Top-rated movers to make your McAllen to Oakland move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in McAllen that offers long-distance services to Oakland can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed seven top local movers in McAllen who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from McAllen to Oakland.
- Rick’s Moving & Storage LLC: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Jones Moving & Storage Co., Inc.: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- Groves Moving and Storage: 4.16 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Flex Moving & Storage: 4.26 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 009769916C
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 1082164
Alternate Names: Rick’s Moving and Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0000006770
Years in Business: 86
DOT #: 125563
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 005443977C
Years in Business: 26
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 009668291C
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 2
DOT #: 3610638
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from McAllen to Oakland?
In Texas, moving services typically cost around $131 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,195 – $4,947 | $1,129 – $2,654 | $1,063 – $2,157 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,483 – $7,167 | $1,971 – $4,174 | $1,224 – $2,644 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,060 – $10,206 | $2,643 – $5,348 | $1,467 – $3,081 |
Cost to hire movers from McAllen to Oakland
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Oakland from McAllen, you can expect prices to land between $1,195 and $4,947. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $3,483 to $7,167 for the trip from McAllen to Oakland. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $6,060 and $10,206.
Cost of moving containers from McAllen to Oakland
Moving containers from McAllen to Oakland will cost you $1,129 to $2,654 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,971 to $4,174. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,643 to $5,348. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Texas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from McAllen to Oakland
Renting a moving truck from McAllen to Oakland typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,063 and $2,157 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,224 to $2,644. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,467 to $3,081.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your McAllen to Oakland move
The cost of McAllen movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,497 for a one-bedroom, or up to $9,934 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in McAllen.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $1,063 to $2,983, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from McAllen to Oakland
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Oakland runs about 116% higher for singles and 141% higher for families than McAllen.
Singles spend around $3,146 in McAllen versus $1,457 in McAllen; families pay $8,584 compared with $3,557.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| McAllen | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $813 | $1,969 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,360 | $4,450 |
| Average home value | $221,244 | $736,156 |
| Average income (per capita) | $57,439 | $94,389 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,457 | $3,146 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,557 | $8,584 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 4.5% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 13.3% |
- Planning a move to Oakland? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 63% higher than in McAllen, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Oakland are about 233% higher than those in McAllen.
- Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 64% higher in Oakland compared to McAllen, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Oakland, as living costs for a single person are 116% higher than in McAllen. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- 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 141% higher than in McAllen.
- The unemployment rate in Oakland is about 43% lower than in McAllen. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes in Oakland are 24% more than in McAllen, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- 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.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between McAllen and Oakland:
| Living Expense | McAllen | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $169.85 | $277.25 |
| Cell phone plan | $39.43 | $53.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.23 | $6.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.95 | $5.09 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $12.00 | $30.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $62.50 | $140.00 |
| Gym membership | $45.00 | $54.28 |
- Basic utilities cost less in McAllen than in Oakland, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in McAllen than in Oakland.
- Eggs are less expensive in McAllen than in Oakland.
- Bread costs less in McAllen than in Oakland.
- A quick meal is cheaper in McAllen than in Oakland.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in McAllen than in Oakland.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in McAllen than in Oakland.
How life is different in McAllen vs. Oakland
| McAllen | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 142,210 | 440,646 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 75 |
| Bike friendliness score | 46 | 65 |
| Crime index | 36.26 | 68.62 |
| Safety index | 63.74 | 31.38 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Oakland’s population is about 210% greater than McAllen.
- Oakland’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than McAllen’s score of 3.
- Oakland is more walkable than McAllen with a score of 75 out of 100 vs McAllen’s 41 out of 100.
- With a score of 65 out of 100, Oakland is more bike-friendly than McAllen, which has a score of 46 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 McAllen with a score of 68.62 compared to McAllen’s 36.26. This means that Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and McAllen neighborhoods are safer than 36.26%.
- Oakland is considered to be less safe than McAllen with a score of 31.38 vs McAllen’s 63.74.
- Air quality in Oakland is Good, and in McAllen it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your McAllen to Oakland move
- 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, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: California’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- 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: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Oakland. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Oakland
Planning your move to The Town? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Oakland.
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 features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Oakland Athletics (MLB)Oakland Roots DC (USLC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from McAllen to Oakland?
Planning your move from McAllen to Oakland? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in McAllen.
When is the cheapest time to move from McAllen to Oakland?
Because most people are moving from McAllen to Oakland in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from McAllen to Oakland take?
The 1,961-mile journey from McAllen, TX to Oakland, , typically takes five to 16 days. Some movers in McAllen offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Oakland.
Are piano and antique moving services available in McAllen?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In McAllen, 5 movers can manage piano relocations. 2 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Texas has 180 piano movers and 125 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
McAllen moving services
Popular Texas routes
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