($1,088) Cost to Move From Oakland, CA to Seattle, WA

1. West Coast Moving Systems, Inc: 4.52 out of 5 stars
2. Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.64 out of 5 stars
3. NorthStar Moving Company : 4.52 out of 5 stars
4. Sweet Lemon Moving Services: 4.44 out of 5 stars
5. Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.58 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Oakland to Seattle

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Oakland to Seattle typically costs between $1,088 and $4,142. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,249 and $5,708 when moving from Oakland to Seattle. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Oakland to Seattle, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,752 up to $7,555.

Cost of moving containers from Oakland to Seattle

If you’re relocating from Oakland to Seattle, you’ll typically spend between $706 and $1,729 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,362 up to $2,525. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,882 and $3,604. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from California.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Oakland to Seattle

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Oakland to Seattle move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.

If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $521 and $1,064. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $574 to $1,204. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $734 and $1,459.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

• Good news! When moving to Seattle from Oakland, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 10% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
• A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 14% higher in Seattle than in Oakland.
• Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 18% lower in Seattle than in Oakland.
• Anticipate increased living expenses in Seattle, as the cost of living for a single person in Seattle is 19% greater than in Oakland. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
• As you plan your move to Seattle, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 14% more than it is in Oakland.
• The unemployment rate in Seattle exceeds that of Oakland by about 7%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
• Sales taxes are effectively the same in Seattle and Oakland (within a 5% range), allowing you to focus on other financial aspects when moving.
• Washington has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.

• Seattle’s population is about 67% greater than Oakland.
• Seattle’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Oakland, making them very similar.
• Seattle and Oakland are similarly walkable.
• With a score of 71 out of 100, Seattle 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.
• Seattle’s crime rate is lower than Oakland with a score of 58.88 compared to Oakland’s 68.62. This means that Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62%.
• Seattle is considered to be safer than Oakland with a safety index of 49.23 vs Oakland’s 31.38.
• Air quality in Seattle is Good, and in Oakland it’s Good.

• 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: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
• State licensing: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a Washington moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Washington, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Seattle without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers’ insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
• Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Ballard
• Capitol Hill
• Fremont
• Lower Queen Anne
• South Lake Union

Best neighborhoods for families

• Greenwood
• Laurelhurst
• Magnolia
• Upper Queen Anne
• West Seattle

Things to do in Seattle

Now that you’ve made the move to Washington, it’s the perfect time to explore Seattle. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

• Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Seattle include museums and art centers like the Museum of Popular Culture (MoPOP), Olympic Sculpture Park, National Nordic Museum, and Chihuly Garden and Glass.
• Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Discovery Park, Olympic Sculpture Park, Green Lake Park, and Carkeek Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
• Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Seattle Seahawks (NFL)Seattle Mariners (MLB)Seattle Kraken (NHL)Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)Seattle Seawolves (MLR)Seattle Dragons (XFL)Seattle Storm (WNBA) game.