Best Winston Salem to Oakland Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Winston Salem to Oakland and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,742 mile move from North Carolina to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 16 Winston Salem 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 $3,000 - $10,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Winston Salem 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 Winston Salem to Oakland Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1OCD Moving Services LLC9.669.47Authorized For HHGContact
2American Moving and Hauling Inc.9.119.43Authorized For HHGContact
3Fairprice Movers8.879.12Authorized For HHGContact
4Two Men and a Truck8.578.49Authorized For Property, HHGContact
5Miracle Movers8.428.16Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Winston Salem to Oakland

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,742 miles from Winston Salem, NC to Oakland, CA will cost on average $4,113 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Winston Salem to Oakland move is roughly $9,944. 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$2,757300 ft³9.19
1 Bedroom$4,113450 ft³9.14
2 Bedrooms$6,818750 ft³9.09
3 Bedrooms$9,9441100 ft³9.04
4 Bedrooms$14,3841600 ft³8.99
5+ Bedrooms$16,0921800 ft³8.94
*Please note: These North Carolina to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from North Carolina & 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 NC to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Oakland to Winston Salem guide.

Compare the 5 Best Winston Salem 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
American Moving and Hauling Inc. Logo

American Moving and Hauling Inc.

Exceptional9.11/10
based on 3,807+ data points

E 535 Clemmonsville Rd

Winston-Salem, NC, 27107

About American Moving and Hauling Inc.

American Moving and Hauling is a local, family-owned and operated moving company in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. These movers invite you to...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Packing services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2007351 / 876579

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers9
Total Annual Miles Moved32,000 (2022)
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
Two Men and a Truck Logo

Two Men and a Truck

Fabulous8.57/10
based on 932+ data points

130 Stratford Ct

Winston-Salem, NC, 27103

About Two Men and a Truck

Whether you live in Winston-Salem or surrounding cities like Lexington, Lewisville, or Kernersville, you can trust Two Men and a Truck...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Junk removal
  • Storage

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2882856 / FF-17069 967604

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans13
Registered Drivers16
Total Annual Miles Moved325,645 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Miracle Movers Logo

Miracle Movers

Fabulous8.42/10
based on 745+ data points

4111 Romaine St

Greensboro, NC, 27407

About Miracle Movers

Miracle Movers is the highest-rated, most recommended moving company in Greensboro, NC. It is fully licensed and insured, with the highest...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Cross-country moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2461529 / 852349

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans14
Registered Drivers18
Total Annual Miles Moved450,000 (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.

Winston Salem vs. Oakland Neighborhood Comparison

Moving across the country can be a journey of uncertainties, especially when it comes to finding a new neighborhood that feels like home. To help ease this transition, we've crafted a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Winston-Salem, NC & Oakland, CA . This side-by-side look aims to not just simplify your move but to familiarize you with your future community by matching the vibes and characteristics of neighborhoods from your current city with those in your new city.

Winston SalemOaklandHow They're Similar
West EndPiedmont AvenueQuaint, historic vibe
Buena VistaRockridgeUpscale, family-friendly
DowntownUptown OaklandVibrant arts scene
ArdmoreTemescalHip, with a strong community feel
Washington ParkGrand LakeLakeside views, bustling market
West HighlandsMontclairForested, tranquil living
ReynoldaClaremontElite, with scenic beauty
Historic BethabaraOld OaklandRich in history, charming
Sherwood ForestRedwood HeightsSerene, nestled in nature
Brookberry FarmSequoyahSpacious, with a rural feel

For those moving from Winston-Salem's West End to Oakland, Piedmont Avenue will charm you with its similar quaint, historic vibe and an array of unique shops and eateries like the famous Fenton's Creamery. Meanwhile, the transition from Buena Vista to Rockridge will feel seamless thanks to the upscale, family-friendly atmosphere and the bustling Rockridge Market Hall analogous to Reynolda Village. If the downtown nightlife and cultural scene in Winston-Salem have been your go-to, Uptown Oakland will captivate you with venues like the Fox Theater and the bustling First Fridays street fair. Those accustomed to the community feel and local shops in Ardmore will find a new home in Temescal, known for its hip cafes and annual street fairs.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Winston Salem to Oakland

Moving from one city to another is always a substantial decision. This guide aims to weigh the pros and cons of relocating from Winston-Salem, NC, to Oakland, CA, providing an honest reflection of both the positives and negatives. Understanding these nuances will help you make an informed decision about your move.

