Best Oakland to Tucson Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Oakland to Tucson and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 879 mile move from California to Arizona go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 23 Oakland to Tucson 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 Oakland compared to Tucson. 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 Oakland to Tucson Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Moving Buddies Tucson AZ | 9.06 | 9.23 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Get Your Move On, LLC | 9.03 | 8.37 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Fairprice Movers | 8.87 | 9.12 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Upline Moving | 8.60 | 8.62 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Oakland to Tucson
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 879 miles from Oakland, CA to Tucson, AZ will cost on average $2,529 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Oakland to Tucson move is roughly $6,071. 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 Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,701 | 300 ft³ | 5.67 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,529 | 450 ft³ | 5.62 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,177 | 750 ft³ | 5.57 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $6,071 | 1100 ft³ | 5.52 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $8,751 | 1600 ft³ | 5.47 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $9,755 | 1800 ft³ | 5.42 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Tucson to Oakland guide.
Compare the 5 Best Oakland to Tucson Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
OCD Moving Services LLC
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2597230 / 911812 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 153,000 (2022) |
Moving Buddies Tucson AZ
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3531262 / 1542042 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 6,000 (2022) |
Get Your Move On, LLC
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1885055 / 990813 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 15 |
| Registered Drivers | 19 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 350,000 (2023) |
Fairprice Movers
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2192738 / 768242 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 5 |
| Registered Drivers | 3 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 89,000 (2022) |
Upline Moving
30956 San Clemente St
Hayward, CA, 94544
About Upline Moving
For smooth local, statewide, and nationwide residential relocations, Upline Moving is your trusted partner. Based in Hayward, it serves the community...
Services
- Residential movers
- Long distance movers
- Local movers
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1881933 / 678648 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 7 |
| Registered Drivers | 5 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 150,000 (2012) |
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.
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.
Oakland vs. Tucson Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding the right neighborhood. To ease this transition, we've created a guide comparing Oakland, CA & Tucson, AZ local neighborhoods . By using your familiar Oakland neighborhood as a baseline, we'll help you discover a similar community in Tucson, ensuring you feel at home right away.
| Oakland | Tucson | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Rockridge | Sam Hughes | Historic, walkable |
| Piedmont Avenue | El Encanto | Upscale, local shopping |
| Montclair | Catalina Foothills | Scenic views, upscale |
| Temescal | Fourth Avenue | Vibrant, artsy |
| Jack London Square | Downtown Tucson | Waterfront, nightlife |
| Grand Lake | Armory Park | Historic, community-oriented |
| West Oakland | Barrio Historico | Cultural, historic |
| Lake Merritt | Reid Park | Urban park, community events |
| Glenview | Blenman-Elm | Quiet, family-friendly |
| Uptown | Downtown Arts District | Entertainment, artsy |
For example, if you appreciate Rockridge's blend of charming homes and accessible, boutique shopping along College Avenue, you'll find a similar atmosphere in Sam Hughes with its historic homes and walkable streets lined with local cafes and shops, like the beloved Time Market. Meanwhile, Jack London Square's vibrant waterfront scene is echoed in Downtown Tucson, where you can enjoy an array of dining and entertainment options along the streetcar line. The artsy and eclectic feel of Temescal finds its counterpart in Fourth Avenue, Tucson, known for its unique shops, restaurants, and frequent festivals, such as the Fourth Avenue Street Fair. Thus, transitioning from Oakland to Tucson doesn't mean leaving behind the community vibes and lifestyles you've grown to love; it's about discovering them anew in a different cityscape.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Oakland to Tucson
Moving from one city to another is a big decision, filled with numerous nuances that can impact your happiness and quality of life. This guide aims to give you an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Oakland, CA to Tucson, AZ. By comparing the cons to the pros and vice versa, you'll gain a clearer picture of what awaits in your potential new home.
