Best Des Moines to Oakland Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Des Moines to Oakland and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,882 mile move from Iowa to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 17 Des Moines 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 $2,500 - $8,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Des Moines 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 Des Moines to Oakland Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Adamantine Spine Moving | 9.53 | 9.4 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Best Move Inc | 9.23 | 9.19 | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| 4 | Hemmen Moving | 9.10 | 9.47 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Fairprice Movers | 8.87 | 9.12 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Des Moines to Oakland
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,882 miles from Des Moines, IA to Oakland, CA will cost on average $3,382 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Des Moines to Oakland move is roughly $8,156. 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 | $2,269 | 300 ft³ | 7.56 |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,382 | 450 ft³ | 7.51 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $5,599 | 750 ft³ | 7.46 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $8,156 | 1100 ft³ | 7.41 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $11,784 | 1600 ft³ | 7.36 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $13,167 | 1800 ft³ | 7.31 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Oakland to Des Moines guide.
Compare the 5 Best Des Moines to Oakland 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) |
Adamantine Spine Moving
2815 36th St
Des Moines, IA, 50310
About Adamantine Spine Moving
With multiple locations in Iowa, Adamantine Spine Moving has excellent coverage of the entire state with its reliable and convenient moving...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Apartment/Condo Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1471037 / 556716 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 37 |
| Registered Drivers | 40 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 393,823 (2022) |
Best Move Inc
Burlington, IA, 52601
About Best Move Inc
Best Move, Inc. prides itself on being one of the most preferred and recommended moving companies in Fort Madison, IA. Its...
Services
- Material Packing
- Local Moving
- Long-Distance Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 749231 / 376435 Authorized For Property Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 20,976 (2022) |
Hemmen Moving
1293 W Ave
Ames, IA, 50014
About Hemmen Moving
For over 25 years, Hemmen Moving has served the Ames area with full-service moving solutions. It provides services for residential and...
Services
- Local moving
- Long distance moving
- Small moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 608245 / 292343 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 604,536 (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) |
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.
Des Moines vs. Oakland Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can feel like stepping into the unknown, but familiarizing yourself with local neighborhoods can ease the transition. To help bridge the gap, we've prepared a comparison of Des Moines, IA & Oakland, CA neighborhoods , pinpointing similarities that might make you feel right at home in your new surroundings.
| Des Moines | Oakland | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| East Village | Temescal | Vibrant shopping and dining |
| Beaverdale | Rockridge | Family-friendly with quaint shops |
| Drake | Piedmont Avenue | Eclectic and youthful |
| Waterbury | Montclair | Upscale, leafy residential area |
| Sherman Hill | Glenview | Historic homes and a tight-knit community |
| Gray's Lake | Lake Merritt | Recreational lake, culturally diverse |
| South of Grand | Rockridge | Charming homes, vibrant community life |
| Highland Park | Fruitvale | Rich cultural heritage and community |
| Waveland Park | Dimond District | Green spaces and local economy |
| Ingersoll | Grand Lake | Diverse dining and entertainment options |
Exploring comparable neighborhoods between Des Moines and Oakland provides not just a sense of familiarity but also highlights unique local flavors you'll soon grow to love. For instance, if you enjoy the bustling nightlife and boutique shopping in East Village, Temescal's vibrant corridors and artisan shops will feel just as welcoming. Similarities extend beyond the surface; the rockridge periodically hosts farmers' markets and festivals similar to those beloved in Beaverdale. For those seeking outdoor activities, Gray's Lake's emphasis on community exercise and recreation has a counterpart in Oakland's Lake Merritt area, known for its jogging paths and boating opportunities. Each comparison underscores the potential for new residents to find a slice of their old home in these Oakland neighborhoods, making the transition to California's diverse cultural landscape just a little easier.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Des Moines to Oakland
Moving from one city to another is a complex journey, full of challenges and opportunities. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Des Moines, IA to Oakland, CA . Understanding both the pros and cons will help make your transition as smooth as possible.
