Quick answer: For a 2,078-mile move from Memphis to Oakland, expect to spend around $1,342 – $8,012 and six to 17 days in transit. Cost and time vary by move size, date, and whether you’re going DIY or using a moving company.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our guide to moving from Oakland to Memphis.
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Best professional movers from Memphis to Oakland
A full-service mover can streamline every step of your interstate move from Memphis to Oakland. While they handle the packing, loading, and transportation, you’re free to focus on securing your new home, planning your first few weeks, or just taking a breath before the next chapter begins.
There are 7 interstate moving companies in Memphis, below, you’ll find our top recommendations equipped to get you to Oakland efficiently and with minimal stress.
What moving services are available in Memphis?
How we chose the best movers TN→CA movers
Top-rated local movers that handle Memphis to Oakland moves
When planning a move from Memphis to Oakland, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing local movers in Memphis who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Memphis to Oakland.
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Guardian Moving Systems: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Cord Moving and Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: All My Sons Moving & Storage of Memphis, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: BSTB Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
Alternate Names: Alexander Mayflower , Alexander Moving Express , Mayflower Transit
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 68
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Armstrong Transfer & Storage Company, Inc. , United Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 104
DOT #: 181102
Alternate Names: Cord Moving – Memphis , North American Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Memphis to Oakland?
Movers in Tennessee charge $123 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 | $1,391 – $5,435 | $1,277 – $2,918 | $1,202 – $2,343 |
2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,524 – $8,012 | $2,184 – $4,411 | $1,342 – $2,932 |
4+ bedrooms | $6,817 – $12,444 | $3,025 – $5,958 | $1,795 – $3,521 |
Cost to hire movers from Memphis to Oakland
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Memphis to Oakland, you can expect to spend between $1,391 and $5,435. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,524 to $8,012 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Memphis to Oakland typically runs between $6,817 and $12,444.
Cost of moving containers from Memphis to Oakland
When moving from Memphis to Oakland, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,277 and $2,918. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,184 to $4,411. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,025 up to $5,958. 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 Tennessee.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Memphis to Oakland
Renting a moving truck Memphis 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 $1,202 and $2,343. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,342 and $2,932. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,795 and $3,521.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Memphis to Oakland

What to know before moving from Memphis to Oakland
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Oakland runs about 71% higher for singles and 95% higher for families than Memphis.
Singles spend around $3,146 in Memphis versus $1,842 in Memphis; families pay $8,584 compared with $4,402.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
Memphis | Oakland | |
---|---|---|
Average 1 BR rent | $1,187 | $1,969 |
Average 3 BR rent | $1,571 | $4,450 |
Average home value | $143,715 | $736,156 |
Average income (per capita) | $48,090 | $94,389 |
Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 4.5% |
Sales tax | 9.75% | 10.25% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- As you consider relocating to Oakland, note that rent can be roughly 69% more expensive than it is in Memphis; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 412% higher in Oakland than in Memphis.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 96% higher in Oakland compared to Memphis, 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 71% more than in Memphis. 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 95% more than it is in Memphis.
- Oakland experiences an unemployment rate that is about 44% lower than that of Memphis. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are similar in Oakland and Memphis (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
- California has a state income tax, while Tennessee does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Memphis with Oakland:
Living Expense | Memphis | Oakland |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $213.78 | $277.25 |
Cell phone plan | $58.88 | $53.00 |
Dozen eggs | $4.12 | $6.71 |
Loaf of bread | $2.83 | $5.09 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.50 | $30.00 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $140.00 |
Gym membership | $37.67 | $54.28 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Memphis than in Oakland, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Memphis than in Oakland.
- Eggs are less expensive in Memphis than in Oakland.
- Bread costs less in Memphis than in Oakland.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Memphis than in Oakland.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Memphis than in Oakland.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Memphis than in Oakland.
How life is different in Memphis vs. Oakland
Memphis | Oakland | |
---|---|---|
Population | 633,104 | 440,646 |
Transportation score | 4 | 8 |
Walkability score | 35 | 75 |
Bike friendliness score | 41 | 65 |
Crime index | 77.49 | 68.62 |
Safety index | 22.51 | 31.38 |
Air quality | Good | Good |
- Oakland’s population is about 30% less than Memphis.
- Oakland’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Memphis’s score of 4.
- Oakland is more walkable than Memphis with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Memphis’s 35 out of 100.
- With a score of 65 out of 100, Oakland is more bike-friendly than Memphis, which has a score of 41 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Oakland’s crime rate is lower than Memphis with a score of 68.62 compared to Memphis’s 77.49. This means that Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Memphis neighborhoods are safer than 77.49%.
- Oakland is considered to be safer than Memphis with a safety index of 31.38 vs Memphis’s 22.51.
- Air quality in Oakland is Good, and in Memphis it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Memphis to Oakland move
- 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.
Where to live in Oakland
Now that you’ve chosen The Town as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Oakland to check out.
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.
FAQ
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