Top-rated movers to make your Cincinnati to Oakland move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Cincinnati that offers long-distance services to Oakland can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 12 top local movers in Cincinnati who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Cincinnati to Oakland.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Clark and Sons Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move Relocation Services: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.34 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 136562
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1237577
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 604361
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2962688
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00604903
Years in Business: 23
DOT #: 1878284
Alternate Names: Smooth Move Relocation Services LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2878240
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhops Moving Help
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Cincinnati to Oakland?
In Ohio, moving services typically cost around $153 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,280 – $5,438 | $1,308 – $2,998 | $1,354 – $2,593 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,670 – $7,477 | $2,234 – $4,540 | $1,495 – $3,178 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,757 – $12,040 | $2,918 – $6,473 | $1,726 – $3,712 |
Cost to hire movers from Cincinnati to Oakland
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Oakland from Cincinnati, you can expect prices to land between $1,280 and $5,438. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $3,670 to $7,477 for the trip from Cincinnati to Oakland. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $6,757 and $12,040.
Cost of moving containers from Cincinnati to Oakland
Moving containers from Cincinnati to Oakland will cost you $1,308 to $2,998 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,234 to $4,540. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,918 to $6,473. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Ohio.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Cincinnati to Oakland
Renting a moving truck from Cincinnati to Oakland typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,354 and $2,593 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,495 to $3,178. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,726 to $3,712.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Cincinnati to Oakland move

What to know before moving from Cincinnati to Oakland
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Oakland runs about 28% higher for singles and 34% higher for families than Cincinnati.
Singles spend around $3,146 in Cincinnati versus $2,467 in Cincinnati; families pay $8,584 compared with $6,418.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Cincinnati | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,488 | $1,969 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,893 | $4,450 |
| Average home value | $232,735 | $736,156 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,682 | $94,389 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,467 | $3,146 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,418 | $8,584 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 4.5% |
| Sales tax | 6.5% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 13.3% |
- Planning a move to Oakland? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 52% higher than in Cincinnati, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Oakland are about 216% higher than those in Cincinnati.
- Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 44% higher in Oakland compared to Cincinnati, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Oakland, as living costs for a single person are 28% higher than in Cincinnati. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- 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 34% higher than in Cincinnati.
- The unemployment rate in Oakland is about 8% lower than in Cincinnati. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes in Oakland are 58% more than in Cincinnati, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in California are 280% above those in Ohio. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Cincinnati and Oakland:
| Living Expense | Cincinnati | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $128.95 | $277.25 |
| Cell phone plan | $56.81 | $53.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.26 | $6.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.30 | $5.09 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $30.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $140.00 |
| Gym membership | $30.82 | $54.28 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Cincinnati than in Oakland, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Cincinnati than in Oakland.
- Eggs are less expensive in Cincinnati than in Oakland.
- Bread costs less in Cincinnati than in Oakland.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Cincinnati than in Oakland.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Cincinnati than in Oakland.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Cincinnati than in Oakland.
How life is different in Cincinnati vs. Oakland
| Cincinnati | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 309,317 | 440,646 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 49 | 75 |
| Bike friendliness score | 36 | 65 |
| Crime index | 48.47 | 68.62 |
| Safety index | 49.53 | 31.38 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Oakland’s population is about 42% greater than Cincinnati.
- Oakland’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Cincinnati’s score of 6.
- Oakland is more walkable than Cincinnati with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Cincinnati’s 49 out of 100.
- With a score of 65 out of 100, Oakland is more bike-friendly than Cincinnati, which has a score of 36 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 Cincinnati with a score of 68.62 compared to Cincinnati’s 48.47. This means that Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Cincinnati neighborhoods are safer than 48.47%.
- Oakland is considered to be less safe than Cincinnati with a score of 31.38 vs Cincinnati’s 49.53.
- Air quality in Oakland is Good, and in Cincinnati it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Cincinnati to Oakland move
- 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, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: California’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- 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: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Oakland. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Oakland
Planning your move to The Town? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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
After settling into your new California home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Oakland has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Oakland features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Oakland Athletics (MLB)Oakland Roots DC (USLC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Cincinnati to Oakland?
When is the cheapest time to move from Cincinnati to Oakland?
How long does a move from Cincinnati to Oakland take?
Are there special savings available from movers in Cincinnati?
Are piano and antique moving services available in Cincinnati?
Helpful moving resources
Cincinnati moving services
Popular Ohio routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!