Best Columbus to Oakland Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Columbus to Oakland and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,602 mile move from Georgia to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 13 Columbus 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 OCD Moving Services LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $9,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Columbus 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 Columbus to Oakland Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1OCD Moving Services LLC9.669.47Authorized For HHGContact
2The Home Moving Solution8.899.2Authorized For HHGContact
3Fairprice Movers8.879.12Authorized For HHGContact
4Lambert Transfer & Storage, Inc.7.307.13Authorized For PropertyContact
5Two Men and a Truck6.535.95Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Columbus to Oakland

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,602 miles from Columbus, GA to Oakland, CA will cost on average $3,994 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Columbus to Oakland move is roughly $9,653. 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$2,678300 ft³8.93
1 Bedroom$3,994450 ft³8.88
2 Bedrooms$6,619750 ft³8.83
3 Bedrooms$9,6531100 ft³8.78
4 Bedrooms$13,9611600 ft³8.73
5+ Bedrooms$15,6161800 ft³8.68
*Please note: These Georgia to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Georgia & 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 GA to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Oakland to Columbus guide.

Compare the 5 Best Columbus 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
The Home Moving Solution Logo

The Home Moving Solution

Superb8.89/10
based on 396+ data points

1209 N Slappey Blvd

Albany, GA, 31701

About The Home Moving Solution

The Home Moving Solution is a family-owned and operated company specializing in residential and small business relocations. Established in 2013, this...

Services

  • Local Home Moving
  • Long Distance Moving Services
  • Full Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3239067 / 1017006

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved58,000 (2023)
View Full Review
2
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
3
Lambert Transfer & Storage, Inc. Logo

Lambert Transfer & Storage, Inc.

7.30/10
based on 202+ data points

1102 Fox Trail

Opelika, AL, 36801

About Lambert Transfer & Storage, Inc.

For nearly a century, Lambert Transfer & Storage has been moving families and businesses in the Opelika and Montgomery areas. This...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • International moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 7/24/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

105783 / 60083

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans15
Registered Drivers16
Total Annual Miles Moved586,000 (2021)
View Full Review
4
Two Men and a Truck Logo

Two Men and a Truck

6.53/10
based on 945+ data points

1421 Belfast Ave

Columbus, GA, 31904

About Two Men and a Truck

Founded in the 1980s, Two Men and a Truck has since provided clients with comprehensive, full-service relocation services. The company has...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Junk Removal
  • Storage

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1550958 / 576321

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans12
Registered Drivers13
Total Annual Miles Moved150,000 (2023)
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.

Columbus vs. Oakland Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can feel daunting, especially when you're not familiar with its neighborhoods. To ease this transition, we've conducted a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Columbus, GA & Oakland, CA , helping you find a new home that feels quite akin to your old one. This guide will assist you in visualizing your potential new surroundings with a comparative glance at both cities.

ColumbusOaklandHow They're Similar
Green Island HillsRockridgeAffluent, family-friendly
MidTownPiedmont AvenueEclectic, vibrant lifestyle
Weracoba/St. ElmoTemescalDiverse, artistic community
Maple RidgeMontclairUpscale, wooded scenery
Bibb CityWest OaklandHistoric, undergoing revitalization
BrookstoneTrestle GlenPeaceful, residential charm
Historic DistrictOld OaklandPreserved historical beauty
LakebottomLake MerrittUrban park, vibrant community
North ColumbusGlenviewFamily-friendly, quiet
WynntonDimond DistrictDiverse, with rich history

If you're moving from the green, spacious realms of Green Island Hills, you'll find Rockridge in Oakland offers a similar affluent and family-friendly vibe, complete with gourmet restaurants and boutiques. Meanwhile, fans of MidTown's eclectic mix of restaurants and shops will appreciate Piedmont Avenue's vibrant lifestyle, famed for its unique local eateries like Fenton's Creamery. For those drawn to the historic charm and artistic community of Weracoba/St. Elmo, Temescal's thriving arts scene, featuring landmarks such as the Temescal Alley, will certainly resonate. Lastly, if the peaceful and elegant streets of Brookstone are what you're leaving behind, you'll find comfort in the serene, residential charm of Trestle Glen, a neighborhood praised for its well-maintained homes and lush greenery.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Columbus to Oakland

Moving from one city to another presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Columbus, GA to Oakland, CA. By comparing the pros and cons directly, you'll gain a comprehensive view of what to expect in your new city.

