Best Tucson to Oakland Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Tucson to Oakland and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 876 mile move from Arizona to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 23 Tucson 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 OCD Moving Services 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 Tucson 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.

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Best Tucson to Oakland Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1OCD Moving Services LLC9.669.47Authorized For HHGContact
2Moving Buddies Tucson AZ9.069.23Authorized For HHGContact
3Get Your Move On, LLC9.038.37Authorized For HHGContact
4Abba & Sons Moving LLC8.909.2Authorized For HHGContact
5Fairprice Movers8.879.12Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Tucson to Oakland

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 876 miles from Tucson, AZ to Oakland, CA will cost on average $2,526 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Tucson to Oakland move is roughly $6,065. 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$1,699300 ft³5.66
1 Bedroom$2,526450 ft³5.61
2 Bedrooms$4,173750 ft³5.56
3 Bedrooms$6,0651100 ft³5.51
4 Bedrooms$8,7421600 ft³5.46
5+ Bedrooms$9,7451800 ft³5.41
*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.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Oakland to Tucson guide.

Compare the 5 Best Tucson to Oakland Movers

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

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
1
Moving Buddies Tucson AZ Logo

Moving Buddies Tucson AZ

Exceptional9.06/10
based on 1,762+ data points

5502 E 25th St

Tucson, AZ, 85711

About Moving Buddies Tucson AZ

Since 2011, this family-owned moving company has been building a reputation in Tucson, AZ, for excellence, professionalism, and integrity. Moving Buddies...

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3531262 / 1542042

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved6,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Get Your Move On, LLC Logo

Get Your Move On, LLC

Exceptional9.03/10
based on 1,564+ data points

1430 E Hadley St # 110

Phoenix, AZ, 85034

About Get Your Move On, LLC

This family-owned and operated moving company has been helping Phoenix, AZ residents move since 2005. Get Your Move On was founded...

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Cross-country moving services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1885055 / 990813

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans15
Registered Drivers19
Total Annual Miles Moved350,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Abba & Sons Moving LLC Logo

Abba & Sons Moving LLC

Superb8.90/10
based on 1,474+ data points

237 W Fort Lowell Rd

Tucson, AZ, 85705

About Abba & Sons Moving LLC

Based in Tucson, Abba and Sons Moving is a family-owned company that serves all of Southern Arizona with residential and commercial...

Services

  • Home/Apartment Moving Services
  • Moving and Packing Services
  • Specializing in homes, offices, apartments

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1921793 / 32280

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (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
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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.

Tucson vs. Oakland Neighborhood Comparison

When relocating, understanding your new city can be a daunting task. That's why we've created a guide to help you familiarize yourself with an unknown city by using your current one as a baseline. We'll focus on a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Tucson, AZ & Oakland, CA to find your new favorite spot. Whether you're looking for the hustle and bustle of city life or a quiet, leafy suburb, we've got you covered.

TucsonOaklandHow They're Similar
Sam HughesRockridgefamily-friendly, vibrant community vibe
Armory ParkPiedmont Avenuehistoric charm, artsy
El PresidioOld Oaklandhistoric architecture, trendy dining
Catalina FoothillsMontclairupscale, nestled in nature
Rincon HeightsTemescaleclectic, youthful energy
Sabino CanyonRedwood Heightsscenic views, serene
BroadmoorGlenviewcharming, close-knit community
Dunbar SpringWest Oaklandvibrant, community-focused
Barrio HistoricoFruitvalerich cultural heritage, lively
Iron HorseJack London Districturban, waterfront living

If you’re charmed by the historic elegance and artsy atmosphere of Armory Park in Tucson, you'll find a similar spirit in Oakland’s Piedmont Avenue. Piedmont Avenue is lined with quaint boutiques, bookshops, and the iconic Piedmont Theatre, mirroring the vibrant community events and local businesses that define Armory Park. Those attracted to the upscale and tranquil essence of Catalina Foothills will appreciate Montclair's exclusive atmosphere, where luxury homes are surrounded by lush greenery, offering both privacy and a close-knit community vibe. Nature enthusiasts moving from Sabino Canyon's breathtaking landscapes will find solace in Redwood Heights, where scenic hikes and stunning vistas are a daily reality, echoing the outdoor centric lifestyle Sabino Canyon is known for.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Tucson to Oakland

Moving from one city to another brings its own set of challenges and rewards. This comparison aims to provide a honest reflection of the Tucson, AZ to Oakland, CA relocation , detailing the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

