Top Pittsburgh, PA to Oakland, CA Movers

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

1. Don Farr Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
2. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.66 out of 5 stars
3. South Hills Movers: 4.66 out of 5 stars
4. Gardner Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
5. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Pennsylvania to California

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Pennsylvania to California will cost between $1,465 and $5,847. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from PA to CA will range from $4,165 to $8,798, and a large move from Pennsylvania to California will cost from $7,832 to $13,620.

Cost of moving containers from Pennsylvania to California

If you're relocating from Pennsylvania to California, you'll typically spend between $1,512 and $3,612 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,713 up to $5,533. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $3,550 and $7,222. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Pennsylvania.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Pennsylvania to California

A moving rental truck 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 $1,552 to $3,069. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,787 to $3,691, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Pennsylvania to California costs around $2,168 to $4,436.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• You may want to budget more for rent in Oakland, since prices are typically 47% higher than in Pittsburgh.
• The home prices in Oakland are 230.9% higher than in Pittsburgh, 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, 73.8% higher than in Pittsburgh. 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 47.8% higher than in Pittsburgh. 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 71.3% higher than in Pittsburgh.
• The unemployment rate in Oakland is 36.62% lower than in Pittsburgh.
• Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Oakland, since its sales taxes are 46.43% higher than what you are paying in Pittsburgh.
• State income taxes in Oakland are 333.22% higher than in Pittsburgh.

• Oakland's population is about 45% greater than Pittsburgh.
• Oakland's public transportation has a similar score to Pittsburgh.
• Oakland is more walkable than Pittsburgh with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Pittsburgh's 62 out of 100.
• With a score of 65 out of 100, Oakland is more bike-friendly than Pittsburgh, which has a score of 55 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 Pittsburgh with a score of 68.62 compared to Pittsburgh's 37.74. This means that Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Pittsburgh neighborhoods are safer than 37.74%.
• Oakland is considered to be less safe than Pittsburgh with a score of 31.38 vs Pittsburgh's 62.26.
• Air quality in Oakland is good, and in Pittsburgh 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 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 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.