Best San Francisco to Oakland Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from San Francisco to Oakland and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 13 mile long distance California move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 148 San Francisco to Oakland moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Sweet Lemon Moving Services), how much the move costs (approximately $1,000 - $4,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in San Francisco 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 San Francisco to Oakland Moving Companies
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from San Francisco to Oakland
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 13 miles from San Francisco, CA to Oakland, CA will cost on average $1,792 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom San Francisco to Oakland move is roughly $4,271. 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 | $1,210 | 300 ft³ | 4.03 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,792 | 450 ft³ | 3.98 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,950 | 750 ft³ | 3.93 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,271 | 1100 ft³ | 3.88 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $6,133 | 1600 ft³ | 3.83 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $6,809 | 1800 ft³ | 3.78 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Oakland to San Francisco guide.
Compare the 5 Best San Francisco to Oakland Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
Sweet Lemon Moving Services
403 Elwood Ave
Oakland, CA, 94610
About Sweet Lemon Moving Services
As a full-service moving company, Sweet Lemon Moving Services has been performing moves in Oakland and the wider Bay Area since...
Services
- Local Moves
- Interstate Moves
- Commercial Moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3277021 / - Not Authorized Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 8 |
| Registered Drivers | 8 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 5,000 (2021) |
Quantum Moving
535 Main St
Martinez, CA, 94553
About Quantum Moving
Quantum Moving is located in Martinez, California, and has been serving families and businesses in the surrounding areas with local and...
Services
- Bay Area Local Moving Services
- Long Distance Moving Services Within California
- Commercial Office Moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3163557 / - Not Authorized Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 5 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 35,000 (2022) |
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) |
Pure Moving Company
401 Terry A Francois Blvd # 110
San Francisco, CA, 94158
About Pure Moving Company
With four locations in two states, Pure Moving Company has been offering professional and full-service moves in San Francisco since 2000....
Services
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Long Distance Moving
A2B Movers San Francisco
12499 Folsom Blvd Suite 278
San Francisco, CA, 94016
About A2B Movers San Francisco
Located in San Jose, California, A2B Movers is a licensed and insured moving company that was established in 2010. Over a...
Services
- Licensed and insured local moving
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3053289 / - Not Authorized Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 1 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 10,000 (2023) |
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.
San Francisco vs. Oakland Neighborhood Comparison
Moving can be daunting, especially when the new city feels unfamiliar. To ease this transition, we've designed a guide to compare local neighborhoods between San Francisco, CA & Oakland, CA . By identifying the similarities between neighborhoods in both cities, we hope to help you find your new favorite spot that feels just like home.
| San Francisco | Oakland | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Marina District | Jack London Square | Waterfront ambiance, vibrant nightlife |
| Hayes Valley | Temescal | Trendy eateries, indie shops |
| Mission District | Fruitvale | Rich cultural heritage, diverse dining |
| Pacific Heights | Rockridge | Upscale, leafy residential streets |
| SOMA | Uptown | Art scene, nightclubs |
| Nob Hill | Claremont | Grand homes, historic charm |
| The Castro | Piedmont Avenue | LGBTQ+ friendly, eclectic mix of shops |
| Haight-Ashbury | Temescal | Bohemian vibe, vintage shops |
| North Beach | Old Oakland | Historic architecture, lively dining scene |
| Richmond District | Rockridge | Family-friendly, access to parks |
In San Francisco's Marina District, the bliss of a waterfront setting pairs with buzzing nightlife, akin to what you'll find at Jack London Square in Oakland. For those drawn to the colorful, bohemian spirit of the Haight-Ashbury, Temescal's quirky vintage boutiques and vibrant art scene offer a comparable vibe. Meanwhile, Nob Hill's refined city living can be mirrored in Oakland's Claremont district, where grand homes and leafy streets evoke a similar sense of historic charm and elegance. Explorers of the Mission District's diverse culinary landscape will feel at home in Fruitvale, where an array of international cuisines awaits. And for those who love the upscale, peaceful streets of Pacific Heights, Rockridge offers that same upscale residential feel, with its array of chic cafes and boutiques nestled among tree-lined streets.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from San Francisco to Oakland
Moving from San Francisco to Oakland presents a unique set of advantages and challenges. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection on the transitions you'll experience, underscoring the move between San Francisco and Oakland . By understanding both the good and the bad, you can make an informed decision about your relocation.
