Quick answer: A move from Lansing to Oakland costs $1,497 – $8,543 and usually takes seven to 18 days. Key factors include your move size, date, and whether you hire pros or do the 2,324-mile drive yourself.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our guide to moving from Oakland to Lansing.
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Best professional movers from Lansing to Oakland
Making the long-distnace move from Lansing 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.
With 8 interstate moving companies in Lansing, we’ve put together a list of the top full-service movers to help you make the move to Oakland with ease.
What moving services are available in Lansing?
How we chose the best movers MI→CA movers
Highly rated local moving companies for Lansing to Oakland moves
Organizing a move from Lansing to Oakland can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating local movers in Lansing known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Lansing to Oakland.
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Kingsley Moving Systems LLC: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Helper Moving LLC: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- M & M Moving and Storage: 4.2 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: Hunky Monkey LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 34172
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 1890987
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2475734
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Fragile-only packing
Company Info
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 2194234
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Lansing to Oakland?
On average, moving companies in Michigan charge about per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,465 – $5,441 | $1,251 – $3,267 | $1,382 – $2,725 |
2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,732 – $8,543 | $2,293 – $4,652 | $1,497 – $3,117 |
4+ bedrooms | $7,157 – $12,066 | $3,182 – $6,898 | $1,964 – $3,822 |
Cost to hire movers from Lansing to Oakland
When planning a move to Oakland from Lansing, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,465 and $5,441. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,732 and $8,543 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $7,157 to $12,066.
Cost of moving containers from Lansing to Oakland
When you’re heading from Lansing to Oakland, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,251 and $3,267. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,293 and $4,652. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,182 to $6,898. 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 Lansing to Oakland
A moving rental truck from Lansing 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 $1,382 to $2,725. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,497 to $3,117, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Lansing to Oakland costs around $1,964 to $3,822.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Lansing to Oakland

What to know before moving from Lansing to Oakland
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Oakland runs about 97% higher for singles and 104% higher for families than Lansing.
Singles spend around $3,146 in Lansing versus $1,595 in Lansing; families pay $8,584 compared with $4,199.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
Lansing | Oakland | |
---|---|---|
Average 1 BR rent | $901 | $1,969 |
Average 3 BR rent | $1,775 | $4,450 |
Average home value | $148,542 | $736,156 |
Average income (per capita) | $64,729 | $94,389 |
Unemployment rate | 7.4% | 4.5% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 10.25% |
State income tax | 4.25% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 95% more expensive in Oakland than in Lansing. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 396% steeper in Oakland compared to Lansing.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 46% greater in Oakland than in Lansing, 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 97% more than in Lansing. 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 104% higher than in Lansing.
- Oakland has a lower unemployment rate than Lansing by about 39%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes in Oakland surpass those in Lansing 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.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Lansing versus Oakland:
Living Expense | Lansing | Oakland |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $172.97 | $277.25 |
Cell phone plan | $46.00 | $53.00 |
Dozen eggs | $3.52 | $6.71 |
Loaf of bread | $2.91 | $5.09 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $30.00 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $68.50 | $140.00 |
Gym membership | $31.67 | $54.28 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Lansing than in Oakland, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Lansing than in Oakland.
- Eggs are less expensive in Lansing than in Oakland.
- Bread costs less in Lansing than in Oakland.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Lansing than in Oakland.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Lansing than in Oakland.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Lansing than in Oakland.
How life is different in Lansing vs. Oakland
Lansing | Oakland | |
---|---|---|
Population | 112,644 | 440,646 |
Transportation score | 5 | 8 |
Walkability score | 46 | 75 |
Bike friendliness score | 55 | 65 |
Crime index | 48.66 | 68.62 |
Safety index | 51.34 | 31.38 |
Air quality | Good | Good |
- Oakland’s population is about 291% greater than Lansing.
- Oakland’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Lansing’s score of 5.
- Oakland is more walkable than Lansing with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Lansing’s 46 out of 100.
- With a score of 65 out of 100, Oakland is more bike-friendly than Lansing, which has a score of 55 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 Lansing with a score of 68.62 compared to Lansing’s 48.66. This means that Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lansing neighborhoods are safer than 48.66%.
- Oakland is considered to be less safe than Lansing with a score of 31.38 vs Lansing’s 51.34.
- Air quality in Oakland is Good, and in Lansing it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Lansing to Oakland move
- HOA rules: Costs across Lansing 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.
Where to live in Oakland
With your sights set on The Town, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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
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.
FAQ
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