Moving from Modesto to Oakland, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Modesto to Oakland costs $80–$4,404, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 78-mile route within California take 1–2 days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 374+ California moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Modesto to Oakland?
Moving from Modesto to Oakland doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5).
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 78-mile move:
Moving from Modesto to Oakland costs between $80 and $4,404, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 78-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $1,190–$3,444 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $878–$1,668 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $99–$170 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $128/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 374+ California movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Modesto to Oakland?
Expect to spend between $80 and $4,404 on a Modesto to Oakland move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The 78-mile route prices below show what each moving service charges across home sizes:
- Full-service movers: $612–$4,404
- Moving containers: $596–$1,912
- Rental trucks: $80–$171
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves include packing, loading, transport, and unloading. Professional packing alone adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers cut costs by handling transport while you load and unload yourself.
- Rental trucks save roughly 30% versus full-service, but require you to drive 78 miles and supply your own labor.
- Using moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $612–$2,905 | $596–$1,062 | $80–$133 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,190–$3,444 | $878–$1,668 | $99–$170 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,699–$4,404 | $1,046–$1,912 | $113–$171 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 374+ California moving companies, and are updated as of May 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
What extra fees should you expect on a Modesto to Oakland move?
Extra fees to watch for on a Modesto to Oakland move include professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. These rarely show up on initial quotes, but they can add 10%–25% to the base price by the time the move is done.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $128/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $200 minimum | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75–$500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150–$400 per item | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Modesto to Oakland
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Modesto to Oakland, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 78 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Modesto to Oakland. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout California, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 78 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Oakland to Modesto guide.
How does Oakland compare to Modesto?
Cost of living: Modesto vs. Oakland
A cost-of-living comparison between Modesto and Oakland covers more than housing. Rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends all factor in. The breakdown below shows how life in Oakland 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% |
Cost-of-living data for Modesto and Oakland comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated May 2026 across 374+ California cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Oakland are 22% higher than in Modesto. Renters typically offset this by moving farther from the city center or accepting a smaller unit.
- Home prices in Oakland are 123% higher than Modesto. Buyers may need to downsize, extend the loan term, or wait longer to build equity.
- Salaries in Oakland average 25% higher than Modesto. Use local salary data, not Modesto comps, when benchmarking offers.
- Cost of living for one person is 36% higher in Oakland than Modesto. A renter on a fixed budget should expect to downsize or adjust spending categories.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Oakland is 44% higher than Modesto. Childcare, healthcare, and housing typically drive the gap.
- Unemployment in Oakland is 44% lower than Modesto. The labor market favors workers, which translates to better offers for incoming candidates.
- Sales taxes in Oakland are 15% higher than Modesto. The difference adds up on big-ticket purchases like appliances, electronics, and furniture.
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
A comparison of life in Modesto and Oakland covers weather, population, cost of living, politics, and safety. These factors all impact your daily life. The side-by-side breakdown below shows 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 is 102% larger in size than Modesto. Expect more job opportunities and amenities, balanced against higher housing costs and a faster pace.
- In the most recent presidential race, both Modesto and Oakland leaned Democratic.
- Summer highs in Oakland top out at 72°F, vs. 94°F in Modesto. Lower cooling costs and longer comfortable outdoor windows are the practical upside.
- Winter lows match across Modesto (39°F) and Oakland (44°F). Existing heating bills are a reliable benchmark.
- Annual rainfall in Oakland is 24 inches, vs. 13 inches in Modesto. Expect more wet days and budget for rain-resistant gear and home maintenance.
- Annual snowfall in Modesto and Oakland is effectively zero. No winter weather budget or gear adjustments required.
- Crime indexes in Oakland (68.62) and Modesto (65.76) are similar. Safety considerations apply at the neighborhood level, not the city level.
Things to do in Oakland
Oakland's lifestyle is defined by outdoor recreation, museums and cultural venues, professional and college sports, and a strong university presence. Top destinations in each category appear below.
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
Final verdict: best movers from Modesto to Oakland
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Modesto to Oakland, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide California service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $80–$4,404 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 374+ California movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Modesto to Oakland
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Modesto to Oakland?
A move from Modesto to Oakland with a professional moving company costs $571–$2,653 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom move, prices range from $1,190 up to $3,444. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay $1,699–$4,404 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Modesto to Oakland?
Moving containers from Modesto to Oakland cost $455–$1,058 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. For a 2–3 bedroom move, moving containers run $878–$1,668. A larger home costs $1,046–$1,912.
How much is a moving truck from Modesto to Oakland?
A rental moving truck from Modesto to Oakland costs $80–$132 for a studio or 1-bedroom. A 2–3 bedroom move costs $99–$170, and a 4-bedroom or larger move falls between $113 and $171.
Rental trucks are typically the most budget-friendly choice for movers willing to handle the driving and heavy lifting. The estimates above factor in estimated fuel costs.
How far in advance should I book Modesto-to-Oakland movers?
Lock in your movers for a Modesto to Oakland move at least 2 months ahead of time. For a summer move, aim for 3 months in advance. Early booking gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land better rates. Some companies offer early-bird discounts for reservations placed ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Oakland?
The best deals on a move to Oakland fall between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush saves you money and helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
