($1,207) Cost to Move From Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA

1. Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
2. New City Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
3. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
4. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.64 out of 5 stars
5. Golan’s Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.7 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Oakland

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Oakland, you can expect to spend between $1,207 and $4,600. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,328 to $7,100 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Chicago to Oakland typically runs between $6,000 and $10,537.

Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Oakland

When moving from Chicago to Oakland, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,149 and $2,704. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,044 to $4,386. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,916 up to $5,413. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Illinois.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to Oakland

Renting a moving truck in Chicago is usually your cheapest option to get to Oakland. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,106 and $2,269. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,323 and $2,594. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,670 and $3,374.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• As you consider relocating to Oakland, note that rent can be roughly 8% more expensive than it is in Chicago; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
• Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 149% higher in Oakland than in Chicago.
• Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 32% higher in Oakland compared to Chicago, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
• Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Oakland, where the cost of living for a single person is 14% less than in Chicago.
• Moving to Oakland could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 7% less than in Chicago.
• Oakland experiences an unemployment rate that is about 50% lower than that of Chicago. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
• Sales taxes are similar in Oakland and Chicago (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
• Income taxes are 169% higher in California compared to Illinois. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.

• Oakland’s population is about 84% less than Chicago.
• Oakland’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
• Oakland and Chicago are similarly walkable.
• Oakland has a bike-friendliness score of 65 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
• Oakland’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 68.62 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• Oakland is considered to be less safe than Chicago with a score of 31.38 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
• Air quality in Oakland is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a California moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While California doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Oakland smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

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

After getting comfortable in your new California home, it’s time to see what Oakland is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Oakland offers cultural landmarks 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Oakland Athletics (MLB)Oakland Roots DC (USLC) game.