Oakland, CA- Higher living cost
- Dense urban environment
- Less sunshine
- Heavier traffic
Tucson, AZ- More affordable
- Spacious landscapes
- More sunshine
- Lighter traffic
Tucson, AZ- Less diverse culture
- Isolated location
- Limited job sectors
- No coastal access
Oakland, CA- Vibrant culture
- Proximity to SF
- Better job market
- Coastal access
Moving to Tucson from Oakland presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. While you might miss the vibrant cultural scene and diverse restaurants like Wood Tavern and Lake Merritt areas in Oakland, Tucson offers its own charm with attractions like the expansive Saguaro National Park and the historic Mission San Xavier del Bac. What Tucson lacks in coastal access and dense urban environment, it more than makes up for with its affordable living, spacious landscapes, and a sunnier climate. It brings a slower pace of life, which can be a refreshing change, along with opportunities to explore vast outdoor activities and unique local eateries such as El Charro Café, the nation's oldest Mexican restaurant in continuous operation by the same family.
Oakland vs. Tucson Food Guide
Food significantly reflects the local culture and lifestyle, making it a crucial aspect of relocating. To help you acclimate to your new surroundings, we will conduct a comparison of the local cuisine between Oakland & Tucson . This comparison will prepare your palate for the culinary transition ahead.
| Oakland | Tucson | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Sourdough Bread | Sonoran Hot Dog |
| Most popular meat dish | BBQ Brisket | Carne Asada |
| Most popular street food item | Tacos | Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Jackfruit Tacos | Tofu Scramble |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Moving from Oakland to Tucson introduces you to a captivating blend of culinary traditions with unique local specialties. In Tucson, you'll find neighborhoods like the historic Fourth Avenue and Downtown buzzing with food trucks offering the famous Sonoran Hot Dog, a local adaptation that encapsulates the city's culinary creativity. Tucson's El Charro Café, established in 1922, is a testament to the city's rich Mexican-American heritage, offering authentic dishes like Carne Asada, which contrasts with Oakland's diverse and international flavors. While both cities share a high appreciation for food trucks and a vibrant foodie scene, Oakland stands out with a slightly more health-conscious and vegan-friendly environment, reflected in the popularity of innovative vegan options like Jackfruit Tacos.
Oakland vs. Tucson Restaurant Comparison
Food plays a pivotal role in transforming a new city into a place that feels like home. With our restaurant comparison, we aim to ease your transition from Oakland, CA to Tucson, AZ by matching your current culinary favorites to their Tucson equivalents. Discovering these comparable eateries will help you find the comfort of home in your new city.
| Oakland | Tucson | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Commis | Tito & Pep | Innovative western cooking with a twist. |
| Shakewell | Penca | Offers a unique blend of Mediterranean and Mexican cuisine. |
| Brown Sugar Kitchen | The Cup Café | Known for comfort food with a modern spin. |
| Mama's Royal Café | Baja Café | Famous for their creative breakfasts and brunches. |
| Pizzaiolo | Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink | Serves up authentic, stone-fired pizzas. |
| Donut Savant | Batch Café & Bar | Known for doughnuts and whiskey, offering a unique twist. |
| Duende | Contigo Latin Kitchen | Presents a vibrant blend of Latin flavors. |
| Señor Sisig | Seis Kitchen | Celebrates street food from different regions of Mexico. |
| The Cook and Her Farmer | Agustin Kitchen | Focuses on farm-to-table dining with a twist on classics. |
| Homeroom | The Fix | Arizona's Mac n Chz Headquarters, offering a variety of mac and cheese options. |
Finding a slice of Oakland in Tucson is more than possible with establishments like Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink, echoing Pizzaiolo's commitment to authentically crafted, stone-fired pizzas. Similarly, for those who crave the unique breakfast and brunch offerings of Mama's Royal Café, Baja Café will not disappoint, offering a creativity that rivals the original. And for the comfort of Southern-inspired dishes, The Cup Café's inventive menu brings to mind the beloved flavors of Brown Sugar Kitchen. Each Tucson eatery listed not only matches its Oakland counterpart in culinary ethos but also in the desire to create a warm, welcoming environment for every guest.
Ready to start your move?
Oakland vs. Tucson Real Estate & Living Facts
When considering a move, assessing the real estate landscape is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight the key differences in housing between Oakland, CA, and Tucson, AZ, focusing on costs, architecture, and lifestyle. Understanding these variations can significantly impact your relocation decision, ensuring you find a home that fits your needs and preferences in your new city.
| Comparison | Oakland | Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Victorian, Craftsman | Spanish Colonial, Adobe |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Bay views, Proximity to San Francisco | Mountain views, Outdoor living spaces |
While the median home price and rent in Oakland greatly surpass those in Tucson, it's essential to dig deeper into what these figures represent. For example, Oakland's housing market is influenced by its proximity to San Francisco, leading to higher costs but also offering Victorian and Craftsman-style homes with stunning bay views. On the flip side, Tucson provides a more affordable living with its Spanish Colonial and Adobe style architectures, emphasizing outdoor living spaces and breathtaking mountain views. Despite being less walkable, Tucson's emphasis on outdoor living could be a perfect match for those who yearn for a connection with nature without compromising on urban amenities. Notably, the bikeability scores are relatively close, suggesting both cities appreciate cycling as a mode of transportation, albeit in very different settings.
