Key factors that impact the cost of your Arlington to Oakland movetoggle

The cost of Arlington movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Arlington to Oakland (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,586, while larger moves may reach $13,105 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 Arlington.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,925 to $4,781, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Arlington to Oakland

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

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

Arlington Oakland
Average rent cost $2,718 $2,200
Average home value $810,670 $736,156
Average income (per capita) $128,145 $94,389
Cost of living (single person) $6,867 $3,146
Cost of living (family of 4) $11,970 $8,584
Unemployment rate 4.0% 4.5%
Sales tax 6.0% 10.25%
State income tax 5.75% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Oakland are 19% lower than in Arlington, 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 Oakland.
    Home prices in Oakland are 9.2% lower than in Arlington.
  • Income in Oakland is 26.3% lower than in Arlington, so you could earn less 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 54.2% lower than in Arlington. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Oakland is 28.3% lower than in Arlington.
  • The unemployment rate in Oakland is 12.50% higher than in Arlington.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Oakland, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Oakland are 70.83% higher than in Arlington.
  • State income taxes in Oakland are 131.30% higher than in Arlington.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,374.40 in Oakland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Arlington.

How life is different in Arlington vs. Oakland

Oakland Arlington
Population 440,646 238,643
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 9
Walkability score 75 71
Bike friendliness score 65 72
Crime Index 68.62 15.67
Safety Index 31.38 79.15
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of Oakland is about 85% greater than Arlington, 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 Arlington. Oakland has a public transportation score of 8 out of 10, whereas Arlington is ranked 9. Ratings are based on a cityโ€™s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Living in Oakland means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Arlington. Oakland is considered more walkable than Arlington, with a score of 75 out of 100 versus 71 out of 100 in Arlington. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • You probably wonโ€™t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Oakland, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Arlington. While Arlington has a bike-friendliness score of 72 out of 100, Oakland earned a 65. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
  • The crime rate in Oakland is higher than in Arlington, 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 15.67 in Arlington. 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 Arlington, whose index is Arlington's 79.15. 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.
  • The air quality in Oakland and Arlington 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 Arlington vs. Oakland move

  • Weather: Oakland features warm, dry summers, and mild, wet winters.
  • HOA rules: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While California doesnโ€™t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Oakland without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Oakland

With your sights set on "Town", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Oakland.

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

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 Arlington to Oakland?

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

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

With many people choosing to move from Arlington 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 Arlington to Oakland take?

Moving from Arlington, VA to Oakland, CA covers 2,810 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days. Need to move faster? Some Arlington movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Oakland.

Helpful moving resources