($1,266) Cost to Move From Houston, TX to Oakland, CA

1. A Better Tripp Moving & Storage: 4.64 out of 5 stars
2. 3 Men Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
3. Bellhop Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
4. Square Cow: 4.7 out of 5 stars
5. Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Houston to Oakland

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Houston to Oakland typically costs between $1,266 and $4,701. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,404 and $6,886 when moving from Houston to Oakland. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Houston to Oakland, you’re looking at costs ranging from $5,891 up to $10,272.

Cost of moving containers from Houston to Oakland

If you’re relocating from Houston to Oakland, you’ll typically spend between $1,170 and $2,890 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,062 up to $4,192. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,605 and $5,207. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

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

Cost of moving truck rentals from Houston to Oakland

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Houston to Oakland move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.

If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,095 and $2,088. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,232 to $2,484. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,510 and $3,165.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

• Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 42% higher in Oakland than in Houston, which may impact your monthly finances.
• A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 179% higher in Oakland than in Houston.
• Exciting news here, the average income is about 35% higher in Oakland than in Houston, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
• Anticipate increased living expenses in Oakland, as the cost of living for a single person in Oakland is 14% greater than in Houston. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
• As you plan your move to Oakland, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 20% more than it is in Houston.
• The unemployment rate in Oakland exceeds that of Houston by about 10%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
• Sales taxes in Oakland exceed those in Houston by 24%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
• California has a state income tax, while Texas 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.

• Oakland’s population is about 81% less than Houston.
• Oakland’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Houston’s score of 5.
• Oakland is more walkable than Houston with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Houston’s 47 out of 100.
• With a score of 65 out of 100, Oakland is more bike-friendly than Houston, which has a score of 49 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 Houston with a score of 68.62 compared to Houston’s 63.5. This means that Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5%.
• Oakland is considered to be less safe than Houston with a score of 31.38 vs Houston’s 36.5.
• Air quality in Oakland is Good, and in Houston it’s Good.

• HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
• Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
• 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 check the status of a California moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in California, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Oakland without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover 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

Now that you’ve made the move to California, it’s the perfect time to explore Oakland. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

• Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Oakland include museums and art centers like the Oakland Museum of California, Chabot Space & Science Center, USS Potomac, and Oakland Aviation Museum.
• Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Redwood Regional Park, Joaquin Miller Park, East Bay Regional Park District, and Lakeside Park and Garden Center, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
• Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Oakland Athletics (MLB)Oakland Roots DC (USLC) game.