Best Mesa to Oakland Movers + Moving Guide

Want help with the heavy lifting?

Get a quote now.

If you're moving from Mesa to Oakland and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 803 mile move from Arizona to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 34 Mesa to Oakland moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Sterling Interstate LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $6,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Mesa compared to Oakland. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

Best Mesa to Oakland Interstate Movers Featured Image

Best Mesa to Oakland Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Sterling Interstate LLC9.759.64Authorized For HHGContact
2OCD Moving Services LLC9.669.47Authorized For HHGContact
3New Beginnings Moving Solutions9.329.4Authorized For PropertyContact
4Creative Moving and Packing, LLC9.309.18Authorized For HHGContact
5Fairprice Movers8.879.12Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Mesa to Oakland

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 803 miles from Mesa, AZ to Oakland, CA will cost on average $2,464 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Mesa to Oakland move is roughly $5,913. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,658300 ft³5.53
1 Bedroom$2,464450 ft³5.48
2 Bedrooms$4,069750 ft³5.43
3 Bedrooms$5,9131100 ft³5.38
4 Bedrooms$8,5211600 ft³5.33
5+ Bedrooms$9,4961800 ft³5.28
*Please note: These Arizona to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Arizona & California. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed AZ to CA mover.
Arizona iconArrow iconCalifornia icon
U-turn icon

Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Oakland to Mesa guide.

Compare the 5 Best Mesa to Oakland Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Sterling Interstate LLC Logo

Sterling Interstate LLC

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.75/10
based on 2,279+ data points

Phoenix, AZ, 85022

About Sterling Interstate LLC

Established in 2017, Sterling Interstate opened with the intention to change the stigma around the moving industry by providing reliable, customizable...

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Packing services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3006713 / 26956

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved115,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
OCD Moving Services LLC Logo

OCD Moving Services LLC

Exceptional9.66/10
based on 3,273+ data points

5914 Cobblestone Ct

El Sobrante, CA, 94803

About OCD Moving Services LLC

For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2597230 / 911812

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved153,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
New Beginnings Moving Solutions Logo

New Beginnings Moving Solutions

Exceptional9.32/10
based on 991+ data points

6757 W Charter Oak Rd

Peoria, AZ, 85381

About New Beginnings Moving Solutions

New Beginnings Moving Solutions is a full-service moving company specializing in long-distance moves. It is locally-owned and operated and has been...

Services

  • Long Distance Moves
  • Local Moves
  • Business Relocation

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/27/2022)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3656946 / 1262843

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved500 (2021)
View Full Review
3
Creative Moving and Packing, LLC Logo

Creative Moving and Packing, LLC

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.30/10
based on 4,091+ data points

4012 W Turney Ave

Phoenix, AZ, 85019

About Creative Moving and Packing, LLC

Since 2008, Creative Moving and Packing has served the Phoenix, AZ, area with high-quality local and long-distance relocation services. This company's...

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long-Distance Moving Services
  • Commercial Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1877603 / 1173916

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans10
Registered Drivers11
Total Annual Miles Moved150,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Fairprice Movers Logo

Fairprice Movers

Superb8.87/10
based on 325+ data points

Berkeley, CA, 94720

About Fairprice Movers

Established in 2012, Fairprice Movers is a moving company headquartered in San Jose, California. The company offers a highly personalized moving...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial and Office Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2192738 / 768242

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved89,000 (2022)
View Full Review
5
Rankings You Can Trust background image
Trust Rankings icon

Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Mesa vs. Oakland Neighborhood Comparison

Relocating can feel like a leap into the unknown, especially when it comes to finding a neighborhood that feels like home. With our guide, we aim to bridge that gap by providing a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Mesa, AZ & Oakland, CA . This will help you find a new community in Oakland that mirrors the comfort and character of your Mesa neighborhood.

MesaOaklandHow They're Similar
Downtown MesaDowntown OaklandVibrant arts scene and historical sites
Las SendasMontclairLush, hillside homes with hiking trails
Alta MesaRockridgeFamily-friendly with a strong sense of community
Red Mountain RanchSequoyahUpscale, with picturesque landscapes
Dobson RanchLakeshoreNear natural attractions with a laid-back atmosphere
Morrison RanchTemescalTrendy eateries and shops with historic charm
Leisure WorldPiedmont AvenuePeaceful with upscale amenities
The GrovesGlenviewQuiet, suburban feel with local cafes
EastmarkJack London SquareWaterfront dining and entertainment
Tuscany VillasGrand LakeCultural hotspot with a weekly farmers' market

Imagine strolling down the vibrant streets of Downtown Mesa, where community and culture collide with local arts and dining. If this is your scene, you'll find a seamless transition to Downtown Oakland, where the thrum of creativity and history beats in harmony. For those who treasure the expansive views and hiking opportunities that Las Sendas offers, Montclair in Oakland will enchant you with its hillside homes and access to the great outdoors. And, if the family-friendly vibe and community spirit of Alta Mesa are what you hold dear, Rockridge will welcome you with its neighborly feel, charming homes, and bustling commercial district. Each Oakland neighborhood mirrors the essence of your Mesa home, ensuring you'll find not just a house, but a place where your life can flourish anew amidst new yet familiar surroundings.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Mesa to Oakland

Moving from one city to another can be a daunting task, which is why it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons of such a significant change. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection on Mesa, AZ to Oakland, CA relocation, highlighting both the benefits and drawbacks. By comparing the two, you will have a better understanding of what to expect and how to prepare for your move.