CONs
PROs
Winston Salem, NC iconWinston Salem, NC
  • Smaller City
  • Fewer Job Opportunities
  • Lower Diversity
  • Milder Climate
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Larger Urban Area
  • Greater Diversity
  • More Liberal Environment
  • Mild Coastal Climate
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Higher Cost of Living
  • Urban Noise
  • Scarcer Parking
  • Less Personal
  • More Traffic
Winston Salem, NC iconWinston Salem, NC
  • Lower Cost of Living
  • Quiet Neighborhoods
  • Ample Parking
  • Close Community
  • Less Traffic

When considering a move from Winston-Salem, NC, to Oakland, CA, it's essential to weigh both sides. Winston-Salem offers a peaceful lifestyle with a tight-knit community, ample parking, and less congestion, providing a slower-paced lifestyle conducive to families and retirees. In contrast, Oakland introduces you to a vibrant urban experience, highlighted by the eclectic array of restaurants and shops lining the bustling streets of neighborhoods like Temescal and Rockridge. Cultural diversity thrives in Oakland, bringing with it a rich tapestry of festivals, art, and cuisine that you can explore in locations such as the Oakland Museum of California or Jack London Square. Despite its higher cost of living, moving to Oakland opens up new career opportunities, especially in tech and entrepreneurship, and grants access to beautiful parks and outdoor activities around Lake Merritt and Redwood Regional Park. Each city has its unique charm and challenges, but Oakland's dynamic environment presents an exciting frontier for those ready to embrace change.

Winston Salem vs. Oakland Food Guide

Understanding the local food scene is a vital part of immersing yourself into a new city's culture. That's why we've prepared a comparison of the local cuisine between Winston-Salem & Oakland . This will give you a taste of what to expect from your new home and possibly excite your palate for the culinary adventure ahead.

Winston SalemOakland
Most iconic local food itemPulled Pork BBQOakland Sourdough
Most popular meat dishBiscuits and GravyKorean BBQ
Most popular street food itemHot DogsTaco Trucks Tacos
Most popular vegan foodBean BurgersJackfruit Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Camino Bakery
  • The Tavern in Old Salem
  • Shandong
  • Brown Sugar Kitchen
  • Commis
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Winston-Salem, the culinary scene is deeply rooted in Southern traditions, with Pulled Pork BBQ standing out as a local favorite. An interesting mix of the old and the new, this city offers both traditional dishes like Biscuits and Gravy and more contemporary options such as Bean Burgers for the vegan-minded. Meanwhile, Oakland's culinary landscape is more diverse, reflecting its rich cultural tapestry. The city is famous for its Oakland Sourdough, and the presence of food trucks and vegan options is significantly higher here. Neighborhoods like Temescal are known for their vibrant food scenes, where one can find anything from Korean BBQ to innovative vegan dishes like Jackfruit Tacos. Oakland's food scene is not just about eating; it's an exploration of global cultures through the lens of local ingredients.

Winston Salem vs. Oakland Restaurant Comparison

Finding comfort in a new city often starts with discovering the local food scene. This restaurant comparison between Winston-Salem and Oakland is designed to ease your transition by pinpointing dining spots in Oakland that mirror your favorites from Winston-Salem. Whether you're in search of a luxurious dinner spot, a casual eatery, or a unique foodie destination, this guide aims to help you find your new go-to restaurants.

Winston SalemOaklandWhat You'll Love
Sweet PotatoesBrown Sugar KitchenBoth offer comforting, Southern-inspired cuisine
The Katharine BrasserieMägoOffers a high-end dining experience with a focus on farm-to-table dishes
Di Lisio's Italian RestaurantBelotti Ristorante E BottegaKnown for authentic Italian cuisine and handmade pasta
Krankies CoffeeBlue Bottle CoffeeBoth are beloved local coffee shops with a focus on quality and community
Canteen Market & BistroSwan's MarketSimilar concept with a variety of food options in a market setting
Bib's DowntownSmokin' Woods BBQBoth are top spots for BBQ lovers seeking authentic flavors
Camino BakeryArizmendi BakeryKnown for artisanal baked goods and a cooperative ownership model
Mooney's Mediterranean CafeReem's CaliforniaOffers a modern take on traditional Mediterranean and Arab cuisine
Ryan's RestaurantCommisBoth provide a luxurious dining experience with meticulously crafted dishes
Foothills BreweryDrake's Brewing Co.Both are popular local breweries with a wide selection of beers

Exploring the dining scene is a pivotal part of making a new city feel like home. Oakland's Brown Sugar Kitchen offers a similar comfort and warmth that fans of Sweet Potatoes in Winston-Salem have come to love, showcasing soulful, Southern-inspired dishes. For those who have made a ritual of visiting Krankies Coffee, finding solace in the familiar environment and quality brews of Blue Bottle Coffee in Oakland can make weekends feel more like your old routine. And if intimate, finely crafted dining experiences are what you're after, comparing the Katharine Brasserie's elegant offerings to Mägo's farm-to-table philosophy shows that high-quality, innovative meals can be found across the country, bridging the gap between your old home and new.

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Ready to start your move?

Winston Salem vs. Oakland Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial. By comparing the aspects of housing between Winston-Salem, NC and Oakland, CA, you gain valuable insight into costs, architecture, and lifestyle. This comparison sheds light on what you can expect in terms of living standards and community life in these cities.

