Best Oakland to Tacoma Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Oakland to Tacoma and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 771 mile move from California to Washington go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 27 Oakland to Tacoma 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 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 Tacoma. 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 Tacoma Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | John Volken Academy Movers | 9.33 | 9.65 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | First Due Movers | 9.25 | 9.06 | Authorized For Property, 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 Tacoma
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 771 miles from Oakland, CA to Tacoma, WA will cost on average $2,437 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Oakland to Tacoma move is roughly $5,847. 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 | $1,640 | 300 ft³ | 5.47 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,437 | 450 ft³ | 5.42 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,024 | 750 ft³ | 5.37 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,847 | 1100 ft³ | 5.32 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $8,424 | 1600 ft³ | 5.27 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $9,387 | 1800 ft³ | 5.22 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Tacoma to Oakland guide.
Compare the 5 Best Oakland to Tacoma 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) |
John Volken Academy Movers
921 Central Ave N
Kent, WA, 98032
About John Volken Academy Movers
John Volken Academy Movers is a not-for-profit moving company that helps people move across Western and Eastern Washington. This local business...
Services
- Local Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Residential Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2261169 / 1666977 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 8 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 200 (2015) |
First Due Movers
8126 304th Ave SE
Preston, WA, 98050
About First Due Movers
First Due Movers is based in Preston, Washington, but offers nationwide moving services. The company is actually owned by local Washington...
Services
- Residential Moves
- Commercial Moves
- Long-Distance Moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1990914 / 865709 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 12 |
| Registered Drivers | 20 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 205,000 (2022) |
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. Tacoma Neighborhood Comparison
Relocating can be daunting, especially when transitioning from a familiar city to an unknown one. To ease this journey, we've designed a guide comparing popular Oakland, CA neighborhoods with their Tacoma, WA counterparts. This comparison of local neighborhoods between Oakland, CA & Tacoma, WA aims to help you find a new community that feels like home.
| Oakland | Tacoma | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Rockridge | Proctor District | Vibrant, community-focused |
| Montclair | North End | Scenic, quiet, family-friendly |
| Temescal | 6th Avenue | Artsy, diverse, with eclectic shops |
| Piedmont Avenue | Old Town | Rich in history, boutique shopping |
| Jack London District | Stadium District | Historic, waterfront dining and parks |
| Grand Lake | Hilltop | Dynamic, evolving, community events |
| Lake Merritt | Point Ruston | Waterfront living, leisure activities |
| West Oakland | Eastside | Industrial heritage, urban renewal |
| Uptown | Downtown Tacoma | Urban core, cultural attractions |
| Dimond District | Lincoln District | Diverse, community-centric |
In making the move from Oakland to Tacoma, you'll discover many familiar comforts in these Tacoma neighborhoods. For instance, lovers of Rockridge's quaint streets and unique boutiques will find Proctor District equally charming, with its community-focused vibes and vibrant farmers' market. If the eclectic mix of cafes and shops along Temescal's Telegraph Avenue is what you're after, 6th Avenue in Tacoma will not disappoint with its artsy flair and diverse eateries. Tacoma's Old Town captures the historical charm and boutique shopping that Piedmont Avenue residents cherish, offering a similarly rich architectural and cultural experience. Meanwhile, for fans of scenic Lake Merritt, Point Ruston provides an exceptional waterfront lifestyle with a mix of leisure activities, including the popular Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium just a stone's throw away. Each Tacoma neighborhood brings its unique flavor, mirroring the diverse and vibrant communities found in Oakland.
Things to Do in Tacoma
Explore Point Defiance Park- Visit Museum of Glass
- Stroll along Ruston Way Waterfront
- Shop at Proctor District
- Catch a movie at The Grand Cinema
- Enjoy America's Car Museum
- Attend Tacoma Art Walk
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Oakland to Tacoma
Moving from Oakland, CA to Tacoma, WA requires an honest reflection of both the challenging and beneficial aspects of such a relocation. This comparison aims to provide a balanced view by highlighting the key differences, abridging your decision-making process.
Oakland, CA- Higher cost of living
- Denser traffic
- Lower air quality
- Fewer green spaces
Tacoma, WA- More affordable housing
- Less traffic congestion
- Better environmental quality
- Abundant parks and waterfronts
Tacoma, WA- Smaller arts community
- Fewer culinary varieties
- More limited job opportunities
- Rainier climate
Oakland, CA- Vibrant cultural scene
- Diverse dining options
- Strong job market
- Mild winters
While considering a move from Oakland, you might miss the city's vibrant cultural scenes and diverse dining experiences. Oakland is home to renowned establishments like The Cheeseboard Collective and vibrant art districts such as Temescal. However, Tacoma welcomes newcomers with its picturesque parks like Point Defiance and the thriving Tacoma Waterfront that promise refreshing outdoor activities and scenic views. Besides, Tacoma's burgeoning arts scene, represented by places like the Tacoma Art Museum, although smaller, is profoundly passionate, promising rich cultural engagements. Despite the rainier climate, many find Tacoma's environment healthier and its living cost notably more manageable, offering a balanced lifestyle transition.
