($1,208) Moving from Chicago to Oakland
Quick answer: A move from Chicago to Oakland costs $1,286 to $7,112 and takes six-seventeen days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 2,124-mile move yourself.
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Hiring a long-distance moving company from Chicago will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Oakland to Chicago guide.
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The best Chicago to Oakland moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chicago to Oakland is a big deal. There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to Oakland.
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- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5
- BLVD Moving: 4.25 out of 5
- PODS: 4.8 out of 5
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Oakland?
Chicago movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,208 - $4,695 | $1,283 - $2,906 | $1,275 - $2,389 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,403 - $7,112 | $2,152 - $4,350 | $1,286 - $2,873 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,255 - $11,541 | $2,893 - $6,121 | $1,657 - $3,449 |
Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Oakland
The cost of Chicago 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 Chicago to Oakland can be as low as $1,208 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $10,032.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, 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 $1,275 to $3,086. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.
How much are professional moving companies when moving from Chicago to Oakland?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Oakland will cost between $1,208 to $4,695. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $3,403 to $7,112, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Oakland will cost from $6,255 to $11,541.
How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Oakland?
Moving containers from Chicago to Oakland will cost you $1,283 to $2,906 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,152 to $4,350. A larger home will cost $2,893 to $6,121.
How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Oakland?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,275 to $2,389. A larger move will cost $1,286 to $2,873, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to Oakland costs from $1,657 to $3,449. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.
Pros and cons of moving from Chicago to Oakland
Cost of living: Chicago vs Oakland
| Chicago | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,595 | $2,290 |
| Average home value | $306,098 | $774,077 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,601 | $85,628 |
| Cost of Living (single person) | $1,001 | $2,995 |
| Cost of Living (family of 4) | $3,584 | $8,007 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 7.7% |
| Sales Tax | 10.25% | 10.25% |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 13.3% |
- Rent prices in Oakland are 44% higher than in Chicago.
- Home prices in Oakland are 152.9% higher than in Chicago.
- Income in Oakland is 30.5% higher than in Chicago.
- The cost of living for a single person in Oakland is 199.2% higher than in Chicago.
- The cost of living for a family in Oakland is 123.4% higher than in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in Oakland is 14.44% lower than in Chicago.
- Sales taxes are the same in Oakland and Chicago.
- State income taxes in Oakland are 168.69% higher than in Chicago.
To put this into perspective, you would need around $8,976.02 in Oakland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.
How is life different in Chicago compared to Oakland?
| Oakland | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 440,646 | 2,746,388 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 75 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 65 | 72 |
| Crime Index | 68.7 | 35.19 |
| Safety Index | 31.3 | 33.87 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Oakland's population is about 84% less than Chicago.
- Oakland's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
- Oakland is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Oakland is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 65 out of 100 vs Chicago's 72.
- Oakland's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 68.7 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.7% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Oakland is considered to be less safe than Chicago with a score of 31.3 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Oakland is good, and in Chicago it's good.
Considerations for moving to Oakland
- 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 “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. 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 – 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.
Local Chicago movers
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
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Get A Quote |
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2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618 (773) 489-0600 |
| Alliance Moving & Storage | Get A Quote |
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3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008 (847) 378-4949 |
| H2H Movers Inc | Get A Quote |
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4250 N Marine Dr Aparment #1136, Chicago, IL, 60613 (773) 236-8797 |
Visit our best long distance movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
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
What to do in Oakland
These are some of the best things to do in your new California home.
- Oracle Arena
- Oakland Museum of California
- Redwood Regional Park
- Oakland Zoo
- San Francisco Bay Ferry
- Lake Merritt
- Jack London Square
- The Cathedral of Christ the Light
- Mountain View Cemetery
- Chabot Space & Science Center
- Children's Fairyland
- Fox Theater
Get your sports on!
Oakland is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
- Oakland Athletics (MLB)
- Oakland Roots DC (USLC)
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Oakland?
The best time to move from Chicago to Oakland is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Oakland?
Because most people are moving from Chicago 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 Chicago to Oakland take?
The 2,124-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Oakland, CA, takes six-seventeen days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Oakland.