Oakland vs. Tucson Weather Considerations
If you're considering a move from Oakland, CA to Tucson, AZ, grasping the weather differences is crucial. This comparison will shed light on what to expect and how to prepare. Understanding the weather contrasts between Oakland and Tucson will help you adapt more smoothly to your new environment.
Oakland, CA
Tucson, AZ
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Oakland, CA
Tucson, AZ
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Oakland, CA
Tucson, AZ
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Oakland, CA
Tucson, AZ
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Oakland | Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Variable |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes | Heatwaves, Monsoons |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | 260 days | 286 days |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Transitioning from Oakland's mild climate to Tucson's desert weather involves significant changes. In Tucson, you'll enjoy more sunny days but prepare for the intense summer heat and much lower humidity levels. While both cities experience minimal snowfall, Tucson offers a drastic shift in outdoor lifestyle opportunities due to its prolonged warm seasons. Understanding these climate differences is key to adapting your lifestyle, clothing, and home to your new setting efficiently.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Oakland to Tucson
When considering a move from one city to another, understanding how your finances will be affected is essential. This comparison highlights the significant differences in cost of living, income, and taxes between Oakland and Tucson, providing you with a clearer financial picture as you plan your move.
| Comparison | Oakland | Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $82,236 | $50,306 |
| Cost of Living Index | 139.1 | 96.5 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 4.5% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.78% | 0.72% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 9.25% | 8.6% |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Health Care, Retail | Aerospace, Education, Health Care |
| Affluence | Moderate | Lower |
| Poverty | High | Higher |
| Homelessness | Very High | High |
While Oakland presents a higher average household income, it's essential to note that this is balanced by a significantly higher cost of living and state income tax than in Tucson. Tucson offers a more affordable living situation with a lower cost of living index and state income tax, although household incomes tend to be lower. The industries driving each city's economy differ, reflecting unique job opportunities available. These financial and economic differences are crucial to consider when planning your move, as they directly impact your budget and lifestyle choices.
Oakland vs. Tucson Political & Religious Comparison
In preparing for your move from Oakland, CA to Tucson, AZ, understanding the community you're moving into is key. This is a comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Oakland & Tucson . It provides a quick glance at the typical population characteristics, helping you get a feel for your new city.
| Oakland | Tucson | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal/Democratic | Liberal/Democratic |
| Local Politics | Progressive policies & activism | Progressive, with a focus on environmental & social issues |
| Religion | Diverse religious landscape | Diverse, with a significant Catholic presence |
Moving from Oakland to Tucson, you'll find both cities share a liberal and Democratic political makeup, reflecting their populations' progressive views on social and environmental issues. However, while you may be accustomed to the robust activism and progressive policies prevalent in Oakland's local politics, Tucson also places a strong emphasis on environmental and social issues, which might offer you a familiar community atmosphere. The religious landscape in both cities is quite diverse, though Tucson holds a significant Catholic presence. This comparison gives an overview of the vital social characteristics that define each city, providing you with insights into your new community.
Oakland vs. Tucson Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Oakland, CA to Tucson, AZ, it's essential to understand the differences in traffic and transportation options between the two cities to better anticipate what your daily commute and dealings with traffic will be like.
| Comparison | Oakland | Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 34.5 | 25.3 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes, with some planning | Challenging |
While Oakland offers a robust public transit system with BART and buses making it feasible to navigate without a car, Tucson's public transportation scores lower, making car ownership more of a necessity. Average commute times are also significantly shorter in Tucson, hinting at less congestion on the roads compared to Oakland. This difference could mean you'll spend less time in traffic and have more leisure or productivity in your day. However, Tucson's transportation infrastructure limits your mobility without a personal vehicle, so it's crucial to consider this when planning your move.
Additional Resources
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