Factors influencing moving costs from Baltimore to Oaklandtoggle

The cost of Baltimore 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 Baltimore to Oakland can be as low as $1,525 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $12,326.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Baltimore, 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 $1,869 to $4,925. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Baltimore to Oakland

Baltimore Oakland
Average rent cost $1,600 $2,200
Average home value $180,790 $736,156
Average income (per capita) $58,349 $94,389
Cost of living (single person) $2,223 $3,146
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,088 $8,584
Unemployment rate 7.9% 4.5%
Sales tax 6.0% 10.25%
State income tax 5.75% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Oakland are 38% higher than in Baltimore.
  • Home prices in Oakland are 307.2% higher than in Baltimore.
  • Income in Oakland is 61.8% higher than in Baltimore.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Oakland is 41.5% higher than in Baltimore.
  • The cost of living for a family in Oakland is 68.7% higher than in Baltimore.
  • The unemployment rate in Oakland is 43.04% lower than in Baltimore.
  • Sales taxes in Oakland are 70.83% higher than in Baltimore.
  • State income taxes in Oakland are 131.30% higher than in Baltimore.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,245.61 in Oakland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Baltimore.

How life is different in Baltimore vs. Oakland

Oakland Baltimore
Population 440,646 585,708
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 8
Walkability score 75 64
Bike friendliness score 65 53
Crime Index 68.62 72.72
Safety Index 31.38 27.28
Air Quality Good Good
  • Oakland's population is about 25% less than Baltimore.
  • Oakland's public transportation has a similar score to Baltimore.
  • Oakland is more walkable than Baltimore with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Baltimore's 64 out of 100.
  • With a score of 65 out of 100, Oakland is more bike-friendly than Baltimore, which has a score of 53 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Oakland's crime rate is lower than Baltimore with a score of 68.62 compared to Baltimore's 72.72. This means that Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Baltimore neighborhoods are safer than 72.72%.
  • Oakland is considered to be safer than Baltimore with a safety index of 31.38 vs Baltimore's 27.28.
  • Air quality in Oakland is good, and in Baltimore it's good.

Other things to consider for your Baltimore 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 singlestoggle

  • Downtown
  • Grand Lake
  • Piedmont Avenue
  • Rockridge
  • Temescal

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Fairview Park
  • Rockridge
  • Bushrod
  • Upper Rockridge
  • Lakeshore

Things to do in Oaklandtoggle

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 Baltimore to Oakland?

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

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

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

The 2,807-mile move from Baltimore, MD, to Oakland, CA, takes seven to 21 days. Some Baltimore movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Oakland.

Helpful moving resources