ComparisonWinston SalemOakland
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, TraditionalVictorian, Modern
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, Quiet neighborhoodsViews, Proximity to public transit

In comparing Winston-Salem and Oakland, you'll notice striking differences in the cost and style of living. The Median Home Price and Median Monthly Rent in Oakland are significantly higher, reflecting the city's vibrant, yet expensive, real estate market. While traditional and colonial homes characterize Winston-Salem's landscape, Oakland boasts Victorian and modern architecture, highlighting the latter's more urban and historical vibe. The higher walkability, bikeability, and urban lifestyle scores in Oakland suggest a city that's bustling with activity and more conducive to a car-free lifestyle. Moreover, Oakland's emphasis on views and proximity to public transit in real estate listings indicates a city that prides itself on beautiful landscapes and accessibility.

Winston Salem vs. Oakland Weather Considerations

Understanding the differences in climate and environment is crucial when moving from Winston-Salem, NC, to Oakland, CA. This comparison will help you anticipate the weather changes and prepare for what's different in your new home. The charts below highlight climate aspects of both Winston-Salem and Oakland , aiding in a smooth transition.

Summer icon
88°F / 68°F

Winston Salem, NC

75°F / 56°F

Oakland, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
49°F / 28°F

Winston Salem, NC

58°F / 44°F

Oakland, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
45"

Winston Salem, NC

23"

Oakland, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
4"

Winston Salem, NC

0"

Oakland, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonWinston SalemOakland
Air QualityGoodModerate to Good
Natural DisastersHurricanes, TornadoesEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

In transitioning from Winston-Salem to Oakland, you'll find a significant shift not just in temperature, but in overall climate conditions. Oakland enjoys more days of sunshine annually and milder temperatures throughout the year, which could mean adjusting your wardrobe and possibly, your lifestyle. The humidity in Oakland might be slightly higher, but the absence of snow and the decrease in annual rainfall could mean less weather-related disruptions in your daily routines. Moreover, preparing for different natural disasters—earthquakes and wildfires instead of hurricanes and tornadoes—is crucial for safety in your new home.

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

When considering a move from Winston-Salem, NC, to Oakland, CA, it's crucial to compare the financial environments you're transitioning between. Understanding the cost of living, taxes, and income prospects in Winston-Salem and Oakland is essential for a smooth adaptation to your new locale.

ComparisonWinston SalemOakland
Avg. Household Income$54,228$82,236
Cost of Living Index92.44139.1
State Income Tax5.259.3
Avg. Property Tax0.850.74
Avg. Sales Tax79.25
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Education, ManufacturingTechnology, Healthcare, Retail
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessLowHigh

The jump in cost of living from Winston-Salem to Oakland is significant, with Oakland's index vastly exceeding that of Winston-Salem. This disparity underscores a crucial need for potential movers to financially prepare. Despite a higher average household income in Oakland, the increased burden of taxes, especially the state income and sales tax, can offset this advantage. Notably, the industries thriving in each city differ, suggesting potential career shifts or opportunities that can arise with the move. Oakland's high affluence contrasts with its homelessness rates, a factor worth considering for community involvement and social services support.

Winston Salem vs. Oakland Political & Religious Comparison

In evaluating the journey from Winston-Salem, NC, to Oakland, CA, understanding the communal contrasts is vital. Here's a quick glimpse highlighting the political and religious makeup comparison between Winston-Salem & Oakland . This succinct overview aims to familiarize you with the distinct local dynamics you're stepping into.

Winston SalemOakland
Political Make-upLean DemocraticStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsModerate, with a focus on local businesses and community developmentVery liberal, with a strong emphasis on social justice and environmental issues
ReligionDiverse, with a significant Christian communityDiverse, with less emphasis on religious affiliation

Moving from Winston-Salem to Oakland, you'll notice a shift towards a more liberal political landscape. Oakland is known for its active engagement in social justice causes and environmental advocacy - a contrast to the more moderate political climate and focus on local business and community development in Winston-Salem. Religious life in Oakland is marked by a plurality of beliefs with a noticeable less emphasis on religious affiliation, contrasting with Winston-Salem's notable Christian community presence. Appreciating these nuances will help ease your transition and enrich your understanding of your new home.

Winston Salem vs. Oakland Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Making a move from Winston-Salem, NC to Oakland, CA involves many changes, particularly when it comes to your daily commute and traffic. This comparison of traffic and transportation options between Winston-Salem & Oakland is designed to help you better understand what to expect in your new city.

ComparisonWinston SalemOakland
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2230
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?NoYes

While moving from Winston-Salem to Oakland, you'll notice a significant change in your commuting patterns. Winston-Salem's average commute time is shorter, and traffic congestion is less of a concern, though the city scores lower in public transit availability, making it challenging to get by without a car. On the other hand, Oakland offers a more extensive public transit system, making it feasible to live comfortably without a vehicle despite having a longer average commute time and higher traffic congestion. This transition might require adjustments in your daily routine, but Oakland's well-connected public transportation network can provide a seamless experience.

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