Highly rated local moving companies for Oakland to Philadelphia moves
Organizing a move from Oakland to Philadelphia can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 101 local movers in Oakland known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Oakland to Philadelphia.
- 680 Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Pure Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.5 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0191566
Pricing: $125/hr
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 2950711
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0167668
Years in Business: 44
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Great Giant Moving Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191103
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3207734
Alternate Names: Pure Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190673
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 3670248
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Oakland to Philadelphia?
On average, moving companies in California charge about $128 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,413 – $5,729 | $1,418 – $3,640 | $1,575 – $3,086 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,854 – $7,900 | $2,413 – $5,048 | $1,741 – $3,782 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,705 – $12,865 | $3,401 – $7,105 | $2,157 – $4,289 |
Cost to hire movers from Oakland to Philadelphia
When planning a move to Philadelphia from Oakland, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,413 and $5,729. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,854 and $7,900 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $7,705 to $12,865.
Cost of moving containers from Oakland to Philadelphia
When you’re heading from Oakland to Philadelphia, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,418 and $3,640. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,413 and $5,048. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,401 to $7,105. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from California easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Oakland to Philadelphia
A moving rental truck from Oakland to Philadelphia is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,575 to $3,086. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,741 to $3,782, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Oakland to Philadelphia costs around $2,157 to $4,289.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Oakland to Philadelphia
The cost of Oakland movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Oakland to Philadelphia may only cost $2,770, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $12,129.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Oakland.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,575–$4,193), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Oakland to Philadelphia
Many movers find Philadelphia easier on the wallet than Oakland – roughly 19% less for singles and 28% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,541 for one person in Philadelphia versus $3,146 in Oakland. For a family of four, it’s $6,190 compared with $8,584.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Oakland | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,969 | $1,791 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,450 | $3,116 |
| Average home value | $736,156 | $216,914 |
| Average income (per capita) | $94,389 | $70,746 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,146 | $2,541 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $8,584 | $6,190 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 10.6% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 3.07% |
- Rent is about 23% less expensive in Philadelphia than in Oakland, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 71% cheaper in Philadelphia than in Oakland.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 25% less in Philadelphia than in Oakland.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Philadelphia. The cost of living for a single person there is 19% below that of Oakland.
- A move to Philadelphia can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 28% lower compared to Oakland.
- Philadelphia has a higher unemployment rate than Oakland by about 136%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes are 22% cheaper in Philadelphia compared to Oakland. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 77% less in Pennsylvania compared to California, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Oakland versus Philadelphia:
| Living Expense | Oakland | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $277.25 | $269.29 |
| Cell phone plan | $53.00 | $61.40 |
| Dozen eggs | $6.71 | $4.30 |
| Loaf of bread | $5.09 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $30.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $140.00 | $90.00 |
| Gym membership | $54.28 | $48.67 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Oakland than in Philadelphia.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Oakland than in Philadelphia.
- Eggs cost more in Oakland than in Philadelphia.
- Bread is more expensive in Oakland than in Philadelphia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Oakland than in Philadelphia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Oakland than in Philadelphia.
- Gym memberships cost more in Oakland than in Philadelphia.
How life is different in Oakland vs. Philadelphia
| Oakland | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 440,646 | 1,603,797 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 75 | 75 |
| Bike friendliness score | 65 | 67 |
| Crime index | 68.62 | 66.09 |
| Safety index | 31.38 | 33.91 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Philadelphia’s population is about 264% greater than Oakland.
- Philadelphia’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Oakland’s score of 8.
- Philadelphia and Oakland are similarly walkable.
- Both Philadelphia and Oakland have similar bike-friendliness scores (65 vs 67), meaning Philadelphia is about as safe for cyclists as Oakland. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Philadelphia and Oakland have a similar crime rate with scores of 66.09 and 68.62, respectively.
- Philadelphia is considered to be safer than Oakland with a safety index of 33.91 vs Oakland’s 31.38.
- Air quality in Philadelphia is Good, and in Oakland it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Oakland to Philadelphia move
- HOA rules: Costs across Oakland and Philadelphia are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: For decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUC’s website is no longer functioning. So if you’re moving within Pennsylvania, you’ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Pennsylvania, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Pennsylvania, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Philadelphia. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Philadelphia
With your sights set on Philly, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Philadelphia.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cedar Park
- Fishtown
- Manayunk
- Point Breeze
- Washington Square West
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bella Vista
- Bustleton
- Chestnut Hill
- Fitler Square/Rittenhouse Square (City Center West)
- Foxchase
- Roxborough
Things to do in Philadelphia
With your move to Pennsylvania complete, you can dive right into experiencing Philadelphia. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Philadelphia is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes, and Museum of the American Revolution.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Wissahickon Valley Park, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Fairmount Park, and Love Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)Philadelphia Union (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Oakland to Philadelphia?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Oakland to Philadelphia. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Oakland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Oakland to Philadelphia?
Want to save on your move from Oakland to Philadelphia? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Oakland to Philadelphia take?
The 2,869-mile move from Oakland, CA, to Philadelphia, , takes seven to 21 days. Some Oakland movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Philadelphia.
What kinds of discounts do Oakland movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In Oakland, 2 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Oakland?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 80 movers in Oakland provide piano moving services. 68 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Oakland moving services
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