moving containers from Oakland to Boston

Moving containers from Oakland to Boston will cost you $1,488 to $3,534 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,611 to $5,049. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,643 to $7,120. 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 $1,674 and $3,155 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,761 to $3,646. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $2,292 to $4,297.

These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.