Oakland, CA to Arlington, VA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Oakland to Arlington typically costs $4,300–$8,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,809 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Oakland to Arlington
Moving from Oakland, CA to Arlington, VA typically costs $4,300–$8,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,809-mile move from Oakland to Arlington, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $4,725 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $3,151 for a 4 bedroom using a rental truck.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $11,792 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 05, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 26, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 17, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 16, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 11, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 01, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 21, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 07, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Nov 30, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Nov 27, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Oakland to Arlington
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Oakland to Arlington may only cost $3,000, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $14,700.
- 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 ($1,800–$4,900), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Arlington, VA to Oakland, CA guide.
Best Oakland to Arlington movers by type
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Local
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Oakland to Arlington
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Oakland to Arlington. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best CA→VA movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 372 California moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Oakland to Arlington
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Arlington runs about 118% higher for singles and 39% higher for families than Oakland.
Singles spend around $6,867 in Arlington versus $3,146 in Oakland; families pay $11,970 compared with $8,584.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Oakland | Arlington | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,969 | $2,475 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,450 | $4,350 |
| Average home value | $736,156 | $810,670 |
| Average income (per capita) | $94,389 | $128,145 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,146 | $6,867 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $8,584 | $11,970 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 4.0% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 5.75% |
- Rent is about 24% more expensive in Arlington than in Oakland. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 10% steeper in Arlington compared to Oakland.
- Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 36% greater in Arlington than in Oakland, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Arlington, with the cost of living for a single person being 118% more than in Oakland. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Arlington, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 39% higher than in Oakland.
- Arlington has a lower unemployment rate than Oakland by about 11%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 41% cheaper in Arlington compared to Oakland. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 57% less in Virginia 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 Arlington:
| Living Expense | Oakland | Arlington |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $277.25 | $208.70 |
| Cell phone plan | $53.00 | $59.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $6.71 | $4.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $5.09 | $4.18 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $30.00 | $24.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $140.00 | $90.00 |
| Gym membership | $54.28 | $77.25 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Oakland than in Arlington.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Oakland than in Arlington.
- Eggs cost more in Oakland than in Arlington.
- Bread is more expensive in Oakland than in Arlington.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Oakland than in Arlington.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Oakland than in Arlington.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Oakland than in Arlington.
How life is different in Oakland vs. Arlington
| Oakland | Arlington | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 440,646 | 238,643 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 75 | 71 |
| Bike friendliness score | 65 | 72 |
| Crime index | 68.62 | 15.67 |
| Safety index | 31.38 | 79.15 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Arlington's population is about 46% less than Oakland.
- Arlington's public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Oakland's score of 8.
- Arlington and Oakland are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Arlington is more bike-friendly than Oakland, which has a score of 65 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Arlington's crime rate is lower than Oakland with a score of 15.67 compared to Oakland's 68.62. This means that Arlington neighborhoods are safer than 15.67% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62%.
- Arlington is considered to be safer than Oakland with a safety index of 79.15 vs Oakland's 31.38.
- Air quality in Arlington is Good, and in Oakland it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Oakland to Arlington move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- 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: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Virginia, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Virginia, 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 Arlington. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Arlington
With your sights set on , these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Arlington.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Aurora Highlands
- Ballston-Virginia Square
- Bluemont
- Clarendon-Courthouse
- Radnor-Ft Myer Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Arlington Ridge
- Barcroft
- Chain Bridge Forest
- Cherrydale
- Dominion Hills
- Forest Glen
- Lyon Village
- Penrose
- Westover Village
Things to do in Arlington
With your move to Virginia complete, you can dive right into experiencing Arlington. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Arlington is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the JW Tumbles, Ball-Sellers House Museum, David M. Brown Planetarium, and Arlington Historical Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Gravelly Point Park, Long Bridge Park, Bon Air Park, and Upton Hill Regional 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 Arlington Youth Football Club game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Oakland to Arlington?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Oakland to Arlington. 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 Arlington?
Want to save on your move from Oakland to Arlington? 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 Arlington take?
The 2,809-mile move from Oakland, CA, to Arlington, VA, 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 Arlington.
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, 78 movers in Oakland provide piano moving services. 67 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
