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

The cost of Richmond movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Richmond to Oakland (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,479, while larger moves may reach $13,097 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 Richmond.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,860 to $5,005, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Richmond to Oakland

Moving from Richmond to Oakland comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Oakland is generally more expensive than Richmond, itโ€™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:

Richmond Oakland
Average rent cost $1,595 $2,200
Average home value $350,897 $736,156
Average income (per capita) $59,606 $94,389
Cost of living (single person) $2,270 $3,146
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,336 $8,584
Unemployment rate 7.1% 4.5%
Sales tax 6.0% 10.25%
State income tax 5.75% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Oakland are 38% higher than in Richmond, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Richmond.
    Home prices in Oakland are 109.8% higher than in Richmond.
  • Income in Oakland is 58.4% higher than in Richmond, 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 38.6% higher than in Richmond. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™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 60.9% higher than in Richmond.
  • The unemployment rate in Oakland is 36.62% lower than in Richmond.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Oakland, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Oakland are 70.83% higher than in Richmond.
  • State income taxes in Oakland are 131.30% higher than in Richmond.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,157.71 in Oakland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Richmond.

How life is different in Richmond vs. Oakland

Oakland Richmond
Population 440,646 226,610
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 7
Walkability score 75 51
Bike friendliness score 65 51
Crime Index 68.62 48.45
Safety Index 31.38 51.55
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of Oakland is about 94% greater than Richmond, 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.
  • Oakland offers better access to buses and trains than Richmond, based on public transportation ratings. Oakland has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 7 in Richmond. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in Oakland means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Richmond. Oakland is considered more walkable than Richmond, with a score of 75 out of 100 versus 51 out of 100 in Richmond. A cityโ€™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 Richmond 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 Richmond is rated as 51 out of 100.
  • The crime rate in Oakland is higher than in Richmond, 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 48.45 in Richmond. 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 Richmond, whose index is Richmond's 51.55. 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 Richmond 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 Richmond 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

Now that you've made the move to California, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Oakland. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Oakland, such as 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€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Oakland Athletics (MLB) and Oakland Roots DC (USLC) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Richmond to Oakland?

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

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

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

Moving from Richmond, VA to Oakland, CA covers 2,872 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days. Need to move faster? Some Richmond movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Oakland.

Helpful moving resources