Factors influencing moving costs from Chattanooga to Oaklandtoggle

The cost of Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga to Oakland can be as low as $1,577 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $13,708.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chattanooga, 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 $1,712 to $3,992. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Chattanooga to Oakland

Chattanooga Oakland
Average rent cost $1,475 $2,200
Average home value $302,565 $736,156
Average income (per capita) $60,164 $94,389
Cost of living (single person) $3,300 $3,146
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,350 $8,584
Unemployment rate 5.6% 4.5%
Sales tax 9.25% 10.25%
State income tax 0.0% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Oakland are 49% higher than in Chattanooga.
  • Home prices in Oakland are 143.3% higher than in Chattanooga.
  • Income in Oakland is 56.9% higher than in Chattanooga.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Oakland is 4.7% lower than in Chattanooga.
  • The cost of living for a family in Oakland is 97.3% higher than in Chattanooga.
  • The unemployment rate in Oakland is 19.64% lower than in Chattanooga.
  • Sales taxes in Oakland are 10.81% higher than in Chattanooga.
  • State income taxes in Oakland are 13.30% higher than in Chattanooga.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,860.00 in Oakland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chattanooga.

How life is different in Chattanooga vs. Oakland

Oakland Chattanooga
Population 440,646 181,099
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 3
Walkability score 75 29
Bike friendliness score 65 35
Crime Index 68.62 53.89
Safety Index 31.38 46.11
Air Quality Good Good
  • Oakland's population is about 143% greater than Chattanooga.
  • Oakland's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Chattanooga's higher score of 3.
  • Oakland is more walkable than Chattanooga with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Chattanooga's 29 out of 100.
  • With a score of 65 out of 100, Oakland is more bike-friendly than Chattanooga, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Oakland's crime rate is higher than Chattanooga with a score of 68.62 compared to Chattanooga's 53.89. This means that Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 53.89%.
  • Oakland is considered to be less safe than Chattanooga with a score of 31.38 vs Chattanooga's 46.11.
  • Air quality in Oakland is good, and in Chattanooga it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga to Oakland?

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

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

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

The 2,415-mile move from Chattanooga, TN, to Oakland, CA, takes seven to 18 days. Some Chattanooga 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