Quick answer: The cost to move from Oakland to Houston ranges from $1,453 to $9,438 and the journey will take approximately five to 16 days. Key factors influencing these estimates include your moving volume, chosen moving date, and whether you opt for professional movers or handle the 1,916-mile move on your own.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Houston to Oakland guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from Oakland to Houston
Choosing a long-distance moving company in Oakland to go to Houston can be overwhelming. With so many options, it's hard to know which movers to trust… and which ones to avoid.
Don't worry — you won't have to sort through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed down the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to TX move
The best local movers servicing Oakland to Houston moves
Finding a trusted local moving company in Oakland that offers long-distance services to Houston can be a challenge. With so many movers advertising similar services, it's tough to know who really delivers on quality.
Good news — we've done the homework for you. Our team reviewed top local movers in Oakland who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Oakland to Houston.
- Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Luigy's Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- West Coast Moving Systems, Inc: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- All Star Movers & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
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
Company Info
State license #: 0192210
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 02740355
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0192456
Years in Business: 18
DOT #: 3071646
Alternate Names: West Coast Movers, West Coast Moving Systems
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0191302
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2971368
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Oakland to Houston?
Oakland movers charge $147 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,618 - $6,131 | $1,395 - $3,447 | $1,385 - $2,615 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,182 - $9,438 | $2,408 - $5,046 | $1,453 - $3,206 |
4+ bedrooms | $7,837 - $13,665 | $3,535 - $7,004 | $1,929 - $4,081 |
Cost to hire movers from California to Texas
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Texas will cost between $1,618 and $6,131. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from CA to TX will range from $4,182 to $9,438, and a large move from California to Texas will cost from $7,837 to $13,665.
Cost of moving containers from California to Texas
When you're heading from California to Texas, and you're only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,395 and $3,447. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,408 and $5,046. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,535 to $7,004. 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 California to Texas
A moving rental truck 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 $1,385 to $2,615. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,453 to $3,206, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from California to Texas costs around $1,929 to $4,081.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that influence moving costs from Oakland to Houston
What to know before moving from Oakland to Houston
Moving from Oakland to Houston means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Oakland than in Houston, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Oakland compares to Houston so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Oakland | Houston | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,200 | $1,549 |
Average home value | $736,156 | $263,945 |
Average income (per capita) | $94,389 | $69,833 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,146 | $2,770 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,584 | $7,157 |
Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 4.1% |
Sales tax | 10.25% | 8.25% |
State income tax | 13.3% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Houston are 30% lower than in Oakland, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Houston.
Home prices in Houston are 64.1% lower than in Oakland. - Income in Houston is 26.0% lower than in Oakland, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Houston — including H-E-B, Houston Methodist, and Memorial Hermann Health System — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Houston. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 12.0% lower than in Oakland.
- A move to Houston can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 16.6% less than what it costs in Oakland.
- The unemployment rate in Houston is 8.89% lower than in Oakland.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Houston, since the city's sales taxes in Houston are 19.51% lower than in Oakland.
- One perk of moving to Houston is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Oakland.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,641.45 in Houston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Oakland.
How life is different in Oakland vs. Houston
Houston | Oakland | |
---|---|---|
Population | 2,301,572 | 440,646 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 8 |
Walkability score | 47 | 75 |
Bike friendliness score | 49 | 65 |
Crime Index | 63.5 | 68.62 |
Safety Index | 36.5 | 31.38 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Houston's population is about 422% greater than Oakland.
- Houston's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Oakland's higher score of 8.
- Houston is less walkable than Oakland with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Oakland's 75 out of 100.
- Houston has a bike-friendliness score 49 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Oakland, which has a score of 65 out of 100.
- Houston's crime rate is lower than Oakland with a score of 63.5 compared to Oakland's 68.62. This means that Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62%.
- Houston is considered to be safer than Oakland with a safety index of 36.5 vs Oakland's 31.38.
- Air quality in Houston is good, and in Oakland it's good.
Other things to consider for your Oakland vs. Houston move
- Weather: Houston's weather is moderate to hot year-round but hurricane season in the late summer months may affect your move.
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Texas, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Houston Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Houston
Now that you've chosen HOU as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Houston to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Greenway/Upper Kirby
- Montrose
- Museum District
Best neighborhoods for families
- Clear Lake City
- Friendswood
- Kingwood
- Memorial
- Sugar Land
Things to do in Houston
Now that you've made the move to Texas it's the perfect time to explore Houston From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Houston, such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Children’s Museum of Houston, The Menil Collection, Houston Museum of Natural Science, and Holocaust Museum Houston.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Hermann Park, Terry Hershey Park, Lake Houston Park, and Memorial Park — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Houston Texans (NFL), Houston Astros (MLB, Houston Dash (NWSL), or Houston Dynamo FC (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Oakland to Houston?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Oakland to Houston. 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 Houston?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Oakland to Houston moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Oakland to Houston take?
Covering 1,916 miles, the move from Oakland, CA to Houston, TX typically takes five to 16 days. Some Oakland movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Houston can help bridge the gap.