Des Moines, IA- Less diverse
- Colder winters
- Fewer cultural venues
- Smaller job market
- Lesser nightlife
Oakland, CA- More diverse
- Mild climate
- Rich cultural scene
- Larger job market
- Vibrant nightlife
Oakland, CA- Higher cost of living
- Busier city life
- Less space
- Challenging traffic
- Mixed community vibe
Des Moines, IA- Lower cost of living
- Quieter city life
- More spacious
- Easy commuting
- Community feel
Opting for a move from Des Moines to Oakland invites you to embrace a shift from a quieter, more spacious environment to a bustling urban center rich with cultural diversity and opportunities. Oakland's vibrant nightlife is anchored by venues such as Fox Theater and Yoshi's, renowned for live music. The city's cultural tapestry is vividly displayed in districts like Temescal and Jack London Square, offering an eclectic mix of restaurants, shops, and galleries. While the cost of living in Oakland might be higher, the trade-off includes access to a larger job market and milder climate with outdoor activities available year-round in locations like Lake Merritt and Redwood Regional Park. Considering these factors, moving to Oakland offers a unique blend of urban living alongside natural beauty and cultural richness.
Des Moines vs. Oakland Food Guide
Understanding the local cuisine is a vital aspect of immersing yourself into the culture of a new city. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Des Moines & Oakland to help you get a better grasp of the culinary differences and delights awaiting in your new home.
| Des Moines | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich | Oakland Sourdough |
| Most popular meat dish | Iowa Chop (Pork) | Korean BBQ Short Ribs |
| Most popular street food item | Sweet Corn | Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Tempeh Reuben | Jackfruit Tacos |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
While Des Moines has a rich tradition of Midwestern comfort foods, with iconic dishes like the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and a love for sweet corn, Oakland introduces you to a diverse culinary landscape, marked by a robust vegan scene and a plethora of food trucks offering everything from jackfruit tacos to Korean BBQ. In Oakland, neighborhoods like Temescal are known for their vibrant foodie culture, where restaurants such as Shandong and Cholita Linda have become veritable institutions. The city's higher scores in foodie scene and vegan-friendly options reflect its broad culinary ecosystem that caters to varied tastes and dietary preferences, making it an exciting exploration ground for newcomers.
Des Moines vs. Oakland Restaurant Comparison
Finding comfort in new surroundings often starts with discovering your next favorite eatery. This restaurant comparison from Des Moines to Oakland will guide you in making your new city feel like home. Whether you seek high-end dining, casual spots, or iconic eateries, we've matched top Des Moines picks with their Oakland counterparts to ease your culinary transition.
| Des Moines | Oakland | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Centro | Donato & Co | Italian classics with a modern twist. |
| Fong's Pizza | Boot and Shoe Service | Creative pizzas with unique toppings. |
| Akebono 515 | Umami Mart | High-quality sushi and Japanese essentials. |
| Zombie Burger + Drink Lab | TrueBurger | Inventive burgers in a laid-back setting. |
| Proof | Commis | An elevated dining experience with a fixed menu. |
| Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Co. | The Trappist | Craft beer selection with pub fare. |
| Drake Diner | Sequoia Diner | A classic diner with a modern twist. |
| El Bait Shop | Drake's Dealership | Wide beer selection in a vibrant setting. |
| The Cheese Bar | The Punchdown | Natural wines and cheese in a cozy spot. |
| Harbinger | Shakewell | Mediterranean-inspired small plates. |
When you move from Des Moines to Oakland, food doesn't have to be a drastic change. If you've enjoyed the inventive pizzas and quirky ambiance of Fong's Pizza, you'll find a similar spirit at Boot and Shoe Service, where creativity meets crust. TrueBurger in Oakland echoes the creative and gourmet approaches of Zombie Burger + Drink Lab, ensuring that burger enthusiasts will find a new haven. For those who relish an upscale dining adventure, the transition from Proof to Commis promises an unforgettable culinary journey, with both offering exceptional menus that highlight the chefs' expertise and passion for food. Embrace these Oakland establishments as a way to discover the vibrant flavors and character of your new city.
Ready to start your move?
Des Moines vs. Oakland Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning your move from Des Moines, IA to Oakland, CA, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial. This comparison will illuminate the differences in housing costs, styles, and lifestyle options between the two cities, guiding you towards making an informed decision.
| Comparison | Des Moines | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Ranch and Craftsman | Victorian and Craftsman |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Quiet neighborhoods, spacious lots | Proximity to public transit, vibrant communities |
Moving from Des Moines to Oakland brings significant changes, especially in terms of housing costs and urban lifestyle. In Des Moines, the more affordable housing market offers spacious homes, often with large lots, in quiet neighborhoods—ideal for those seeking tranquility and a laid-back atmosphere. In contrast, Oakland's higher cost of living reflects its vibrant urban lifestyle, with a higher walkability and bikeability score that appeals to those yearning for a dynamic, pedestrian-friendly environment. The city's architecture, rich with Victorian and Craftsman-style homes, and its proximity to public transit and diverse communities, makes Oakland an attractive option for those seeking an engaged urban lifestyle.
