Key factors that impact the cost of your Denver to Oakland movetoggle

The cost of Denver movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Denver to Oakland (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,468, while larger moves may reach $9,308 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Denver.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $920 to $2,235, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Denver to Oakland

Moving from Denver to Oakland means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Denver than in Oakland, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Denver compares to Oakland so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Denver Oakland
Average rent cost $1,900 $2,200
Average home value $544,237 $736,156
Average income (per capita) $85,853 $94,389
Cost of living (single person) $3,392 $3,146
Cost of living (family of 4) $8,201 $8,584
Unemployment rate 7.1% 4.5%
Sales tax 9.15% 10.25%
State income tax 5.49% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Oakland are 16% higher than in Denver, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Denver.
    Home prices in Oakland are 35.3% higher than in Denver.
  • Income in Oakland is 9.9% higher than in Denver, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Oakland include Kaiser Permanente, Dreyer's, and The Clorox Company.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Oakland is 7.3% lower than in Denver. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™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 4.7% higher than in Denver.
  • The unemployment rate in Oakland is 36.62% lower than in Denver.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Oakland, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Oakland are 12.02% higher than in Denver.
  • State income taxes in Oakland are 142.26% higher than in Denver.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,782.43 in Oakland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Denver.

How life is different in Denver vs. Oakland

Oakland Denver
Population 440,646 715,522
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 8
Walkability score 75 95
Bike friendliness score 65 96
Crime Index 68.62 47.84
Safety Index 31.38 52.16
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Oakland might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 38% less than Denver.
  • Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Oakland will be about the same as it currently is in Denver. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
  • Oakland neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Denver. Based on its score of 75 out of 100, Oakland isnโ€™t as walkable as Denver, which has a score of 95 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
  • You probably wonโ€™t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Oakland, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Denver. While Denver has a bike-friendliness score of 96 out of 100, Oakland earned a 65. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
  • The crime rate in Oakland is higher than in Denver, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 68.62 in Oakland, it is 47.84 in Denver. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโ€™s crime levels.
  • You may want to exercise more caution as youโ€™re getting used to your new surroundings in Oakland. With a crime index of 31.38, Oakland ranks lower in overall safety than Denver, whose index is Denver's 52.16. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
  • You can breathe easy knowing that Oakland has better air quality than in Denver. Oakland has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Denver. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.

Other things to consider for your Denver vs. Oakland move

  • Weather: Oakland features warm, dry summers, and mild, wet winters.
  • 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โ€œT Numberโ€ 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 verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: California 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 Oakland. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Opt for Released Value Protection โ€“ 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.

Where to live in Oakland

Now that you've decided to make the move to "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

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

  • Arts and culture: Oakland is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Oakland Museum of California, Chabot Space & Science Center, USS Potomac, Oakland Aviation Museum, and African American Museum and Library.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Redwood Regional Park, Joaquin Miller Park, East Bay Regional Park District, and Lakeside Park and Garden Center 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 Oakland Athletics (MLB) and Oakland Roots DC (USLC) game.

FAQ

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

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Denver to Oakland are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Denver are lower.

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

With many people choosing to move from Denver to Oakland in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Denver to Oakland take?

Moving from Denver, CO to Oakland, CA covers 1,246 miles and usually takes two to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Denver movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Oakland.

Helpful moving resources