($1,301) Cost to Move From Grand Rapids, MI to Oakland, CA

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.58 out of 5 stars
2. Powell Relocation Group: 4.56 out of 5 stars
3. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
4. Corrigan Moving Systems: 4.48 out of 5 stars
5. H & H Moving Company, LLC: 4.36 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Grand Rapids to Oakland

When planning a move to Oakland from Grand Rapids, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,301 and $5,435. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,502 and $7,963 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $7,125 to $11,713.

Cost of moving containers from Grand Rapids to Oakland

When you’re heading from Grand Rapids to Oakland, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,221 and $2,968. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,170 and $4,630. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,861 to $6,397. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

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

Cost of moving truck rentals from Grand Rapids to Oakland

A moving rental truck from Grand Rapids 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 $1,215 to $2,496. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,342 to $3,000, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Grand Rapids to Oakland costs around $1,747 to $3,750.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 33% more expensive in Oakland than in Grand Rapids. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
• Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 124% steeper in Oakland compared to Grand Rapids.
• Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 49% greater in Oakland than in Grand Rapids, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
• Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Oakland. The cost of living for a single person there is 41% below that of Grand Rapids.
• When considering a family move to Oakland, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 20% higher than in Grand Rapids.
• Oakland and Grand Rapids have roughly the same unemployment rate (within about 5%), so you likely won’t see a major shift in job availability or competition from what you’re used to.
• Sales taxes in Oakland surpass those in Grand Rapids by 71%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
• Income taxes are 213% more in California than in Michigan. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.

• Oakland’s population is about 122% greater than Grand Rapids.
• Oakland’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Grand Rapids’s score of 6.
• Oakland is more walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids’s 56 out of 100.
• With a score of 65 out of 100, Oakland is more bike-friendly than Grand Rapids, which has a score of 52 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 Grand Rapids with a score of 68.62 compared to Grand Rapids’s 44.23. This means that Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23%.
• Oakland is considered to be less safe than Grand Rapids with a score of 31.38 vs Grand Rapids’s 55.77.
• Air quality in Oakland is Good, and in Grand Rapids it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Grand Rapids 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.