San Francisco, CA- Higher living costs
- Dense population
- Foggy weather
- Limited parking
Oakland, CA- More affordable housing
- Less crowded
- Sunnier days
- More parking availability
Oakland, CA- Quieter nightlife
- Fewer tech jobs
- Less tourist attractions
- More car-dependent
San Francisco, CA- Vibrant nightlife
- Tech job hub
- Iconic landmarks
- Extensive public transit
While San Francisco is known for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge and bustling nightlife with places like The Chapel and SFJAZZ Center, Oakland offers its own charms. The sunnier weather in Oakland allows residents more enjoyable days at Lake Merritt, and the city’s growing food scene with restaurants like Shakewell caters to diverse tastes. While San Francisco's tech scene is unparalleled, Oakland's tech sector is growing, and the city's more relaxed pace of life might be just what you're looking for. Additionally, Oakland's affordability means you can enjoy more space both in your home and around the city, making it an attractive option for those looking to escape San Francisco's soaring costs and crowded streets.
San Francisco vs. Oakland Food Guide
Comparing the local cuisine between San Francisco & Oakland is crucial for understanding the food culture in these vibrant cities. Food is a major part of local culture and what living in an area feels like. Through this comparison, you'll be better informed about the diverse food scenes awaiting you in your new city.
| San Francisco | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Sourdough Bread | Chicken and Waffles |
| Most popular meat dish | Cioppino | BBQ Brisket |
| Most popular street food item | Mission Burrito | Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Impossible Burger | Jackfruit Tacos |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In San Francisco, the sourdough bread reigns supreme as a significant part of the city's culinary identity, closely followed by the beloved Mission Burrito, which can be found in its namesake neighborhood, the Mission District. Zuni Café and Boudin Bakery offer quintessential San Franciscan dining experiences with local ingredients and traditional recipes. Moving across the bay to Oakland, the food scene is vibrant and diverse, with Chicken and Waffles from Brown Sugar Kitchen epitomizing the local flavor. Jackfruit Tacos are a hit among vegan circles, reflecting Oakland's commitment to inclusivity in dining. Places like Commis push the envelope of culinary excellence, creating a unique blend of innovation and tradition. Oakland's food truck scene, though slightly less abundant than San Francisco's, is nothing short of impressive, offering a wide range of global cuisines on almost every street corner.
San Francisco vs. Oakland Restaurant Comparison
Food plays a pivotal role in making a new city feel like home. This side-by-side comparison will help ease your transition from San Francisco to Oakland by matching your culinary favorites. Whether you're in the mood for high-end dining or a casual bite, you'll discover Oakland's counterparts to San Francisco's beloved eateries.
| San Francisco | Oakland | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| State Bird Provisions | Commis | High-end dining with innovative cuisine |
| The Slanted Door | Shakewell | Fusion food with a vibrant atmosphere |
| Tartine Bakery | Arizmendi Bakery | Famous for sourdough and pastries |
| Mission Chinese Food | Shandong Restaurant | Authentic and innovative Chinese dishes |
| Swan Oyster Depot | Rockin' Crawfish | Seafood with a lively vibe |
| La Taqueria | Xolo | Classic taqueria with a modern twist |
| Zuni Café | Wood Tavern | Rustic American cuisine in a cozy setting |
| Benu | Belotti Ristorante E Bottega | High-quality ingredients in fine Italian cuisine |
| Gary Danko | Commis | Another high-end option for memorable occasions |
| Nopa | Chop Bar | Local, sustainable ingredients and a great community feel |
Finding a new favorite spot doesn't mean forgetting the flavors you love; it's about expanding your palette. At Commis in Oakland, you'll experience a level of culinary artistry that rivals what you've come to adore at places like State Bird Provisions and Gary Danko in San Francisco. Meanwhile, Wood Tavern offers a comforting, rustic American dining experience reminiscent of Zuni Café, but with its own unique Oakland flare. Whether you're craving the innovative Chinese dishes you loved at Mission Chinese Food or seeking something similar but new, Shandong Restaurant in Oakland provides an authentic taste with innovative twists, ensuring your dining adventures continue to excite and satisfy.
Ready to start your move?
San Francisco vs. Oakland Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a crucial factor when considering relocation. Understanding how San Francisco and Oakland compare in terms of housing aspects such as cost, architecture, and livability can significantly impact your decision. This comparison aims to provide insights into these cities' unique offerings.
| Comparison | San Francisco | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Victorian and Modern | Bungalow and Modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Views, Upgrades | Yard, Access to public transit |
San Francisco and Oakland both offer vibrant urban lifestyles, yet their housing markets have distinct characteristics that might influence your choice. San Francisco, known for its iconic Victorian homes, leans towards a higher cost in both its median home price and monthly rent compared to Oakland. However, it offers unparalleled walkability and a bustling urban experience, rated a perfect 10. On the other hand, Oakland, while slightly less walkable, presents a unique charm with its abundance of bungalows and a growing appreciation for modern architecture. Interestingly, Oakland's listings often highlight access to public transit and private yards, underlining the city's blend of urban convenience with a touch of personal space and greenery.