CONs
PROs
Mesa, AZ iconMesa, AZ
  • Higher summer temps
  • Less cultural diversity
  • More suburban
  • Lower job market
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Milder climate
  • Rich cultural diversity
  • Urban environment
  • Stronger job market
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Higher cost of living
  • Smaller living spaces
  • Heavier traffic
  • Less outdoor space
Mesa, AZ iconMesa, AZ
  • Lower cost of living
  • More spacious homes
  • Easier traffic
  • Outdoor activities

Moving to Oakland from Mesa introduces you to a vibrant urban environment filled with cultural diversity and ample employment opportunities, a stark contrast to the suburban calm and higher temperatures of Mesa. Oakland's thriving job market, especially in tech and startups, could offer you a career boost. Despite the higher living costs, Oakland compensates with unique culinary experiences found in places like Swan's Market and cultural hotspots such as the Oakland Museum of California. Meanwhile, Mesa's appeal lies in its lower cost of living and slower pace of life, complemented by the beauty of nearby natural outdoor spaces such as the Usery Mountain Regional Park. The decision between these contrasting settings hinges on your priorities, whether they lean towards a dynamic urban lifestyle or a more laid-back suburban existence.

Mesa vs. Oakland Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between Mesa & Oakland illuminates the distinct flavors and dining experiences each city offers. Understanding the culinary scene is pivotal in appreciating what it's like living in these areas. Let's dive into the food culture that defines each location.

MesaOakland
Most iconic local food itemNavajo TacoOakland Sourdough
Most popular meat dishCarne AsadaBBQ Brisket
Most popular street food itemChimichangaBanh Mi
Most popular vegan foodVegan TacosVegan Soul Food
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Someplace in Mesa
  • Another Great Spot
  • Third Awesome Eatery
  • Famous Oakland Eatery
  • Oakland Food Gem
  • Must Visit in Oakland
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Mesa, the Navajo Taco stands as a beloved representation of local cuisine, blending indigenous traditions with modern flavors. Popular spots like Someplace in Mesa showcase the city's culinary diversity. Oakland's food scene shines through its innovative use of local ingredients, particularly in its sourdough and the rise of vegan soul food found in neighborhoods like Temescal and Jack London Square. The city's vibrant food truck scene, especially around Oakland Food Gem, offers a glimpse into the diverse culinary landscape, serving everything from gourmet Banh Mi to artisanal BBQ. Both cities actively embrace health-conscious dining and sustainability, reflecting in their high scores for fitness and vegan-friendly options.

Mesa vs. Oakland Restaurant Comparison

Relocating can be a significant life change, and finding new favorite spots to eat can help make a new city feel like home. That's why we've created a compare and contrast chart to guide Mesa residents in discovering their next go-to restaurants in Oakland. By comparing the top restaurants in Mesa to their counterparts in Oakland, this comparison aims to ease the transition for food enthusiasts.

MesaOaklandWhat You'll Love
Bobby Q - MesaHorn BarbecueAuthentic smoked meats with a cult following
Jalapeño BucksCholita LindaBest known for Latin American bites
T.C. Eggington'sGrand Lake KitchenSimilar commitment to unique, hearty breakfasts and brunches
Red White & BrewDrake's DealershipAmerican pub fare with a twist in a lively setting
Nunthaporn's Thai CuisineChai Thai NoodlesFavorite for authentic Thai and Laotian dishes
Republica EmpanadaCosechaSimilar focus on Latin American classics with fresh, local ingredients
Worth TakeawayThe Cook and Her FarmerKnown for sandwiches and fresh, local oysters
Blue Adobe GrilleCalaveraMexican kitchen offering a similar upscale dining experience
Green Corner RestaurantDyafaOffers a unique take on Middle Eastern cuisine, similar hospitality
Mangos Mexican CafeNidoA backyard Mexican kitchen, for a comparable dedication to authentic flavors

Moving from Mesa to Oakland brings a transition not just in scenery, but in the culinary landscape as well. If you've enjoyed the smoked meats and lively atmosphere of Bobby Q in Mesa, Horn Barbecue in Oakland will become your new favorite, boasting authentic, slow-cooked barbecue that's garnered a local and national following. For those craving the unique Latin American flavors found at Jalapeño Bucks, Cholita Linda in Oakland offers a coastal vibe with its acclaimed tacos and sandwiches, capturing the essence of taste and culture. Oakland's culinary scene is as diverse as it is delicious, ensuring that former Mesa residents will find comforting similarities and exciting new tastes to explore.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

Mesa vs. Oakland Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, understanding the real estate landscape of your new city is crucial. This comparison illuminates the housing differences between Mesa, AZ, and Oakland, CA, covering cost, architecture, walkability, and more, to give you a clear view of what to expect.

