The best local movers for Charleston to Oakland moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Charleston that also handles long-distance moves to Oakland. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated five local movers in Charleston who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Charleston to Oakland.
- Central Van & Storage, Inc.: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Dunbar Transfer: 4.0 out of 5 stars
- Evans Van & Storage: 3.94 out of 5 stars
- Watts Brothers Moving and Storage Systems: 4.14 out of 5 stars
- Positive Moves: 3.78 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 076235
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 1186580
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 070851
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 587135
Alternate Names: Future Enterprises Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Fragile-only packing
How much does it cost to move from Charleston to Oakland?
The average hourly rate for movers in West Virginia is . Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,253 – $5,364 | $1,387 – $3,221 | $1,356 – $2,872 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,631 – $8,236 | $2,370 – $4,883 | $1,469 – $3,224 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,972 – $12,628 | $3,264 – $6,310 | $1,914 – $3,916 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Oakland
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Charleston to Oakland will cost between $1,253 and $5,364. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Charleston to Charleston will range from $3,631 to $8,236, and a large move from Charleston to Oakland will cost from $6,972 to $12,628.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Oakland
If you’re moving from Charleston to Oakland, expect to pay between $1,387 and $3,221 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,370 up to $4,883. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $3,264 and $6,310. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from West Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Charleston to Oakland
Renting a moving truck from Charleston to Oakland is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,356 and $2,872. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,469 and $3,224. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,914 up to $3,916 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Charleston to Oakland

What to know before moving from Charleston to Oakland
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Oakland runs about 103% higher for singles and 122% higher for families than Charleston.
Singles spend around $3,146 in Charleston versus $1,549 in Charleston; families pay $8,584 compared with $3,862.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Charleston | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $933 | $1,969 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,800 | $4,450 |
| Average home value | $153,672 | $736,156 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,354 | $94,389 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,549 | $3,146 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,862 | $8,584 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 4.5% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 6.5% | 13.3% |
- Rent is estimated to be 151% higher in Oakland compared to Charleston; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 379% greater in Oakland than in Charleston.
- Here’s some promising news: the average income is around 59% higher in Oakland than in Charleston, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Oakland, since the cost of living for a single person in Oakland is 103% higher than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- When relocating to Oakland, it’s important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Oakland is 122% greater than in Charleston.
- Oakland enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 27% lower compared to Charleston, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes rise by 46% in Oakland over Charleston, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Income taxes are 105% higher in California than in West Virginia, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Charleston and Oakland:
| Living Expense | Charleston | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $128.95 | $277.25 |
| Cell phone plan | $45.33 | $53.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.26 | $6.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.20 | $5.09 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $30.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $50.00 | $140.00 |
| Gym membership | $31.00 | $54.28 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Charleston than in Oakland, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Charleston than in Oakland.
- Eggs are less expensive in Charleston than in Oakland.
- Bread costs less in Charleston than in Oakland.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Charleston than in Oakland.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Charleston than in Oakland.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Charleston than in Oakland.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Oakland
| Charleston | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 48,018 | 440,646 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 33 | 75 |
| Bike friendliness score | 28 | 65 |
| Crime index | 53.94 | 68.62 |
| Safety index | 46.06 | 31.38 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Oakland’s population is about 818% greater than Charleston.
- Oakland’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Charleston’s score of 2.
- Oakland is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Charleston’s 33 out of 100.
- With a score of 65 out of 100, Oakland is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 28 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 Charleston with a score of 68.62 compared to Charleston’s 53.94. This means that Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94%.
- Oakland is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 31.38 vs Charleston’s 46.06.
- Air quality in Oakland is Good, and in Charleston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Charleston to Oakland move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: California doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Oakland. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Oakland
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to The 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
Things to do in Oakland
Once you’re settled into your new home in California, it’s time to get out and discover what Oakland has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Oakland, such as 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Oakland Athletics (MLB)Oakland Roots DC (USLC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charleston to Oakland?
When is the cheapest time to move from Charleston to Oakland?
How long does a move from Charleston to Oakland take?
Who can move pianos or antiques in Charleston?
Helpful moving resources
Charleston moving services
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