($1,597) Movers From Cleveland, OH to Oakland, CA

What to know before moving from Cleveland to Oakland

Moving from Cleveland to Oakland comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Oakland is generally more expensive than Cleveland, 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 70% higher than in Cleveland, 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 Cleveland.
  Home prices in Oakland are 578.4% higher than in Cleveland.
• Income in Oakland is 45.3% higher than in Cleveland, 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 26.3% higher than in Cleveland. 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 27.6% higher than in Cleveland.
• The unemployment rate in Oakland is 33.82% lower than in Cleveland.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Oakland, since the city’s sales taxes in Oakland are 28.13% higher than in Cleveland.
• State income taxes in Oakland are 280.00% higher than in Cleveland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,790.36 in Oakland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Cleveland.

How life is different in Cleveland vs. Oakland

• The population of Oakland is about 18% greater than Cleveland, 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.
• Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Oakland will be about the same as it currently is in Cleveland. 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.
• Living in Oakland means you’ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Cleveland. Oakland is considered more walkable than Cleveland, with a score of 75 out of 100 versus 57 out of 100 in Cleveland. 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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland is rated as 52 out of 100.
• The crime rate in Oakland is higher than in Cleveland, 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 63.41 in Cleveland. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city’s crime levels.
• You may want to exercise more caution as you’re getting used to your new surroundings in Oakland. With a crime index of 31.38, Oakland ranks lower in overall safety than Cleveland, whose index is Cleveland's 36.59. 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 Cleveland. Oakland has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Cleveland. 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 Cleveland 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 regulations—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 “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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: You can verify a California moving company\’s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
• Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in California, though it\’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 – 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 you’ve chosen "Town" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Oakland to check out.

Helpful moving resources