CONs
PROs
Columbus, GA iconColumbus, GA
  • Smaller city vibe
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Warmer summers
  • Lesser job opportunities
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Larger metropolitan area
  • Greater cultural diversity
  • Milder climate
  • More job opportunities
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Higher cost of living
  • More impersonal
  • Heavier traffic
  • More complex layout
Columbus, GA iconColumbus, GA
  • Lower cost of living
  • Tighter-knit community
  • Lower traffic
  • Easier to navigate

Moving from the comfort and familiarity of Columbus, GA, to the bustling and diverse city of Oakland, CA, offers an exciting array of new opportunities but also comes with its own set of challenges. While Columbus prides itself on being a close-knit community with a low cost of living, Oakland dazzles newcomers with its vast cultural diversity and plethora of job opportunities. Imagine swapping the small-city feel for the vibrant neighborhoods of Oakland, such as the historic Jack London Square or the bustling Temescal district, famed for its indie shops and global eateries. However, the transition comes with adjusting to a higher cost of living and navigating through denser traffic. Oakland's moderate climate will be a welcome change, offering the perfect backdrop for exploring iconic parks like Joaquin Miller Park and enjoying outdoor activities year-round.

Columbus vs. Oakland Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between Columbus & Oakland highlights the food scene you’re moving into. Understanding the local flavors and dining habits can greatly enhance your settling-in experience, as food is a vibrant part of local culture.

ColumbusOakland
Most iconic local food itemFried CatfishSourdough Bread
Most popular meat dishBBQ Pulled PorkKorean BBQ Short Ribs
Most popular street food itemHot DogsTacos
Most popular vegan foodVegetable Stir FryJackfruit Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Minnie's Uptown Restaurant
  • The Black Cow
  • Mabella’s Italian Steakhouse
  • Chez Panisse
  • Shakewell
  • Nyum Bai
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Oakland, the food scene is lively and diverse. Neighborhoods like Temescal are renowned for their street food, particularly tacos, which can be found at bustling spots like Cholita Linda. Those interested in vegan cuisine will enjoy the innovative jackfruit tacos that mimic the texture and flavor of meat, a popular choice at vegan-friendly establishments throughout the city. Oakland's commitment to health and fitness is evident in its variety of restaurants offering fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Chez Panisse, a trailblazer in the farm-to-table movement, offers an upscale dining experience in Berkeley, just a short trip from Oakland. Whether it's exploring the food truck gatherings or dining in iconic restaurants, you'll find Oakland's foodie scene to be an exciting aspect of your new home.

Columbus vs. Oakland Restaurant Comparison

Finding a new favorite spot to dine can be a delightful part of making a new city feel like home. This comparison charts aim to bridge the taste of Columbus, GA's top restaurants to Oakland, CA's culinary scene, helping you discover parallel dining experiences. Whether you're craving high-end dining, a casual bite, or a unique foodie adventure, this guide is tailored to transform your relocation journey into a flavorful expedition.

ColumbusOaklandWhat You'll Love
Epic RestaurantCommisFor an upscale dining experience with a focus on creative American cuisine.
Mabella's Italian SteakhouseBelotti Ristorante e BottegaOffers meticulous Italian dishes and steak options.
Plucked Up Chicken & BiscuitsBrown Sugar KitchenKnown for Southern-inspired breakfast and comfort food.
The LoftShakewellOffers a lively atmosphere and Mediterranean-American cuisine.
Country’s BarbecueEverett & Jones BarbequeA spot for authentic, smoked barbecue dishes.
11th and Bay Southern TableMagnolia Street Wine Lounge & KitchenSouthern cuisine with a California twist.
Nonic Bar & KitchenDrake's DealershipFor a vibrant bar scene and innovative pub fare.
Yalla Mediterranean GrillDyafaOffers contemporary interpretations of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.
Iron Bank Coffee Co.Blue Bottle CoffeeKnown for high-quality, artisan coffee and a cozy atmosphere.
Minnie's UptownBrown Sugar KitchenAgain, for a nostalgia-infused Southern dining experience.

Transitioning from Columbus, GA, to Oakland, CA, brings a wave of new culinary experiences while still offering comforting similarities. For example, fans of Columbus's Epic Restaurant will appreciate Commis in Oakland for its inventive American dishes and fine dining ambiance. Meanwhile, if the savory Southern comfort food of Plucked Up Chicken & Biscuits is what you're missing, Brown Sugar Kitchen in Oakland provides a taste of home with its soulful, Southern-inspired menu. And for those who relish the Mediterranean flavors of Yalla Mediterranean Grill, Dyafa offers a contemporary twist on Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, ensuring your palate remains adventurous. These Oakland restaurants not only mirror the flavors and character of your Columbus favorites but also introduce you to the city's diverse and vibrant food scene.

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Ready to start your move?

Columbus vs. Oakland Real Estate & Living Facts

Realizing the dream of a new home involves meticulous planning, especially when comparing options as diverse as Columbus, GA and Oakland, CA. Understanding the real estate landscapes of these two cities is key to making an informed move. This comparison will shed light on housing costs, architectural styles, and the lifestyle each city offers.

