Jersey City, NJ to Oakland, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Jersey City to Oakland typically costs $4,500–$8,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,893 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Jersey City to Oakland
Moving from Jersey City, NJ to Oakland, CA typically costs $4,500–$8,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,893-mile move from Jersey City to Oakland, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $8,425 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $2,601 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a moving container.
- AB Moving recently quoted $3,988 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 28, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 28, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 21, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 05, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 14, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 13, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 12, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 31, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 15, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 13, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Jersey City to Oakland
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Jersey City to Oakland may only cost $2,800, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $13,600.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Jersey City.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,700–$5,100), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Oakland, CA to Jersey City, NJ guide.
Best Jersey City to Oakland movers by type
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Jersey City to Oakland
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Jersey City to Oakland. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best NJ→CA movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 86 New Jersey 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.
What to know before moving from Jersey City to Oakland
Many movers find Oakland easier on the wallet than Jersey City - roughly 28% less for singles and 13% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,146 for one person in Oakland versus $4,397 in Jersey City. For a family of four, it's $8,584 compared with $9,861.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Jersey City | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,306 | $1,969 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,833 | $4,450 |
| Average home value | $589,419 | $736,156 |
| Average income (per capita) | $75,265 | $94,389 |
| Cost of living (single) | $4,397 | $3,146 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,861 | $8,584 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.3% | 4.5% |
| Sales tax | 6.63% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 10.7% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 26% less expensive in Oakland than in Jersey City, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 25% steeper in Oakland compared to Jersey City.
- Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 25% greater in Oakland than in Jersey City, 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 28% below that of Jersey City.
- A move to Oakland can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 13% lower compared to Jersey City.
- Oakland has a lower unemployment rate than Jersey City by about 46%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes in Oakland surpass those in Jersey City by 55%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 24% more in California than in New Jersey. 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 Jersey City versus Oakland:
| Living Expense | Jersey City | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $118.73 | $277.25 |
| Cell phone plan | $41.88 | $53.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.71 | $6.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.97 | $5.09 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $30.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $140.00 |
| Gym membership | $80.00 | $54.28 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Jersey City than in Oakland, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Jersey City than in Oakland.
- Eggs are less expensive in Jersey City than in Oakland.
- Bread costs less in Jersey City than in Oakland.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Jersey City than in Oakland.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Jersey City than in Oakland.
- Gym memberships cost more in Jersey City than in Oakland.
How life is different in Jersey City vs. Oakland
| Jersey City | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 292,449 | 440,646 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 87 | 75 |
| Bike friendliness score | 64 | 65 |
| Crime index | 43.21 | 68.62 |
| Safety index | 56.79 | 31.38 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Oakland's population is about 51% greater than Jersey City.
- Oakland's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is lower than Jersey City's score of 9.
- Oakland is less walkable than Jersey City with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Jersey City's 87 out of 100.
- Both Oakland and Jersey City have similar bike-friendliness scores (64 vs 65), meaning Oakland is about as safe for cyclists as Jersey City. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Oakland's crime rate is higher than Jersey City with a score of 68.62 compared to Jersey City's 43.21. This means that Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Jersey City neighborhoods are safer than 43.21%.
- Oakland is considered to be less safe than Jersey City with a score of 31.38 vs Jersey City's 56.79.
- Air quality in Oakland is Good, and in Jersey City it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Jersey City to Oakland move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- 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 Jersey City to Oakland?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Jersey City to Oakland. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Jersey City.
When is the cheapest time to move from Jersey City to Oakland?
Want to save on your move from Jersey City 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 Jersey City to Oakland take?
The 2,893-mile move from Jersey City, NJ, to Oakland, CA, takes seven to 21 days. Some Jersey City 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 Jersey City movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In Jersey City, 3 movers provide AAA member discounts. 8 movers offer special pricing for military members. 9 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 Jersey City?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 143 movers in Jersey City provide piano moving services. 116 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 77 piano movers and 60 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,294 and 1,462.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