Oakland vs. Tacoma Food Guide
As you embark on your move, understanding the pulse of a city's culture is pivotal, and what better way to dive in than through its food scene? In this guide, we'll execute a comparison of the local cuisine between Oakland & Tacoma , equipping you with insights into what culinary delights await in your new home.
| Oakland | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Sourdough Bread | Dungeness Crab |
| Most popular meat dish | BBQ Brisket | Salmon |
| Most popular street food item | Tacos | Fish Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Jackfruit Tacos | Tempeh Bowl |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Oakland, the vibrant street food scene is epitomized by the plethora of taco trucks that line the streets, particularly in neighborhoods like Fruitvale. BBQ joints and sourdough bakeries showcase the city's diverse culinary influences. On the flip side, Tacoma's waterside location means seafood, especially Dungeness crab and salmon, play a huge role in local cuisine. Neighborhoods like 6th Avenue are bustling with an eclectic mix of restaurants, including vegan and health-conscious options, signifying Tacoma's growing foodie culture.
Oakland vs. Tacoma Restaurant Comparison
Embarking on a move from Oakland, CA, to Tacoma, WA, doesn’t mean leaving your gastronomic comforts behind. By comparing top Oakland restaurants to their closest counterparts in Tacoma , we aim to ease your transition and help you discover your next favorite eateries. Let this guide serve as a culinary compass in your new city.
| Oakland | Tacoma | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Commis | Over the Moon Cafe | Both offer a unique fine dining experience with a focus on local ingredients. |
| Shakewell | Indochine Asian Dining Lounge | Known for their delicious fusion cuisine and vibrant atmosphere. |
| Grand Lake Kitchen | Asado | A similar ambiance of casual dining with a diverse and innovative menu. |
| Brown Sugar Kitchen | Southern Kitchen | Both specialize in soul food with a homely, comforting vibe. |
| Nido | Metronome Coffee | While primarily a coffee shop, it offers a cozy space with quality food reminiscent of Nido's offerings. |
| Lois the Pie Queen | Legendary Doughnuts | Though more focused on doughnuts, they offer pies that evoke the homemade feel of Lois the Pie Queen. |
| Mua | The Table | Provides a similar eclectic and artsy setting with a menu that's adventurous yet accessible. |
| Homeroom | Melting Pot | Both offer a comforting selection, with a focus on American classics and a commitment to making guests feel at home. |
| Pizzaiolo | The Rock Wood Fired Pizza | Both have a unique spin on traditional pizza, offering a memorable dining experience. |
| Dona Tomas | Vuelve a la Vida | Offering a comparable focus on authentic Mexican cuisine with a lively and welcoming atmosphere. |
For those of you who cherish Oakland’s eclectic dining scene but are moving to Tacoma, you'll find comforting parallels between the two cities. The Over the Moon Cafe mirrors Commis, providing an intimate fine dining experience centered around local, fresh produce, encapsulating the essence of Oakland's culinary sophistication. On a lighter note, if you're missing the distinct vibe and flavors of Shakewell, Indochine Asian Dining Lounge in Tacoma stands out with its inventive fusion dishes and a lively setting that's sure to remind you of home. Lastly, the warmth and comforting soul food at Southern Kitchen offer a taste reminiscent of Brown Sugar Kitchen's beloved dishes, ensuring your cravings for hearty, flavorful meals are well satisfied in your new locale.
Ready to start your move?
Oakland vs. Tacoma Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a crucial component when planning a move. Understanding how Oakland, CA and Tacoma, WA compare in terms of housing can significantly impact your decision. This comparison aims to shed light on various aspects like cost and walkability, providing a deeper insight into what each city offers.
| Comparison | Oakland | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Victorian and Craftsman | Victorian and Craftsman |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to San Francisco, eco-friendly upgrades | Views of Mount Rainier, waterfront properties |
When examining the real estate landscape between Oakland and Tacoma, the difference in median home prices and rents is quite stark, with Oakland being significantly more expensive. This could mainly be due to its proximity to the bustling job markets of the San Francisco Bay Area. However, both cities share a fondness for historical Victorian and Craftsman homes, hinting at a rich architectural heritage. Interestingly, Oakland boasts better scores in terms of walkability and urban lifestyle, which may appeal to those looking for a more dynamic and accessible city environment. In contrast, Tacoma offers unique selling points in its real estate listings, like breathtaking views of Mount Rainier and charming waterfront properties, providing a blend of natural beauty with city living.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Tacoma, WA
1. North End: With its sprawling Ruston Way Waterfront and multiple dog-friendly parks, North End offers you and your pet ample green space and scenic walks along Commencement Bay.
