Factors influencing moving costs from Oakland to Olympiatoggle

The cost of Oakland movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Oakland to Olympia can be as low as $1,351 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $8,473.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Oakland, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $639 to $1,474. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Oakland to Olympia

Oakland Olympia
Average rent cost $2,200 $1,895
Average home value $736,156 $508,798
Average income (per capita) $94,389 $66,492
Cost of living (single person) $3,146 $2,473
Cost of living (family of 4) $8,584 $5,391
Unemployment rate 4.5% 5.6%
Sales tax 10.25% 9.4%
State income tax 13.3% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Olympia are 14% lower than in Oakland.
  • Home prices in Olympia are 30.9% lower than in Oakland.
  • Income in Olympia is 29.6% lower than in Oakland.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Olympia is 21.4% lower than in Oakland.
  • The cost of living for a family in Olympia is 37.2% lower than in Oakland.
  • The unemployment rate in Olympia is 24.44% higher than in Oakland.
  • Sales taxes in Olympia are 8.29% lower than in Oakland.
  • State income taxes in Olympia are 100.00% lower than in Oakland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,358.23 in Olympia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Oakland.

How life is different in Oakland vs. Olympia

Olympia Oakland
Population 55,605 440,646
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 8
Walkability score 39 75
Bike friendliness score 59 65
Crime Index 27.95 68.62
Safety Index 62.25 31.38
Air Quality Good Good
  • Olympia's population is about 87% less than Oakland.
  • Olympia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Oakland's lower score of 8.
  • Olympia is less walkable than Oakland with a score of 39 out of 100 vs Oakland's 75 out of 100.
  • Olympia has a bike-friendliness score 59 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Oakland, which has a score of 65 out of 100.
  • Olympia's crime rate is lower than Oakland with a score of 27.95 compared to Oakland's 68.62. This means that Olympia neighborhoods are safer than 27.95% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62%.
  • Olympia is considered to be safer than Oakland with a safety index of 62.25 vs Oakland's 31.38.
  • Air quality in Olympia is good, and in Oakland it's good.

Other things to consider for your Oakland vs. Olympia move

  • Weather: July, August and September are the driest months in Olympia, WA and so it would be best to plan moving during these months. Snow and rain might be a challenge deo relocation during the colder months, specially during December and January.
  • 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 you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Washington does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Olympia. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers' insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Olympia

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Oly", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Olympia.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • South Capitol
  • Downtown
  • Bigelow Highlands
  • Upper Eastside
  • Eastside
  • North East
  • Bigelow
  • South Westside
  • Woodfield Estates
  • Wellington West

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Bigelow Highlands
  • Holiday Hills
  • Woodfield Estates
  • Eastside
  • Cain Road
  • Indian Creek
  • Governor Stevens
  • Bigelow
  • Carlyon-North
  • Wellington West

Things to do in Olympiatoggle

After settling into your new Washington home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Olympia has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Olympia is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Hands On Children's Museum, Olympic Flight Museum, WET Science Center, Bigelow House Museum, and Childhood's End Gallery.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Squaxin Park, Percival Landing, and Tolmie State Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Oakland to Olympia?

The best time to move from Oakland to Olympia is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Oakland.

When is the cheapest time to move from Oakland to Olympia?

Because most people are moving from Oakland to Olympia 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 Oakland to Olympia take?

The 743-mile move from Oakland, CA, to Olympia, WA, takes one to six days. Some Oakland movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Olympia.

Helpful moving resources