ComparisonColumbusOakland
Typical Architecture StyleTraditional, ColonialVictorian, Modern
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, Family-friendlyAccessibility, Eco-friendly upgrades

When delving deeper into the housing aspects of Columbus, GA, and Oakland, CA, notable differences emerge. Columbus offers a more traditional Southern living experience with spacious yards and colonial-style homes, ideal for those seeking a family-friendly environment at a significantly lower cost. On the other hand, Oakland, with its higher cost of living, brings the allure of the Californian lifestyle with Victorian and modern architecture and a highly walkable urban environment. The city’s emphasis on eco-friendliness and accessibility to various amenities like bike paths and public transportation cater to those who prioritize sustainability and convenience in their living situation. Choosing between Columbus and Oakland ultimately depends on your budget, lifestyle preferences, and the value you place on community attributes like walkability and architectural style.

Columbus vs. Oakland Weather Considerations

Moving from one location to another requires adjusting not just to a new environment but also to a new climate. Understanding how the weather in Columbus, GA compares to Oakland, CA is essential for a smooth transition. This comparison will delve into the different weather patterns you'll experience, helping you prepare for your new home.

Summer icon
92/72

Columbus, GA

75/56

Oakland, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
59/37

Columbus, GA

58/44

Oakland, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
50

Columbus, GA

20

Oakland, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

Columbus, GA

0

Oakland, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonColumbusOakland
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersThunderstormsEarthquakes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While both Columbus and Oakland enjoy ample sunshine, Columbus experiences hotter summers and colder winters compared to the more temperate climate of Oakland. Notably, Oakland has a significantly higher number of sunny days annually, providing more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. However, Oakland's proximity to the Pacific Ocean brings about a higher average annual humidity and UV index, potentially requiring adjustments in your daily skincare routine. Furthermore, while residents of Columbus might be accustomed to preparing for thunderstorms, moving to Oakland means adapting to the possibility of earthquakes. Understanding these distinctions will aid in your transition and help you adapt to your new environment seamlessly.

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

If you're planning a move, it's crucial to grasp the financial landscape you're heading into. Comparing Columbus, GA with Oakland, CA highlights significant differences in cost of living, taxes, and job markets you'll experience. This insight arms you with the knowledge to make informed decisions tailored to your budget and lifestyle expectations.

ComparisonColumbusOakland
Avg. Household Income$52,734$82,236
Cost of Living Index93.35139.1
State Income Tax5.7513.3
Avg. Property Tax0.830.79
Avg. Sales Tax89.25
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, RetailTechnology, Healthcare, Education
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyNoticeableSignificant
HomelessnessConcerningCritical

When moving from Columbus to Oakland, you'll notice an immediate contrast in economic landscape. The cost of living index more than doubles, indicating your money may not stretch as far in Oakland due to higher housing, goods, and service costs. The spike in state income tax—from Columbus' 5.75% to Oakland's 13.3%—coupled with an increased sales tax, significantly affects disposable income. Despite this, Oakland offers higher average household incomes and access to thriving technology and healthcare industries. However, it's important to factor in the visible issues of poverty and homelessness that challenge Oakland, necessitating careful planning and budgeting for those relocating.

Columbus vs. Oakland Political & Religious Comparison

Moving from Columbus, GA to Oakland, CA offers a sharp contrast in environments, especially when considering the comparison of the politics between Columbus & Oakland and the religious landscape. This quick overview aims to give you a snapshot of what to expect in terms of the political and religious makeup of the residents in each city.

ColumbusOakland
Political Make-upModerately ConservativeVery Liberal
Local PoliticsLean towards RepublicanStrongly Democratic
ReligionPredominantly Christian, with significant Baptist and Methodist communitiesDiverse; includes Christians, non-religious, Buddhists, and Muslims

When you move from Columbus, GA to Oakland, CA, you'll notice a significant difference in the political and religious climates. Columbus has a moderately conservative outlook with local politics tending to lean Republican, largely influenced by its substantially Christian population, prominently Baptists and Methodists. Meanwhile, Oakland's vibe is starkly different, characterized by very liberal views and a strong Democratic leaning in local politics. Its religious makeup is much more diverse, reflecting a wider range of beliefs from Christianity to Buddhism and an appreciable percentage of non-religious residents. This contrast underscores the rich tapestry of cultural and social attitudes you'll encounter, making your move not just a change of scenery, but a dive into a vibrant and markedly different community.

Columbus vs. Oakland Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving to a new city brings its own set of challenges and adaptations, particularly when it comes to navigating daily commutes. This guide aims to ease your transition by providing a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Columbus, GA, and Oakland, CA. Understanding the differences will help you plan your travel and manage your time more effectively in your new home.

ComparisonColumbusOakland
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2232
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?NoYes

In Columbus, the average commute time is notably shorter than in Oakland, reflecting lighter traffic congestion. However, this comes with a trade-off in public transit options, which are more limited in Columbus, making a car almost essential for getting around. In contrast, Oakland offers a more robust public transit system, supported by buses, the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), and ferries, making it feasible to live without a personal vehicle. This difference in public transit availability is significant for those accustomed to the convenience of a car in Columbus, as it changes how one might plan their daily commute in Oakland.

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