($1,575) Movers From Detroit, MI to Oakland, CA

What to know before moving from Detroit to Oakland

Moving from Detroit to Oakland comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Oakland is generally more expensive than Detroit, it’s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Oakland are 76% higher than in Detroit, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Detroit.
  Home prices in Oakland are 906.3% higher than in Detroit.
• Income in Oakland is 150.0% higher than in Detroit, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Oakland include Kaiser Permanente, Dreyer's, and The Clorox Company.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Oakland, since the cost of living for a single person in Oakland is 25.8% higher than in Detroit. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’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 28.4% higher than in Detroit.
• The unemployment rate in Oakland is 50.33% lower than in Detroit.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Oakland, since the city’s sales taxes in Oakland are 70.83% higher than in Detroit.
• State income taxes in Oakland are 212.94% higher than in Detroit.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,775.20 in Oakland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Detroit.

How life is different in Detroit vs. Oakland

• Oakland might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 31% less than Detroit.
• Oakland offers better access to buses and trains than Detroit, based on public transportation ratings. Oakland has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 7 in Detroit. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
• Living in Oakland means you’ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Detroit. Oakland is considered more walkable than Detroit, with a score of 75 out of 100 versus 51 out of 100 in Detroit. A city’s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
• If cycling is your thing, Oakland is considered more bike-friendly than Detroit in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Oakland has a bike-friendliness score of 65 out of 100, while Detroit is rated as 52 out of 100.
• Oakland has a lower crime rate than Detroit based on scores of 68.62 and Detroit's 72.92, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
• You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Oakland than in Detroit, based on Oakland’s safety index of 31.38 versus 27.08 for Detroit. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
• The air quality in Oakland and Detroit is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Detroit vs. Oakland move

• Weather: Oakland features warm, dry summers, and mild, wet winters.
• HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license 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: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Oakland. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Oakland

Ready to relocate to "Town"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Oakland.

Helpful moving resources