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($1,465) Cost to Move From Lansing, MI to Oakland, CA

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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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Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Best movers by type

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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.

Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years’ experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans

What moving services are available in Lansing?toggle

Service availability isn’t the same everywhere. This table highlights how often movers in Lansing offer each option, alongside figures for MI and nationwide, so you can quickly see what’s simple to book and what may require extra planning.

Service Lansing (Count) Lansing (%) MI (Count) MI (%) National (Count) National (%)
Packing & Materials
Packing 11 100% 73 97% 2,833 98%
Unpacking 11 100% 72 96% 2,798 96%
Fragile-only packing 2 18% 13 17% 718 24%
Packing materials 7 63% 54 72% 1,684 58%
Storage
Long-term 9 81% 65 86% 2,499 86%
Climate-controlled 1 9% 22 29% 977 33%
Specialty Handling
Custom crating 4 36% 34 45% 1,884 65%
Art 4 36% 18 24% 1,398 48%
Antiques 2 18% 18 24% 1,401 48%
Piano 7 63% 46 61% 2,173 75%
Hot tub 1 9% 13 17% 670 23%
Pool table 4 36% 13 17% 941 32%

How we chose the best movers MI→CA moverstoggle

moveBuddha’s dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 75 Michigan moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.

  • Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
  • Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
  • Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
  • Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
  • Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

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.

  1. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  2. Kingsley Moving Systems LLC: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  3. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
  4. Helper Moving LLC: 4.34 out of 5 stars
  5. M & M Moving and Storage: 4.2 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
96.2% of all reviews were positive
3.4% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers rave about College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving for their efficiency, professionalism, and speed. Out of 262 reviews, 96% were positive, with clients praising careful item handling, courteous staff, and movers who quickly complete jobs. Many describe moving experiences as far less stressful due to clear communication and helpful workers.
Competitive and transparent pricing often surpasses larger competitors. A handful of customers faced issues like damages to belongings, surprise costs, or estimates significantly off from final charges. Most negative feedback involves broken items or unexpected fees. College Hunks stands out for reliability and exceptional service, making them a top pick for moving and junk removal compared to typical moving companies.
Show more
Get a Quote (336) 810-1801

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
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
89.4% of all reviews were positive
8.4% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving with Kingsley Moving Systems LLC feels smooth for the vast majority of customers. Analyzing 179 pieces of customer input, 89% reflected positive experiences. Customers often praised Kingsley’s efficient service, professionalism, careful handling, speedy moves, and reasonable rates—a combination rarely matched by competitors.
Friendly staff and attention to property safety stood out repeatedly. A minority of clients encountered problems, especially damage to items, late arrivals without timely updates, and occasionally unfriendly staff. Negative feedback emphasized issues with fragile belongings, scheduling problems, or less-than-courteous service, raising caution for those transporting valuable or sensitive possessions. Kingsley outpaces typical moving companies on promptness and affordability, yet potentially risks client trust with rare but significant mishaps. Customer feedback positions them as a top choice for value and efficiency, so long as you get clear expectations for special care needs or timing.
Show more
Get a Quote (517) 372-7200

Company Info

State license #: 34172

Years in Business: 15

DOT #: 1890987

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
76.3% of all reviews were positive
22.5% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving with Two Men and a Truck feels like enlisting a team known for speed, professionalism, and careful handling. Of 262 pieces of feedback analyzed, over three-quarters rated their experience as positive. Customers consistently highlight efficient service, polite staff, extra care with belongings, a quick moving process, and clear communication.
Moves often finish ahead of schedule, furniture arrives undamaged, and staff adapt to customer needs. On the downside, a notable portion of input points to damage to items, surprise charges, and communication issues with scheduling or billing. These issues account for most of the dissatisfaction. Compared to other moving companies, Two Men and a Truck stands out for reliable and efficient crews, but struggles with follow-through on damage claims and billing accuracy. For those seeking prompt, respectful service, they lead the pack, but anyone concerned about cost transparency or item safety should review all details closely before booking.
Show more
Get a Quote (517) 306-2441

Company Info

Years in Business: 30

DOT #: 2527384

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
100.0% of all reviews were positive
0.0% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customer input paints a clear picture: Helper Moving LLC impresses with efficient service, friendly and professional staff, and great care during moves. Every review analyzed awards a perfect rating and highlights how the team made moves easier while being respectful. Clients mention team members by name, noting exceptional politeness and attention to safety, which not all moving companies can claim.
The strong recommendation from multiple customers, coupled with zero complaints or negative feedback, suggests consistent high-quality performance. No drawbacks or issues appeared in the available feedback.
Show more
Get a Quote (517) 894-5319

Company Info

Years in Business: 10

DOT #: 2475734

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Fragile-only packing
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
94.4% of all reviews were positive
5.6% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers consistently praise M & M Moving and Storage for courteous, professional service and careful handling of belongings. Most input describes efficient, prompt movers who work quickly without sacrificing attention to detail. The team earns high marks for being friendly, keeping rates affordable, and making the moving process less stressful.
Common highlights include punctual arrivals, well-protected items, and competitive, transparent pricing. Some feedback reveals dissatisfaction, mostly about significantly higher final bills than initial quotes, and occasional damage to belongings. Compared to many moving companies, M & M stands out for positive customer interactions and reliability, but a few have experienced cost discrepancies or property mishaps.
Show more
Get a Quote (517) 977-8859

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
Estimated costs are based on 2,324 miles and historical data. Final pricing can shift due to move size, extra services, parking logistics, demand in the market, and timing.

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 toggle

The cost of Lansing movers will depend on:

  • How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Lansing to Oakland may only cost $2,794, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $11,852.
  • The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Lansing.
  • Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,382–$3,592), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.

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

When is the best time to move from Lansing to Oakland?toggle

If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Lansing to Oakland. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Lansing.

When is the cheapest time to move from Lansing to Oakland?toggle

Want to save on your move from Lansing to Oakland? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.

How long does a move from Lansing to Oakland take?toggle

The 2,324-mile move from Lansing, MI, to Oakland, , takes seven to 18 days. Some Lansing movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Oakland.

What kinds of discounts do Lansing movers offer?toggle

Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 1 movers offer special pricing for military members. 1 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.

Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.

Need help moving a piano or antiques in Lansing?toggle

These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 7 movers in Lansing provide piano moving services. 2 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 46 piano movers and 18 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,173 and 1,401.

Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.

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