San Francisco vs. Oakland Weather Considerations
When planning a move from San Francisco to Oakland, it's essential to understand how the weather varies between these two locations. Knowing what to expect can help you better prepare for your new home environment. This comparison offers insight into several weather-related factors that could influence your daily life after the move.
San Francisco, CA
Oakland, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
San Francisco, CA
Oakland, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
San Francisco, CA
Oakland, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
San Francisco, CA
Oakland, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | San Francisco | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Tsunamis | Earthquakes, Fires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While both San Francisco and Oakland enjoy a mild climate with cool, wet winters and dry summers, a few subtle differences can affect your daily life. Oakland typically experiences slightly warmer temperatures during the summer months, which could be a significant advantage if you prefer warmer weather. The air quality in Oakland, however, may be moderately worse than in San Francisco, primarily due to its position inland and varying industrial factors. Another consideration is the slightly higher annual rainfall in Oakland, which could influence outdoor activities and gardening plans. Regardless, both cities benefit from a large number of sunny days per year, providing ample opportunities to enjoy the beautiful Northern California outdoors.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from San Francisco to Oakland
When relocating, it's pivotal to gauge the financial landscape you're stepping into. This comparison illuminates the economic differences between your current and future home. Understand how San Francisco and Oakland stack up in terms of money and finance , ensuring you're well-prepared for this transition.
| Comparison | San Francisco | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $121,826 | $82,236 |
| Cost of Living Index | 164 | 139.1 |
| State Income Tax | 13.3 | 13.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.6 | 0.8 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 8.5 | 9.25 |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Finance, Tourism | Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing |
| Affluence | Very High | Moderate |
| Poverty | Low | Moderate |
| Homelessness | High | High |
In shifting from San Francisco to Oakland, you'll notice a striking difference in the average household income and cost of living index, with San Francisco being significantly higher on both fronts. However, the state income tax remains consistent across both cities, given California's statewide tax rate. Property and sales tax variations might seem minor but can influence your yearly expenditures. The industry landscape shifts from a tech-heavy environment in San Francisco to a more diversified economy in Oakland, encompassing healthcare and education, potentially opening up new occupational avenues for you. Despite these financial variations, both cities grapple with high homelessness, an important societal issue worth noting in your relocation considerations.
San Francisco vs. Oakland Political & Religious Comparison
In this brief overview, we're offering a quick snapshot for individuals planning on moving from San Francisco to Oakland. By focusing specifically on a comparison of the politics and religious makeup between San Francisco & Oakland , this guide aims to provide clearer insights into what one might expect in terms of the local community's political leanings and religious affiliations.
| San Francisco | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Strongly Liberal | Strongly Liberal |
| Local Politics | Progressive with a focus on social issues | Progressive, with significant grassroots activism |
| Religion | Diverse: Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, others | Diverse: Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, others |
Both San Francisco and Oakland are known for their strongly liberal political makeup, reflecting California's overarching progressive tendencies. However, what sets them apart is the nature of their local politics. San Francisco's activism often revolves around large-scale social issues and policies at a broader level, while Oakland displays a rich history of grassroots activism, passionately engaging with community-specific concerns such as local governance, education, and police reform. When it comes to religious diversity, both cities host communities of various beliefs, including Christianity, Buddhism, and Judaism, with Oakland having a notable presence of the Islam community as well. Each city has places of worship and spiritual gatherings reflecting this diversity, offering newcomers an array of choices for religious or spiritual alignment.
San Francisco vs. Oakland Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Understanding the daily commute and traffic is crucial when moving. This guide provides a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between San Francisco & Oakland to help you navigate your new city more easily.
| Comparison | San Francisco | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 34 | 29 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes | Yes, but less convenient |
While both San Francisco and Oakland offer robust public transit systems, San Francisco's is slightly more extensive, making it easier to forgo a car. Commute times in Oakland are generally shorter, likely due to less traffic congestion. Despite this, Oakland's public transit availability scores lower, implying that while possible, living in Oakland without a car might not be as convenient as in San Francisco. This distinction is crucial for anyone considering the move and weighing the importance of public transit accessibility and commute times in their decision.
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