Moving from Modesto to Oakland, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Modesto to Oakland costs between $82 to $4,274 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 78-mile route within California take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Modesto to Oakland
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Modesto to Oakland are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Modesto 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 78 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,237 - $3,692 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $803 - $1,588 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $97 - $159 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Brewer Moving LLC | $128/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 Modesto to Oakland?
It costs between $82 to $4,274 to move from Modesto to Oakland. The prices below break down your 78-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $636 - $4,274
- Moving containers: $566 - $2,008
- Rental trucks: $82 - $171
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $636 - $2,966 | $566 - $1,040 | $82 - $129 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,237 - $3,692 | $803 - $1,588 | $97 - $159 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,682 - $4,274 | $1,078 - $2,008 | $110 - $171 |
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 | $348 - $2,900+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $128/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $120/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $232 - $928 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $58 - $232 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Modesto to Oakland
At 78 miles, your Modesto 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 Modesto to Oakland. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 78 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Grace Moving Company is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Modesto to Oakland. They've been in business since 1999 (27 years of experience) and 91.6% of their 467 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Oakland to Modesto guide.
Considerations when moving from Modesto to Oakland
Cost of living: Modesto vs. Oakland
When weighing the cost of living in Modesto versus Oakland, there's more to consider than just housing costs. Let’s dive into important financial factors like rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends, so you can see how life in Oakland really compares to Modesto.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Modesto | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,800 | $2,200 |
| Average home cost | $415,024 | $925,411 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,899 | $97,369 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,312 | $3,146 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,946 | $8,584 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 4.5% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.88% | 10.25% |
- Rent prices in Oakland are 22% higher than in Modesto. Be prepared to spend more on housing, which might mean less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Oakland are 123% higher than in Modesto. This means buying a home may be tougher, with a bigger down payment and possibly higher monthly mortgage costs.
- Salaries here are, on average, 25% higher than in Modesto. If your earnings line up with local rates, you could experience a noticeable jump in your financial well-being.
- Living costs for one person are 36% higher in Oakland compared to Modesto, so you’ll likely need to adjust your budget to handle the added expenses.
- The cost of living for a family in Oakland is 44% higher than in Modesto. This means household expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, which could make Oakland less affordable if you have dependents or other family members to care for.
- Unemployment in Oakland is 44% lower than in Modesto. That means you’re headed towards a healthier job market, more career opportunities, and better economic stability in your new home.
- Sales taxes are 15% higher in Oakland than in Modesto. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Modesto, you’d need about $4,080 in Oakland.
How life is different in Modesto vs. Oakland
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Modesto and Oakland. From weather and population to cost of living, politics, and safety, these factors can all impact your daily life. Use this side-by-side comparison to find out which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Modesto | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 440,646 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 51-46 |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 72ºF |
| Winter low | 39ºF | 44ºF |
| Annual rain | 13" | 24" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 68.62 |
Oakland sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Oakland is about 102% larger than Modesto. Moving to a bigger city means more people, new opportunities, and a vibrant cultural scene, but you’ll also face higher living costs and a faster pace. Whether that sounds exciting or overwhelming comes down to what you want in your next home.
- In the most recent presidential race, both Modesto and Oakland leaned Democratic.
- Summer temperatures in Oakland usually peak at 72°F, compared to Modesto at 94°F. Moving to a cooler city means breezier summers and less stress from relentless heat.
- In the coldest months, both Modesto and Oakland face similar winter lows—Modesto drops to 39°F, while Oakland falls to 44°F.
- Oakland receives more annual rainfall than Modesto, with about 24 inches per year compared to Modesto’s 13 inches.
- Both Modesto and Oakland receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Oakland and Modesto have a similar crime rate, with crime index scores of 68.62 and 65.76, respectively.
Things to do in Oakland
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? Oakland has it all.
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 Modesto to Oakland?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Modesto to Oakland, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $527 and $2,652. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $1,237 up to $3,692. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $1,682 to $4,274 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Modesto to Oakland?
Moving containers from Modesto to Oakland will cost you $425 to $1,068 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $803 to $1,588. A larger home will cost $1,078 to $2,008.
How much is a moving truck from Modesto to Oakland?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is typically your most budget-friendly choice. Just keep in mind, you’ll be handling all the driving and heavy lifting yourself. We’ve factored estimated fuel costs into these price estimates, so you know what to expect.
Renting a truck to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $80 to $132. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $97 and $159. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Modesto to Oakland, costs usually fall between $110 and $171.
How far in advance should I book Modesto-to-Oakland movers?
To make your move from Modesto to Oakland as easy as possible, try locking in your movers at least two months ahead of time. If you’re planning to move during the busy summer season, aim for three months in advance. Booking early gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land you better rates. Some companies even offer early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Oakland?
For the best deals on your move to Oakland, aim for a date between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush not only saves you money, but also helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
