Key factors that impact the cost of your Jersey City to Oakland movetoggle

The cost of Jersey City movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Jersey City to Oakland (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,571, while larger moves may reach $13,086 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 Jersey City.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,816 to $4,800, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Jersey City to Oakland

Moving from Jersey City 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 Jersey City than in Oakland, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

Jersey City Oakland
Average rent cost $2,975 $2,200
Average home value $589,419 $736,156
Average income (per capita) $75,265 $94,389
Cost of living (single person) $4,397 $3,146
Cost of living (family of 4) $9,861 $8,584
Unemployment rate 8.3% 4.5%
Sales tax 6.63% 10.25%
State income tax 10.7% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Oakland are 26% lower than in Jersey City, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Jersey City.
    Home prices in Oakland are 24.9% higher than in Jersey City.
  • Income in Oakland is 25.4% higher than in Jersey City, 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 28.5% lower than in Jersey City. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Oakland is 13.0% lower than in Jersey City.
  • The unemployment rate in Oakland is 45.78% lower than in Jersey City.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Oakland, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Oakland are 54.60% higher than in Jersey City.
  • State income taxes in Oakland are 24.30% higher than in Jersey City.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,146.46 in Oakland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Jersey City.

How life is different in Jersey City vs. Oakland

Oakland Jersey City
Population 440,646 292,449
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 9
Walkability score 75 87
Bike friendliness score 65 64
Crime Index 68.62 43.21
Safety Index 31.38 56.79
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • The population of Oakland is about 51% greater than Jersey City, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • Getting around Oakland without a car might be more difficult than in Jersey City. Oakland has a public transportation score of 8 out of 10, whereas Jersey City is ranked 9. Ratings are based on a cityโ€™s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Oakland neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Jersey City. Based on its score of 75 out of 100, Oakland isnโ€™t as walkable as Jersey City, which has a score of 87 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.
  • Oakland and Jersey City are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 65 and 64 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
  • The crime rate in Oakland is higher than in Jersey City, 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 43.21 in Jersey City. 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 Jersey City, whose index is Jersey City's 56.79. 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 Jersey City. Oakland has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Jersey City. 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 Jersey City vs. Oakland move

  • Weather: Oakland features warm, dry summers, and mild, wet winters.
  • HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in California, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toOakland Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Oakland

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "Town" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Oakland to check out.

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

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in California, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Oakland has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Oakland features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Oakland Athletics (MLB) and Oakland Roots DC (USLC) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Jersey City to Oakland?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Jersey City to Oakland?

With many people choosing to move from Jersey City 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 Jersey City to Oakland take?

Moving from Jersey City, NJ to Oakland, CA covers 2,897 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days. Need to move faster? Some Jersey City movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Oakland.

Helpful moving resources