$1,594 Movers From Washington DC to Oakland
Fact Checked by: Quick Answer: The cost to move from Washington DC, MD to Oakland, CA averages from $1,972 to $9,463 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.
Hiring a full-service Washington DC moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Oakland, CA.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Oakland to Washington DC guide.
Moving from Washington DC to Oakland resources
- Best Washington DC to Oakland movers: We've handpicked the best moving companies from Washington DC to Oakland.
- Moving cost: Use our moving cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving costs.
- Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
- Washington DC to Oakland car shippers: Moving your car? Here's a list of our top car shipping companies.
Moving 2,801 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.
How much does it cost to move from Washington DC to Oakland?
Washington DC movers charge $85 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 | $1,594 - $6,403 | $1,563 - $4,264 | $1,838 - $3,355 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,668 - $9,463 | $2,860 - $6,404 | $1,972 - $4,078 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,612 - $14,240 | $4,228 - $8,071 | $2,492 - $5,107 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,801 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.
The cost to move from Washington DC to Oakland will depend on:
- Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Washington DC, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.
How much are professional moving companies when moving from Washington DC to Oakland?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Washington DC to Oakland will cost between $1,594 to $6,403. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $4,668 to $9,463, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Washington DC to Oakland will cost from $8,612 to $14,240.
How much are moving container companies from Washington DC to Oakland?
Moving containers from Washington DC to Oakland will cost you $1,563 to $4,264 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,860 to $6,404. A larger home will cost $4,228 to $8,071.
How much is a moving truck from Washington DC to Oakland?
Renting a moving truck is usually 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 $1,838 to $3,355. A larger move will cost $1,972 to $4,078, and a four-bedroom move from Washington DC to Oakland costs from $2,492 to $5,107. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.
The best Washington DC to Oakland moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Washington DC to Oakland is a big deal.
There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Washington DC to Oakland.
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If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.
Pros and cons of moving from Washington DC to Oakland
Cost of living: Washington DC vs Oakland
| Washington DC | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,450 | $2,290 |
| Average home value | $609,175 | $774,077 |
| Average income (per capita) | $635,900 | $85,628 |
| Cost of Living (single person) | $1,211 | $2,995 |
| Cost of Living (family of 4) | $4,423 | $8,007 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 7.7% |
| Sales Tax | 6.0% | 10.25% |
| State Income Tax | 5.75% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in Oakland are 7% lower than in Washington DC.
- Home prices in Oakland are 27.1% higher than in Washington DC.
- Income in Oakland is 86.5% lower than in Washington DC.
- The cost of living for a single person in Oakland is 147.3% higher than in Washington DC.
- The cost of living for a family in Oakland is 81.0% higher than in Washington DC.
- The unemployment rate in Oakland is 10.00% higher than in Washington DC.
- Sales taxes in Oakland are 70.83% higher than in Washington DC.
- State income taxes in Oakland are 131.30% higher than in Washington DC.
To put this into perspective, you would need around $7,419.49 in Oakland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Washington DC.
How is life different in Washington DC compared to Oakland?
| Oakland | Washington DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 440,646 | 689,545 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 75 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 65 | 70 |
| Crime Index | 68.7 | 46.45 |
| Safety Index | 31.3 | 41.16 |
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Oakland's population is about 36% less than Washington DC.
- Oakland's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Washington DC's lower score of 9.
- Oakland is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 77 out of 100.
- Oakland is less bike-friendly than Washington DC with a score of 65 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 70.
- Oakland's crime rate is higher than Washington DC with a score of 68.7 compared to Washington DC's 46.45. This means that Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.7% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 46.45%.
- Oakland is considered to be less safe than Washington DC with a score of 31.3 vs Washington DC's 41.16.
- Air quality in Oakland is good, and in Washington DC it's moderate.
Considerations for moving to Oakland
- Weather: Oakland features warm, dry summers, and mild, wet winters..
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth 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: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. 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: 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Local Washington DC movers
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
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Get A Quote |
 
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3000 Oak Drive, Kensington, MD, 20895 (301) 928-8669 |
| Olympia Moving & Storage | Get A Quote |
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4814 Frolich Ln, Hyattsville, MD, 20781 (703) 566-4391 |
| Bookstore Movers, LLC | Get A Quote |
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5200 46th Ave, Hyattsville, MD, 20781 (202) 570-4697 |
Visit our best long distance movers in Washington DC page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
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
What to do in Oakland
These are some of the best things to do in your new California home.
- Oracle Arena
- Oakland Museum of California
- Redwood Regional Park
- Oakland Zoo
- San Francisco Bay Ferry
- Lake Merritt
- Jack London Square
- The Cathedral of Christ the Light
- Mountain View Cemetery
- Chabot Space & Science Center
- Children's Fairyland
- Fox Theater
Get your sports on!
Oakland is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:- Oakland Athletics (MLB)
- Oakland Roots DC (USLC)
FAQs about moving from Washington DC to Oakland
When is the best time to move from Washington DC to Oakland?
The best time to move from Washington DC to Oakland is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 72ºF and the winter lows of 44ºF in Oakland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to Oakland?
Because most people are moving from Washington DC to Oakland in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