CONs
PROs
Tucson, AZ iconTucson, AZ
  • Hotter summers
  • Less diverse cuisine
  • Lower job market diversity
  • Fewer cultural venues
  • More suburban layout
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Milder climate
  • Rich culinary scene
  • Thriving job opportunities
  • Vibrant arts scene
  • Lively urban lifestyle
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Higher cost of living
  • Denser urban environment
  • Noisier urban setting
  • Scarce parking
  • More traffic
Tucson, AZ iconTucson, AZ
  • Cost of living
  • Open landscapes
  • Quieter neighborhoods
  • Ample parking
  • Less traffic congestion

While Tucson offers a more laid-back lifestyle with its open landscapes and quieter neighborhoods, Oakland invites those craving a more dynamic urban experience. The switch from Tucson’s hotter summers to Oakland’s milder climate is a welcome change for many. Oakland's rich culinary scene is evident in its diverse offerings, from the trendy restaurants in Jack London Square to the innovative dishes served at Chop Bar. Moreover, the cultural vibrancy of Oakland is unmatched, with institutions like the Oakland Museum of California and creative hubs like Impact Hub Oakland providing endless inspiration. However, this urban wonder comes with its downsides, such as a higher cost of living and denser living arrangements, which might be a significant adjustment from the more spacious and affordable lifestyle in Tucson.

Tucson vs. Oakland Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between Tucson & Oakland is key for understanding what it's like to live in your new city. Food greatly affects the local culture and we aim to bridge your familiarity with the culinary scenes of both locations.

TucsonOakland
Most iconic local food itemSonoran Hot DogChicken and Waffles
Most popular meat dishCarne AsadaBBQ Brisket
Most popular street food itemTacosBanh Mi
Most popular vegan foodJackfruit TacosImpossible Burger
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • El Charro Café
  • BOCA Tacos y Tequila
  • The Daily Saguaro
  • Brown Sugar Kitchen
  • Shakewell
  • Commis
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Tucson, the Sonoran Hot Dog is a must-try, showcasing a blend of culinary traditions with its bacon-wrapped franks, beans, and fresh toppings. A local favorite, El Charro Café, offers an authentic taste of Tucson's vibrant Mexican cuisine. Meanwhile, Oakland's soulful food scene comes alive at Brown Sugar Kitchen, where the iconic Chicken and Waffles speaks to the city's diverse culinary influences. For those seeking a plant-based experience, both cities cater to the health-conscious and vegan diners with innovative dishes like Impossible Burgers readily available in Oakland's bustling food truck gatherings and in the creative kitchens of places like The Daily Saguaro in Tucson.

Tucson vs. Oakland Restaurant Comparison

Finding a place that feels like home goes beyond the four walls you live in; it's about the community and, importantly, the food that captures the essence of home. This comparison aims to ease your transition from Tucson, Arizona to Oakland, California by comparing top restaurants , helping you discover your new favorite spots based on your old favorites.

TucsonOaklandWhat You'll Love
El Charro CaféCosechaTraditional Mexican cuisine with a modern Californian twist.
Pizzeria BiancoPizzaioloNeapolitan pizzas with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients.
Café Poca CosaCalaveraInventive Mexican dishes in a vibrant setting.
Taqueria Pico de GalloCholita LindaKnown for their tacos and vibrant ambiance.
The ScreameryFentons CreameryA historic spot for handcrafted ice cream and comfort food.
Frost GelatoLush GelatoArtisanal gelato with unique flavors, echoing Frost's quality.
Reilly Craft Pizza & DrinkThe ForgeHand-tossed pizzas and a selection of craft beers by the waterfront.
Boca Tacos y TequilaXoloModern taqueria with a creative twist on traditional tacos.
Prep & PastrySequoia DinerA neighborhood diner focusing on locally sourced ingredients.
FeastDuendeA fusion of local ingredients with Spanish cuisine, offering an eclectic menu.

While Oakland and Tucson offer unique dining landscapes, the shared focus on quality ingredients, innovative dishes, and the promise of a memorable dining experience bridges the gap between the two cities. Take, for example, the transition from the authentic Mexican cuisine of El Charro Café in Tucson, to the similarly inspired offerings of Cosecha in Oakland, both accentuating traditional flavors with their own regional twist. Likewise, the artisanal approach of The Screamery finds a parallel in Fentons Creamery, an Oakland staple where the tradition of handcrafted ice cream continues to delight. Whether you’re a fan of the sophisticated yet comforting atmosphere at Feast or seeking an experience akin to it in Duende’s blend of local and Spanish influences, you'll find Oakland's culinary scene as enriching and enticing as Tucson's. Discovering these parallels will not only satiate your appetite but also foster a sense of belonging in your new city.

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Tucson vs. Oakland Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, comparing housing aspects between Tucson, AZ, and Oakland, CA, is essential for a smooth transition. This comparison explores cost, architecture, and lifestyle to help you make an informed decision.

