Quick answer: A typical 2,807-mile move from Baltimore to Oakland runs $1,828–$8,428 and takes seven to 21 days. Price and timing vary based on how much stuff you are moving, move date, and choice of DIY or full-service.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Oakland to Baltimore guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
Choosing an interstate mover from Baltimore, MD, to Oakland, CA, isn’t as simple as picking the first name you find. In Baltimore, there are 50 companies that can handle that route, each with their own approach, pricing, and service style.
Our team took a close look at every interstate mover in Baltimore, examining service options, costs, and what customers are actually saying in reviews. The result is a carefully curated list of the best long-distance movers in Baltimore you can trust with your Baltimore to Oakland relocation.
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Labor only
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Best professional movers from Baltimore to Oakland
Making the trip from Baltimore to Oakland is easier when you hire a full-service moving company to handle every stage of the relocation. From packing and loading to delivery and unpacking, they manage the process so you can focus on the bigger picture.
We’ve put together a list of the best full-service movers for this route to help you make the move with ease.
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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What moving services are available in Baltimore?
How we chose the best moving companies for your MD to CA move
Local movers servicing Baltimore to Oakland moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Baltimore that also provides long-distance services to Oakland can feel overwhelming. Many companies make similar promises, but not all live up to them.
That's where we come in — we've analyzed local movers in Baltimore who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Baltimore to Oakland.
- Von Paris Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Doyle Moving Services LLC: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Orly Moving Systems, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 133
DOT #: 070851
Alternate Names: Von Paris Moving & Storage, Inc., Von Paris Moving & Storage, B Von Paris Moving & Storage, Commercial Relocation Systems, CRS
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 2878240
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhops Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 3110403
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3110403
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 32
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
How much does it cost to move from Baltimore to Oakland?
Baltimore movers charge $110 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 | $1,364 - $5,635 | $1,572 - $3,998 | $1,687 - $3,510 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,198 - $8,428 | $2,931 - $5,828 | $1,828 - $3,855 |
4+ bedrooms | $7,978 - $12,667 | $4,044 - $8,113 | $2,309 - $5,229 |
Cost to hire movers from Maryland to California
Planning a move from Maryland to California? For a studio or one-bedroom, you'll likely pay between $1,364 and $5,635. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $4,198 and $8,428 for the same journey (MD to CA). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $7,978 to $12,667.
Cost of moving containers from Maryland to California
Moving containers from Maryland to California will cost you $1,572 to $3,998 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,931 to $5,828. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $4,044 to $8,113. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Maryland.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Maryland to California
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. 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 $1,687 and $3,510. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,828 and $3,855. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $2,309 and $5,229.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Baltimore to Oakland
What to know before moving from Baltimore to Oakland
Monthly costs run higher in Oakland than in Baltimore — roughly 42% more for singles and 69% more for families.
Singles spend $3,146 vs. $2,223, and families $8,584 vs. $5,088.
Use the comparison below to plan your budget with confidence:
- You may want to budget more for rent in Oakland, since prices are typically 38% higher than in Baltimore.
- The home prices in Oakland are 307.2% higher than in Baltimore, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- You're likely to make a higher income living in Oakland, where incomes are, on average, 61.8% higher than in Baltimore. Major employers in Oakland include Kaiser Permanente, Dreyer's, and The Clorox Company.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Oakland, since the cost of living for a single person in Oakland is 41.5% higher than in Baltimore. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Oakland, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Oakland is 68.7% higher than in Baltimore.
- The unemployment rate in Oakland is 43.04% lower than in Baltimore.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Oakland, since its sales taxes are 70.83% higher than what you are paying in Baltimore.
- State income taxes in Oakland are 131.30% higher than in Baltimore.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Baltimore versus Oakland.
Baltimore | Oakland | |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $181.61 | $277.25 |
Cell phone plan | $56.81 | $53 |
Dozen eggs | $4.34 | $6.71 |
Loaf of bread | $3.91 | $5.09 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20 | $30 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80 | $140 |
Gym membership | $57.63 | $54.28 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Baltimore than in Oakland, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Baltimore than in Oakland.
- Eggs are less expensive in Baltimore than in Oakland.
- Bread costs less in Baltimore than in Oakland.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Baltimore than in Oakland.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Baltimore than in Oakland.
- Gym memberships cost more in Baltimore than in Oakland.
How life is different in Baltimore vs. Oakland
Oakland | Baltimore | |
---|---|---|
Population | 440,646 | 585,708 |
Transportation Score | 8 | 8 |
Walkability score | 75 | 64 |
Bike friendliness score | 65 | 53 |
Crime Index | 68.62 | 72.72 |
Safety Index | 31.38 | 27.28 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Oakland's population is about 25% less than Baltimore.
- Oakland's public transportation has a similar score to Baltimore.
- Oakland is more walkable than Baltimore with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Baltimore's 64 out of 100.
- With a score of 65 out of 100, Oakland is more bike-friendly than Baltimore, which has a score of 53 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Oakland's crime rate is lower than Baltimore with a score of 68.62 compared to Baltimore's 72.72. This means that Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Baltimore neighborhoods are safer than 72.72%.
- Oakland is considered to be safer than Baltimore with a safety index of 31.38 vs Baltimore's 27.28.
- Air quality in Oakland is good, and in Baltimore it's good.
Other things to consider for your Baltimore vs. Oakland move
- Weather: Oakland features warm, dry summers, and mild, wet winters.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: California doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Oakland. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Oakland
Now that you've decided to make the move to Town, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Oakland.
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
Now that you've made the move to California it's the perfect time to explore Oakland From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Oakland features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Oakland Museum of California, Chabot Space & Science Center, USS Potomac, Oakland Aviation Museum, and African American Museum and Library.
- 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: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Oakland Athletics (MLB) and Oakland Roots DC (USLC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Baltimore to Oakland?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Baltimore to Oakland. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Baltimore.
When is the cheapest time to move from Baltimore to Oakland?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Baltimore to Oakland 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 Baltimore to Oakland take?
Covering 2,807 miles, the move from Baltimore, MD to Oakland, CA typically takes seven to 21 days. Some Baltimore movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Oakland can help bridge the gap.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Baltimore?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 6 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 11 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Baltimore?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 41 movers in Baltimore provide piano moving services. 32 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 37 piano movers and 30 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2175 and 1400.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.