($1,268) Cost to Move From Des Moines, IA to Oakland, CA

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
2. All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
3. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
4. Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
5. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Oakland

When planning a move to Oakland from Des Moines, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,268 and $5,081. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,228 and $7,077 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $5,561 to $10,722.

Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Oakland

When you’re heading from Des Moines to Oakland, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,095 and $2,675. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,951 and $3,796. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,692 to $5,049. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Iowa easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Oakland

A moving rental truck from Des Moines to Oakland 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 $1,033 to $1,909. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,084 to $2,248, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Des Moines to Oakland costs around $1,353 to $2,838.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 91% more expensive in Oakland than in Des Moines. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
• Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 283% steeper in Oakland compared to Des Moines.
• Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 61% greater in Oakland than in Des Moines, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
• Prepare for elevated costs in Oakland, with the cost of living for a single person being 66% more than in Des Moines. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
• When considering a family move to Oakland, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 96% higher than in Des Moines.
• Oakland has a lower unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 24%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
• Sales taxes in Oakland surpass those in Des Moines by 46%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
• Income taxes are 202% more in California than in Iowa. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.

• Oakland’s population is about 37% less than Des Moines.
• Oakland’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines’s score of 5.
• Oakland is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
• With a score of 65 out of 100, Oakland is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Oakland’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 68.62 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
• Oakland is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 31.38 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
• Air quality in Oakland is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Des Moines and Oakland 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in California, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in California, 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 Oakland. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
• Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Downtown
• Grand Lake
• Piedmont Avenue
• Rockridge
• Temescal

Best neighborhoods for families

• Fairview Park
• Rockridge
• Bushrod
• Upper Rockridge
• Lakeshore

Things to do in Oakland

With your move to California complete, you can dive right into experiencing Oakland. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:

• Arts and culture: Oakland is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Oakland Museum of California, Chabot Space & Science Center, USS Potomac, and Oakland Aviation Museum.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Redwood Regional Park, Joaquin Miller Park, East Bay Regional Park District, and Lakeside Park and Garden Center — 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 Oakland Athletics (MLB)Oakland Roots DC (USLC) game.