($1,300) Moving from Madison to Oakland

Quick answer: A move from Madison to Oakland costs $1,227 to $7,260 and takes six-seventeen days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 2,077-mile move yourself.

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  • 10% discount
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a long-distance moving company from Madison will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Oakland to Madison guide.

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The best Madison to Oakland moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Madison to Oakland is a big deal. There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Madison to Oakland.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

How much does it cost to move from Madison to Oakland?

Madison movers charge $85 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,300 - $5,228 $1,111 - $2,868 $1,169 - $2,256
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,570 - $7,260 $2,122 - $4,289 $1,227 - $2,738
4+ bedrooms $6,693 - $11,399 $2,938 - $5,851 $1,629 - $3,454
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,077 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Factors influencing moving costs from Madison to Oakland

The cost of Madison 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 Madison to Oakland can be as low as $1,300 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $10,537.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Madison, 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 $1,169 to $2,941. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Madison to Oakland?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Madison to Oakland will cost between $1,300 to $5,228. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $3,570 to $7,260, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Madison to Oakland will cost from $6,693 to $11,399.

How much are moving container companies from Madison to Oakland?

Moving containers from Madison to Oakland will cost you $1,111 to $2,868 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,122 to $4,289. A larger home will cost $2,938 to $5,851.

How much is a moving truck from Madison to Oakland?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,169 to $2,256. A larger move will cost $1,227 to $2,738, and a four-bedroom move from Madison to Oakland costs from $1,629 to $3,454. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Madison to Oakland

Cost of living: Madison vs Oakland

Madison Oakland
Average rent cost $1,600 $2,290
Average home value $367,934 $774,077
Average income (per capita) $62,919 $85,628
Cost of Living (single person) $2,292 $2,995
Cost of Living (family of 4) $5,457 $8,007
Unemployment rate 3.3% 7.7%
Sales Tax 5.5% 10.25%
State Income Tax 7.65% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in Oakland are 43% higher than in Madison.
  • Home prices in Oakland are 110.4% higher than in Madison.
  • Income in Oakland is 36.1% higher than in Madison.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Oakland is 30.7% higher than in Madison.
  • The cost of living for a family in Oakland is 46.7% higher than in Madison.
  • The unemployment rate in Oakland is 133.33% higher than in Madison.
  • Sales taxes in Oakland are 86.36% higher than in Madison.
  • State income taxes in Oakland are 73.86% higher than in Madison.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $3,920.16 in Oakland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Madison.

How is life different in Madison compared to Oakland?

Oakland Madison
Population 440,646 269,840
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 6
Walkability score 75 50
Bike friendliness score 65 66
Crime Index 68.7 34.57
Safety Index 31.3 65.43
Air Quality Good Good
  • Oakland's population is about 63% greater than Madison.
  • Oakland's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Madison's higher score of 6.
  • Oakland is more walkable than Madison with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Madison's 50 out of 100.
  • Oakland is less bike-friendly than Madison with a score of 65 out of 100 vs Madison's 66.
  • Oakland's crime rate is higher than Madison with a score of 68.7 compared to Madison's 34.57. This means that Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.7% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
  • Oakland is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 31.3 vs Madison's 65.43.
  • Air quality in Oakland is good, and in Madison it's good.

Considerations for moving to Oakland

  • 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 “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. 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 – 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.

Local Madison movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Two Men and a Truck Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.52 overall rating
3817 Kipp Street, Madison, WI, 53718
(608) 340-1557
Top Notch Moving and Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.34 overall rating
905 Dempsey Rd, Madison, WI, 53716
(608) 590-3710

Visit our best long distance movers in Madison page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

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 singles:

  • Downtown
  • Grand Lake
  • Piedmont Avenue
  • Rockridge
  • Temescal

Best neighborhoods for families:

  • Fairview Park
  • Rockridge
  • Bushrod
  • Upper Rockridge
  • Lakeshore

What to do in Oakland

These are some of the best things to do in your new California home.

  • Oracle Arena
  • Oakland Museum of California
  • Redwood Regional Park
  • Oakland Zoo
  • San Francisco Bay Ferry
  • Lake Merritt
  • Jack London Square
  • The Cathedral of Christ the Light
  • Mountain View Cemetery
  • Chabot Space & Science Center
  • Children's Fairyland
  • Fox Theater

Get your sports on!

Oakland is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:

  • Oakland Athletics (MLB)
  • Oakland Roots DC (USLC)

FAQ

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

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

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

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

The 2,077-mile move from Madison, WI, to Oakland, CA, takes six-seventeen days. Some Madison 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