Moving from Oakland to Los Angeles, CA
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Quick answer: Moving from Oakland to Los Angeles costs between $409 to $8,397 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 371-mile route within California take 1 to 4 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Oakland to Los Angeles
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Oakland to Los Angeles are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Oakland to driving and unloading in Los Angeles, 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 371 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $2,171 - $5,906 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,291 - $2,673 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $418 - $931 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Sweet Lemon Moving Services | $147/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 Oakland to Los Angeles?
It costs between $409 to $8,397 to move from Oakland to Los Angeles. The prices below break down your 371-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $1,312 - $8,397
- Moving containers: $1,105 - $3,138
- Rental trucks: $409 - $1,092
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,312 - $4,393 | $1,105 - $1,960 | $409 - $755 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,171 - $5,906 | $1,291 - $2,673 | $418 - $931 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,214 - $8,397 | $1,853 - $3,138 | $529 - $1,092 |
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 | $588 - $4,900+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $147/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $120/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $392 - $1,568 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $98 - $392 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Oakland to Los Angeles
At 371 miles, your Oakland to Los Angeles 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 Oakland to Los Angeles. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout California, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 371 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Oakland to Los Angeles. They've been in business since 2011 (15 years of experience) and 86.9% of their 634 verified reviews are positive.
More California moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Los Angeles to Oakland guide.
Considerations when moving from Oakland to Los Angeles
Cost of living: Oakland vs. Los Angeles
The cost of living in Oakland vs. Los Angeles goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in Los Angeles stacks up against Oakland.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Oakland | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,200 | $2,960 |
| Average home cost | $925,411 | $878,142 |
| Average income (per capita) | $97,369 | $80,366 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,146 | $5,833 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,584 | $12,720 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 10.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 10.25% | 9.5% |
- Rent prices in Los Angeles are 35% higher than in Oakland. That means you might end up spending more of your income on housing, leaving less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Since home prices in Los Angeles and Oakland are about the same, your housing expenses shouldn’t see much change. That means sticking to your budget will be a lot easier.
- Income in Los Angeles is 17% lower than in Oakland. You may need to keep a closer eye on your budget, particularly if salaries don’t match the cost of living.
- The cost of living for a single person in Los Angeles is 85% higher than in Oakland, you'll likely need to adjust your budget to accommodate increased expenses.
- Moving your family to Los Angeles? Get ready for living expenses to be about 48% higher than in Oakland. Expect to pay more for essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare. Overall, Los Angeles is a pricier place for families.
- Unemployment in Los Angeles is 136% higher than in Oakland. This means job hunting may be tougher and job security less certain, especially if you’re relocating without having a job lined up.
- You’ll benefit from 7% lower sales taxes in Los Angeles compared to Oakland, leaving more room in your budget for family needs or personal spending.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Oakland, expect to budget around $5,550 to maintain the same lifestyle in Los Angeles.
How life is different in Oakland vs. Los Angeles
As you plan your move, comparing life in Oakland vs. Los Angeles is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and needs. Factors like population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety can significantly impact your experience in a new place. Below is a side-by-side breakdown of key differences between Oakland and Los Angeles to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Oakland | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 440,646 | 3,820,914 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-46 | Democratic 64-31 |
| Summer high | 72ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 44ºF | 46ºF |
| Annual rain | 24" | 16" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 0" |
| Crime index | 68.62 | 53.81 |
Los Angeles sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Los Angeles is about 767% larger than Oakland. Moving to a bigger city means more people, opportunities, and cultural experiences, plus higher costs and a faster pace. Whether that's exciting or overwhelming depends on what you want from your new home.
- The last presidential election saw both Oakland and Los Angeles siding with the Democratic party.
- Los Angeles summers peak around 84°F, noticeably warmer than Oakland’s 72°F. A move here means adapting to stronger heat with lifestyle and budget changes.
- During the coldest months, both Oakland and Los Angeles experience similar chilly lows, with temperatures near 44°F and 46°F.
- Get ready for wetter weather in Oakland, which sees about 24 inches of rain each year—that’s more than the 16 inches you’ll typically get annually in Los Angeles.
- Both Oakland and Los Angeles receive virtually no snowfall each year, so you won’t have to plan for winter weather in either city.
- Los Angeles has a lower crime rate than Oakland, with a crime index of 53.81 vs 68.62.
Things to do in Los Angeles
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Los Angeles has something for everyone.
Museums in Los Angeles
- The Getty Center
- Griffith Observatory
- Petersen Automotive Museum
- Battleship USS Iowa Museum
- The Broad
Parks in Los Angeles
- Griffith Park
- Runyon Canyon Park
- Lake Hollywood Park
- Echo Park
- Venice Skatepark
Sports teams in Los Angeles
- Los Angeles Clippers (NBA)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
- Los Angeles FC (MLS)
- Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
- Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)
Universities in Los Angeles
- California State University, Los Angeles
- California State University, Northridge
- University of California, Los Angeles
- American Film Institute Conservatory
- Alliant International University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Oakland to Los Angeles?
Moving your furniture from Oakland to Los Angeles with a professional moving company usually ranges from $1,246 to $3,838. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $2,171 and $5,906. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $3,214 to $8,397 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Oakland to Los Angeles?
If you’re moving from Oakland to Los Angeles and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $713 to $1,759. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $1,291 and $2,673. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,853 to $3,138.
How much is a moving truck from Oakland to Los Angeles?
Want to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest bet. Just remember, you’ll be in charge of both the driving and the heavy lifting. To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve included average fuel costs in our pricing so you’re not caught off guard.
Renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move will typically set you back between $405 and $725. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $418 to $931. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Oakland to Los Angeles, rental prices generally fall between $529 and $1,092.
How far in advance should I book Oakland-to-Los Angeles movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Oakland to Los Angeles at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, it’s best to book your movers at least three months ahead. The sooner you reserve your Oakland-to-Los Angeles movers, the better the chance you’ll get affordable rates and secure the exact moving date you need. Some movers even offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Los Angeles?
If you want to save money on your move to Los Angeles, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May to September), when most people relocate and prices soar. By steering clear of the busy summer months, you’ll take advantage of lower demand and lower rates.