2. Proctor District: The walkable neighborhood vibe of the Proctor District is enhanced by its pet-friendly businesses and the nearby Point Defiance Park, offering endless outdoor adventures for you and your furry friend.
3. Stadium District: Known for its historic charm, the Stadium District features pet-friendly cafes and easy access to Wright Park, making it a perfect place for pet owners who enjoy urban living with a touch of nature.
Oakland vs. Tacoma Weather Considerations
When planning a move from one location to another, understanding how the weather patterns compare is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight how the weather in Oakland and Tacoma will differ, providing insights into what you can expect year-round. From average temperatures to natural disasters, these charts are designed to help you prepare for your new climate.
Oakland, CA
Tacoma, WA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Oakland, CA
Tacoma, WA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Oakland, CA
Tacoma, WA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Oakland, CA
Tacoma, WA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Oakland | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Wildfires | Earthquakes, Volcanic Eruptions |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Relocating from Oakland to Tacoma brings a notable shift in weather patterns, especially in terms of sunlight and precipitation. You'll experience fewer sunny days in Tacoma, dropping from Oakland's 264 to just 142. This shift is accompanied by a significant increase in annual rainfall, almost doubling from Oakland's 23 inches to Tacoma's 39 inches. Additionally, while both cities share a risk of earthquakes, Tacoma's proximity to Mount Rainier also introduces the potential for volcanic activity. Preparing for these changes can ease your transition and help you adapt more comfortably to your new environment.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Oakland to Tacoma
When you're planning to move, it's crucial to understand how the cost of living and financial landscape in Oakland and Tacoma will impact your budget and lifestyle. This comparison aims to guide those moving between these cities.
| Comparison | Oakland | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $82,236 | $77,141 |
| Cost of Living Index | 139.1 | 109.5 |
| State Income Tax | 13.3 (max rate) | 0 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.74 | 1.08 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 9.75 | 10.2 |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Healthcare, Education | Manufacturing, Healthcare, Retail |
| Affluence | More affluent | Less affluent |
| Poverty | Notable | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Significant | Concerning |
While Oakland boasts a higher average household income, it's important to consider the state income tax, which is notably high at 13.3%, compared to Washington State where you'd pay no state income tax. Despite Tacoma's lower average income, the absence of state income tax along with its more affordable cost of living index at 113 compared to Oakland's 181, can make it a financially appealing option. However, property and sales taxes are slightly higher in Tacoma, which might offset some savings. Key industries also vary, suggesting that job opportunities could significantly differ between the two cities. This context is vital for understanding how your financial situation could change with your move.
Oakland vs. Tacoma Political & Religious Comparison
When moving from Oakland to Tacoma, understanding the local community is crucial. This guide offers a comparison of the politics between Oakland & Tacoma, providing a quick snapshot of the political and religious landscapes in both cities. By examining these community characteristics, you'll gain insights into what to expect in your new home.
| Oakland | Tacoma | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Strongly liberal | Moderately liberal |
| Local Politics | Diverse representation | Progressive trends |
| Religion | Varied religious communities | Christian majority with diverse religious presence |
Both Oakland and Tacoma are known for their liberal political leanings, yet Oakland has a reputation for stronger liberal views compared to the moderately liberal stance of Tacoma. This difference might reflect in local politics and community initiatives, with Oakland known for its diverse representation across various sectors. Tacoma, with its progressive trends, showcases an evolving political landscape. Religion in both cities encompasses a spectrum of faiths, though Tacoma has a notably larger Christian majority. While Oakland boasts a rich tapestry of religious communities, including Ebenezer Herchurch and The Islamic Society of Oakland, Tacoma's religious scene, with institutions like First Presbyterian Church of Tacoma, reflects its own unique diversity.
Oakland vs. Tacoma Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Oakland, CA to Tacoma, WA? Better understand the daily commute and traffic differences, as this comparison focuses on the traffic and transportation options between Oakland & Tacoma. This guide will help you navigate your new city with ease.
| Comparison | Oakland | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 32 | 26 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Possible, but challenging | Less convenient |
In Oakland, the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) and bus services offer reasonable public transportation options, making it somewhat feasible to get around without a car, especially within the city and to/from San Francisco. Tacoma's public transport, primarily served by Pierce Transit, is less extensive, making car ownership more of a necessity for convenience and broader accessibility. Notably, Oakland experiences higher traffic congestion due to its proximity and connectivity to San Francisco and other Bay Area cities, which contributes to the longer average commute times compared to Tacoma, where traffic is lighter and commutes are generally shorter.
Additional Resources
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