($1,208) Cost to Move From Charleston, SC to Oakland, CA

1. Smooth Move Charleston: 4.72 out of 5 stars
2. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
3. Low Country Moving, LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
4. Cougar Moving: 4.24 out of 5 stars
5. Reads Moving Systems of Carolina, Inc.: 4.42 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Oakland

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Oakland, you can expect to spend between $1,208 and $5,196. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,714 to $7,752 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Charleston to Oakland typically runs between $6,642 and $11,554.

Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Oakland

When moving from Charleston to Oakland, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,374 and $3,668. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,363 to $5,091. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,431 up to $6,941. 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 South Carolina.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Oakland

Renting a moving truck in Charleston 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 $1,498 and $3,113. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,656 and $3,599. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $2,114 and $4,548.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 12% lower in Oakland than in Charleston, giving you more disposable income monthly.
• Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 32% higher in Oakland than in Charleston.
• Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 52% higher in Oakland compared to Charleston, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
• Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Oakland, where the cost of living for a single person is 41% less than in Charleston.
• If your journey leads to Oakland, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Oakland is 9% more than it is in Charleston.
• The unemployment rate in Oakland is 13% higher compared to Charleston, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
• Sales taxes are 14% higher in Oakland than in Charleston. 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 90% higher in California compared to South Carolina. 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 193% greater than Charleston.
• Oakland’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 3.
• Oakland is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 40 out of 100.
• With a score of 65 out of 100, Oakland is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 50 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 Charleston with a score of 68.62 compared to Charleston’s 44.97. This means that Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
• Oakland is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 31.38 vs Charleston’s 55.03.
• Air quality in Oakland is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.

• 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.