ComparisonTucsonOakland
Typical Architecture StyleSpanish Colonial, RanchVictorian, Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingMountain views, outdoor livingAccess to public transit, eco-friendly features

When delving deeper into the housing aspect of both cities, the contrasts become even more apparent. Tucson's lower cost of living is mirrored in its more affordable housing market, making it an enticing option for first-time homebuyers. Most homes lean towards Spanish Colonial and Ranch styles, reflecting the city's history and geographical influences. On the other hand, Oakland, with its higher urban lifestyle score, offers Victorian and Craftsman homes, appealing to those who cherish classic architecture coupled with modern, eco-friendly amenities. The city's higher walkability and bikeability scores hint at a vibrant urban core, where everything from trendy cafes to parks is just a short stroll away. For those weighing their options, it becomes clear that each city has its unique charm, influenced heavily by local architecture, transportation, and lifestyle options.

Tucson vs. Oakland Weather Considerations

Understanding how weather varies when moving is crucial. This guide highlights Tucson vs. Oakland weather differences to help you adapt more easily to your new home. See how summer and winter temperatures , sunshine days , and other climate-related factors compare.

Summer icon
100°F / 74°F

Tucson, AZ

75°F / 57°F

Oakland, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
65°F / 39°F

Tucson, AZ

58°F / 44°F

Oakland, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
12

Tucson, AZ

23

Oakland, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

Tucson, AZ

0

Oakland, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonTucsonOakland
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersHeatwaves, WildfiresEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Tucson to Oakland will bring significant changes in weather, particularly in humidity and summer temperatures. You'll transition from Tucson's arid climate and intense heat to Oakland's milder, more humid environment. While both cities enjoy plenty of sunshine, Oakland offers a reprieve from the extreme heat with its cooler summer highs and warmer winter lows. Understanding these differences prepares you for a smoother adjustment, especially in planning your wardrobe and outdoor activities throughout the year.

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

When moving from Tucson, AZ to Oakland, CA, it's critical to grasp how the cost of living, taxes , and economic conditions can influence your finances. This comparison aims to elucidate the financial implications of relocating from Tucson to Oakland .

ComparisonTucsonOakland
Avg. Household Income$50,306$82,236
Cost of Living Index96.5139.1
State Income Tax3.34%13.3%
Avg. Property Tax0.72%0.79%
Avg. Sales Tax8.7%9.25%
Top 3 IndustriesEducation, Healthcare, AerospaceTechnology, Healthcare, Retail
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyHighModerate
HomelessnessModerateHigh

While Tucson offers a lower cost of living and more affordable taxes, Oakland's higher average household income and denser economic activity correspond to a higher cost of living and tax rates. It's essential to consider these aspects, as Oakland commands a considerably higher cost of living index at 140 compared to Tucson's 88. Furthermore, the state income tax in California is among the highest in the U.S., which can significantly impact your net income. However, the economic opportunities, particularly in tech and healthcare, might balance the scales for those moving to Oakland. Adjusting to the financial landscape in Oakland requires careful planning, especially concerning housing and taxes.

Tucson vs. Oakland Political & Religious Comparison

Considering a move from Tucson, AZ to Oakland, CA? It's essential to understand the communities you're transitioning between. This quick glance offers a comparison of the political and religious makeup between Tucson & Oakland , providing insights into the beliefs and values of each city's residents.

TucsonOakland
Political Make-upLean DemocraticStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsModerate with Liberal tendenciesVery Liberal/Progressive
ReligionDiverse, with Christian majorityDiverse, but less religiously affiliated

Moving from Tucson to Oakland can be a significant cultural shift, especially politically. While both cities lean Democratic, Oakland is recognized for its very liberal and progressive local policies, a stark contrast to the moderate with liberal tendencies observed in Tucson's local politics. This could be an essential factor for you, especially if local politics significantly influence your daily life and community involvement. Religion practices in both cities are diverse, but Oakland stands out for having a higher proportion of residents who identify as non-religious. Embracing these differences can lead to a smooth transition into your new community.

Tucson vs. Oakland Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Tucson, AZ to Oakland, CA requires understanding the differences in daily commutes and traffic. This comparison highlights the major contrasts in traffic and transportation options between Tucson & Oakland, helping you prepare for your relocation.

ComparisonTucsonOakland
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2532
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?ChallengingEasier

On a daily basis, you might find Oakland's commute times longer and traffic congestion higher compared to Tucson. However, Oakland compensates with better public transit options, making it easier to get around without a car. While Tucson has a lower congestion rate and shorter average commute times, its public transit system may not cover all areas comprehensively, making car dependency more common. Considering these differences, prepare for a shift in how you plan your daily travels and explore the city's offerings.

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