($1,157) Cost to Move From Buffalo, NY to Oakland, CA

1. Wayfinder Moving Services : 4.64 out of 5 stars
2. Corrigan Moving Systems: 4.42 out of 5 stars
3. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.34 out of 5 stars
4. Best Buffalo Movers : 3.98 out of 5 stars
5. Pryority Movers : 4.02 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Buffalo to Oakland

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Buffalo to Oakland, you can expect to spend between $1,157 and $4,926. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,358 to $6,564 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Buffalo to Oakland typically runs between $6,066 and $11,003.

Cost of moving containers from Buffalo to Oakland

When moving from Buffalo to Oakland, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,413 and $3,182. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,340 to $5,126. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,455 up to $7,047. 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 New York.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Buffalo to Oakland

Renting a moving truck in Buffalo is usually your cheapest option to get to Oakland. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,522 and $2,892. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,602 and $3,477. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $2,043 and $4,184.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• As you consider relocating to Oakland, note that rent can be roughly 83% more expensive than it is in Buffalo; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
• Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 245% higher in Oakland than in Buffalo.
• Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 49% higher in Oakland compared to Buffalo, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
• Plan for higher expenses in Oakland, since the cost of living for a single person is 22% more than in Buffalo. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
• If your journey leads to Oakland, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Oakland is 50% more than it is in Buffalo.
• Oakland experiences an unemployment rate that is about 53% lower than that of Buffalo. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
• Sales taxes are 17% higher in Oakland than in Buffalo. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
• Income taxes are 22% higher in California compared to New York. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.

• Oakland’s population is about 58% greater than Buffalo.
• Oakland’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Buffalo’s score of 7.
• Oakland is more walkable than Buffalo with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Buffalo’s 67 out of 100.
• Both Oakland and Buffalo have similar bike-friendliness scores (63 vs 65), meaning Oakland is about as safe for cyclists as Buffalo. 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 Buffalo with a score of 68.62 compared to Buffalo’s 8.0. This means that Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Buffalo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0%.
• Oakland is considered to be less safe than Buffalo with a score of 31.38 vs Buffalo’s 53.55.
• Air quality in Oakland is Good, and in Buffalo it’s Moderate.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a California moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While California doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Oakland smoothly. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

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: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Oakland offers cultural landmarks 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Oakland Athletics (MLB)Oakland Roots DC (USLC) game.