Top Durham, NC to Oakland, CA Movers

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Oakland to Durham guide.

1. Miracle Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
2. Bellhop Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
3. Athens Moving Experts: 4.86 out of 5 stars
4. Truckin' Movers Corporation: 4.62 out of 5 stars
5. TROSA Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from North Carolina to California

If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom home from North Carolina to California, you can expect to spend between $1,350 and $6,233. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $4,412 to $8,943 on the same route (NC to CA). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from North Carolina to California typically runs between $7,583 and $13,197.

Cost of moving containers from North Carolina to California

Moving from North Carolina to California? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $1,556 and $3,878. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,845 to $5,947. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $4,005 up to $8,438. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from North Carolina.

Cost of moving truck rentals from North Carolina to California

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you'll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.

If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,775 and $3,578. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,885 to $3,936. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $2,502 and $4,731.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

• You may want to budget more for rent in Oakland, since prices are typically 30% higher than in Durham.
• The home prices in Oakland are 87.9% higher than in Durham, 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, 36.6% higher than in Durham. 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 12.2% higher than in Durham. 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 44.4% higher than in Durham.
• The unemployment rate in Oakland is 9.76% higher than in Durham.
• Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Oakland, since its sales taxes are 36.67% higher than what you are paying in Durham.
• State income taxes in Oakland are 195.56% higher than in Durham.

• Oakland's population is about 55% greater than Durham.
• Oakland's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Durham's lower score of 4.
• Oakland is more walkable than Durham with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Durham's 30 out of 100.
• With a score of 65 out of 100, Oakland is more bike-friendly than Durham, which has a score of 38 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Oakland's crime rate is higher than Durham with a score of 68.62 compared to Durham's 54.72. This means that Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72%.
• Oakland is considered to be less safe than Durham with a score of 31.38 vs Durham's 45.28.
• Air quality in Oakland is good, and in Durham it's good.

• 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. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
• 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: 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.

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

After getting comfortable in your new California home, it's time to see what Oakland is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: Oakland is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Oakland Athletics (MLB) and Oakland Roots DC (USLC) game.