Des Moines vs. Oakland Weather Considerations
Understanding how weather differences will impact your daily life is crucial when moving from one city to another. This comparison is designed to highlight the weather differences between Des Moines, IA, and Oakland, CA , so you can better prepare for your new environment.
Des Moines, IA
Oakland, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Des Moines, IA
Oakland, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Des Moines, IA
Oakland, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Des Moines, IA
Oakland, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Des Moines | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Tornados, Blizzards | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Des Moines to Oakland, you’ll experience milder seasons with less extreme temperatures. While Des Moines experiences a full range of seasons, including snowy winters and humid summers, Oakland enjoys a Mediterranean climate with dry summers and wet winters. This climate difference means you'll encounter more sunny days and considerably less snow in Oakland. Additionally, it’s important to be aware of the natural disaster risks that are more common in Oakland, such as earthquakes and wildfires. Understanding these differences will help you adjust to your new environment more comfortably.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Des Moines to Oakland
When considering a move from Des Moines, IA to Oakland, CA, it's crucial to grasp how your finances will be affected. This comparison aims to illuminate the differences in economic factors between Des Moines and Oakland , ensuring you're well-informed about the cost implications of your relocation.
| Comparison | Des Moines | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $60,693 | $82,236 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90.9 | 139.1 |
| State Income Tax | Up to 8.53% | Up to 13.3% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.5% | 0.74% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7% | 9.25% |
| Top 3 Industries | Finance, Insurance, Healthcare | Technology, Healthcare, Retail |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Moderate | Lower |
| Homelessness | Low | High |
While Des Moines, IA offers a more affordable cost of living with an index of 81 compared to Oakland, CA's 145, the average household income in Oakland is higher. However, this increase in income is somewhat offset by higher costs in nearly every category, including a state income tax that can reach up to 13.3%, and a sales tax rate of 9.25%. Moreover, the difference in the affluence levels and homelessness rates between the two cities reflects in part the higher housing and living costs in Oakland, highlighting the importance of financial planning before making a move.
Des Moines vs. Oakland Political & Religious Comparison
Understanding the community you're moving into is crucial for a smooth transition. This guide provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents, comparing Des Moines & Oakland. By identifying key differences and similarities, you'll be better prepared to engage with your new neighbors.
| Des Moines | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Lean Democratic | Strongly Democratic |
| Local Politics | Mixed, with a focus on regional growth and education | Progressive, with a strong emphasis on social justice and environmental issues |
| Religion | Christianity is predominant, with a range of denominations | Diverse, with significant numbers of non-religious residents and various faith communities |
When you move from Des Moines to Oakland, you'll notice a significant shift in the political climate. Oakland is known for its strong Democratic leaning and active engagement in progressive causes, particularly related to social justice and environmental issues. This contrasts with Des Moines' more mixed political landscape. On the religious front, Oakland offers a more diverse spectrum of faiths and a substantial non-religious community, reflecting its cultural diversity. The vibrant religious and political scenes in Oakland provide a rich tapestry of communities and viewpoints, ensuring you're moving into a city with dynamic and varied perspectives.
Des Moines vs. Oakland Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Oakland, CA, offers a unique opportunity to explore the differences in daily commute and traffic, as well as the transportation options between these two cities. This comparison will help you get a better understanding of what your daily commute will be like once you relocate.
| Comparison | Des Moines | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 20 | 30 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | No | Yes |
In Des Moines, you might find the commute times shorter on average, but the city's public transportation options are not as robust as what you'll discover in Oakland. While owning a car in Des Moines is almost a necessity for convenience, Oakland offers more flexible transportation alternatives. The city's higher public transit score is indicative of the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system among other services, making it possible and often more convenient to navigate the city and its surroundings without a car. Additionally, Oakland's higher traffic congestion score reflects its denser urban environment and the busier nature of Bay Area traffic, suggesting a different pace and lifestyle from that of Des Moines.
Additional Resources
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