($1,236) Cost to Move From Madison, WI to Oakland, CA

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3. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
4. Top Notch Moving and Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
5. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.28 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Madison to Oakland

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Madison to Oakland, you can expect to spend between $1,236 and $4,901. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,348 to $7,621 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Madison to Oakland typically runs between $6,730 and $10,666.

Cost of moving containers from Madison to Oakland

When moving from Madison to Oakland, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,161 and $2,760. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,087 to $4,044. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,889 up to $5,979. 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 Wisconsin.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Madison to Oakland

Renting a moving truck in Madison 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 $1,191 and $2,186. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,264 and $2,709. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,628 and $3,319.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• As you consider relocating to Oakland, note that rent can be roughly 38% more expensive than it is in Madison; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
• Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 100% higher in Oakland than in Madison.
• Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 50% higher in Oakland compared to Madison, 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 37% more than in Madison. 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 57% more than it is in Madison.
• The unemployment rate in Oakland is 36% higher compared to Madison, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
• Sales taxes are 86% higher in Oakland than in Madison. 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 74% higher in California compared to Wisconsin. 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 63% greater than Madison.
• Oakland’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Madison’s score of 6.
• Oakland is more walkable than Madison with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Madison’s 50 out of 100.
• Both Oakland and Madison have similar bike-friendliness scores (66 vs 65), meaning Oakland is about as safe for cyclists as Madison. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
• Oakland’s crime rate is higher than Madison with a score of 68.62 compared to Madison’s 34.57. This means that Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
• Oakland is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 31.38 vs Madison’s 65.43.
• Air quality in Oakland is Good, and in Madison 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.