ComparisonMesaOakland
Typical Architecture StyleRanch-style homesVictorian and Craftsman bungalows
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious backyards, garagesEco-friendly features, proximity to public transit

In Mesa, the housing market is significantly more affordable than in Oakland, with median home prices nearly half of those in Oakland. This reflects in the cost of living and monthly rent expenses as well. Mesa's typical ranch-style homes contrast with Oakland's Victorian and Craftsman bungalows, offering a different living experience. Oakland boasts a more urban lifestyle with better walkability and bikeability scores, highlighting its denser, more connected environment. Oakland listings often emphasize eco-friendly features and proximity to public transit, aligning with its urban character, while Mesa's listings highlight spacious backyards and garages, catering to those seeking more traditional homes.

Mesa vs. Oakland Weather Considerations

If you're planning a move from one city to another, understanding how the weather will change is crucial. This comparison will highlight the key differences in climate you can expect when relocating from Mesa to Oakland . By exploring aspects such as average temperatures, sunshine, and natural hazards, you'll be better prepared for your new environment.

Summer icon
104°F / 76°F

Mesa, AZ

72°F / 56°F

Oakland, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
67°F / 39°F

Mesa, AZ

58°F / 43°F

Oakland, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
9

Mesa, AZ

20

Oakland, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

Mesa, AZ

0

Oakland, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonMesaOakland
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersHeatwaves, Dust StormsEarthquakes, Fires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When relocating from Mesa to Oakland, you'll notice a significant difference in climate. Mesa's hot, dry desert environment gives way to Oakland's more temperate, and often cooler, Mediterranean climate. Oakland experiences higher levels of humidity and nearly double the annual rainfall of Mesa, leading to more lush and green surroundings. Another key difference is the natural disaster risks; while Mesa contends with heatwaves and dust storms, Oakland's risks include earthquakes and fires. Understanding these differences will help you prepare for your new home, from wardrobe changes to emergency preparedness.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Mesa to Oakland

When considering a move from one city to another, it's critical to understand the financial implications of such a change. This comparison aims to shed light on the economic differences between Mesa, AZ, and Oakland, CA, focusing on aspects like income, taxes, and the cost of living. These insights will prepare you for the financial transition ahead.

ComparisonMesaOakland
Avg. Household Income$69,266$82,236
Cost of Living Index101.2139.1
State Income Tax4.509.30
Avg. Property Tax0.620.79
Avg. Sales Tax8.059.25
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Education, AerospaceHealthcare, Technology, International Trade
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessNoticeableSignificant

In comparing Mesa, AZ, and Oakland, CA, several key financial differences stand out. Oakland generally boasts a higher average household income, which is in line with its significantly higher cost of living index. However, this comes with the trade-off of higher state and sales taxes. While both cities value healthcare as a top industry, Oakland's economy also heavily leans on technology and international trade, contributing to its higher affluence but also to a notable level of homelessness. Understanding these nuances can greatly assist in planning your move and financial future in your new city.

Mesa vs. Oakland Political & Religious Comparison

This comparison between Mesa & Oakland aims to provide you with a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents from the city you are moving from to the city you are moving to.

MesaOakland
Political Make-upLeans conservativeLeans liberal
Local PoliticsRepublican-dominated councilDemocratic-dominated council
ReligionHigh Christian population, LDS Church influenceDiverse religious landscape, with notable East Bay Church of Religious Science presence

When comparing Mesa and Oakland, it's important to recognize their distinct political climates; Mesa's conservative lean contrasts sharply with Oakland's liberal stance, reflecting in their respective local government compositions. Furthermore, religious practices differ notably between the two. Mesa hosts a significant Christian community, with the LDS Church playing a notable role. Meanwhile, Oakland presents a more diverse religious landscape, including a variety of beliefs and practices, mirroring its inclusive and diverse societal ethos. Knowing these differences helps set expectations and prepare for the cultural shift you may experience.

Mesa vs. Oakland Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Mesa, AZ to Oakland, CA presents a unique set of changes, particularly in terms of the daily commute and traffic. To help you better understand what to expect, this comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Mesa & Oakland will guide you through your new journey.

ComparisonMesaOakland
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2530
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?ChallengingPossible

Oakland's higher score for public transit availability reflects its robust network, including services like BART and AC Transit, which make it reasonably feasible to navigate the city without a personal vehicle. On the other hand, while Mesa offers certain public transit options, including bus routes operated by Valley Metro, the coverage and frequency may not cater as comprehensively to your needs, making dependency on a car more significant. Considering the slightly higher traffic congestion in Oakland, planning your commutes and leveraging Oakland's more extensive public transit could significantly ease your daily travel.

CTA Banner background image
Connect with one of our Certified Moving Partners.
Best Mesa to Oakland Movers Featured Image