$1,240 Movers From Charleston to Oakland

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Charleston, SC to Oakland, CA averages from $1,684 to $7,432 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Charleston moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Oakland, CA.

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

Moving from Charleston to Oakland resources

Moving 2,764 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Charleston to Oakland?

Charleston movers charge $134 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move Size Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,240 - $5,284 $1,484 - $3,662 $1,635 - $3,076
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,007 - $7,432 $2,452 - $5,445 $1,684 - $3,626
4+ bedrooms $7,253 - $11,754 $3,490 - $7,498 $2,107 - $4,270
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,764 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Charleston to Oakland will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Charleston, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Charleston to Oakland?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Oakland will cost between $1,240 to $5,284. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $4,007 to $7,432, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Charleston to Oakland will cost from $7,253 to $11,754.

How much are moving container companies from Charleston to Oakland?

Moving containers from Charleston to Oakland will cost you $1,484 to $3,662 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,452 to $5,445. A larger home will cost $3,490 to $7,498.

How much is a moving truck from Charleston to Oakland?

Renting a moving truck is usually 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 $1,635 to $3,076. A larger move will cost $1,684 to $3,626, and a four-bedroom move from Charleston to Oakland costs from $2,107 to $4,270. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Charleston to Oakland moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Charleston to Oakland is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Charleston to Oakland.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Charleston to Oakland

Cost of living: Charleston vs Oakland

Charleston Oakland
Average rent cost $2,500 $2,290
Average home value $531,165 $774,077
Average income (per capita) $60,732 $85,628
Cost of Living (single person) $1,055 $2,995
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,685 $8,007
Unemployment rate 4.0% 7.7%
Sales Tax 9.0% 10.25%
State Income Tax 7.0% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Oakland are 8% lower than in Charleston.
  • Home prices in Oakland are 45.7% higher than in Charleston.
  • Income in Oakland is 41.0% higher than in Charleston.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Oakland is 183.9% higher than in Charleston.
  • The cost of living for a family in Oakland is 117.3% higher than in Charleston.
  • The unemployment rate in Oakland is 92.50% higher than in Charleston.
  • Sales taxes in Oakland are 13.89% higher than in Charleston.
  • State income taxes in Oakland are 90.00% higher than in Charleston.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $8,516.59 in Oakland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.

How is life different in Charleston compared to Oakland?

Oakland Charleston
Population 440,646 150,277
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 3
Walkability score 75 40
Bike friendliness score 65 50
Crime Index 68.7 18.0
Safety Index 31.3 61.13
Air Quality Good Good
  • Oakland's population is about 193% greater than Charleston.
  • Oakland's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Charleston's higher score of 3.
  • Oakland is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Charleston's 40 out of 100.
  • Oakland is more bike-friendly than Charleston with a score of 65 out of 100 vs Charleston's 50.
  • Oakland's crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 68.7 compared to Charleston's 18.0. This means that Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.7% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 18.0%.
  • Oakland is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 31.3 vs Charleston's 61.13.
  • Air quality in Oakland is good, and in Charleston it's good.

Considerations for moving to Oakland

  • 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.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. 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.

Local Charleston movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Smooth Move Charleston Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
4767 Rivers Avenue, Charleston, SC, 29405
(843) 860-9717
Professional Movers of Charleston Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.42 overall rating
1583 Harborsun Drive, Charleston, SC, 29412
(843) 352-8696

Visit our best long distance movers in Charleston page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Oakland

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Town", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Oakland.

Best neighborhoods for singles:

  • Downtown
  • Grand Lake
  • Piedmont Avenue
  • Rockridge
  • Temescal

Best neighborhoods for families:

  • Fairview Park
  • Rockridge
  • Bushrod
  • Upper Rockridge
  • Lakeshore

What to do in Oakland

These are some of the best things to do in your new California home.

  • Oracle Arena
  • Oakland Museum of California
  • Redwood Regional Park
  • Oakland Zoo
  • San Francisco Bay Ferry
  • Lake Merritt
  • Jack London Square
  • The Cathedral of Christ the Light
  • Mountain View Cemetery
  • Chabot Space & Science Center
  • Children's Fairyland
  • Fox Theater

Get your sports on!

Oakland is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Oakland Athletics (MLB)
  • Oakland Roots DC (USLC)

FAQs about moving from Charleston to Oakland

When is the best time to move from Charleston to Oakland?

The best time to move from Charleston to Oakland is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 72ºF and the winter lows of 44ºF in Oakland.

When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Oakland?

Because most people are moving from Charleston to Oakland in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

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