Best Winston Salem to Oakland Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
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.

Best Winston Salem 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 | American Moving and Hauling Inc. | 9.11 | 9.43 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
3 | Fairprice Movers | 8.87 | 9.12 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
4 | Two Men and a Truck | 8.57 | 8.49 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
5 | Miracle Movers | 8.42 | 8.16 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
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 Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,757 | 300 ft³ | 9.19 |
1 Bedroom | $4,113 | 450 ft³ | 9.14 |
2 Bedrooms | $6,818 | 750 ft³ | 9.09 |
3 Bedrooms | $9,944 | 1100 ft³ | 9.04 |
4 Bedrooms | $14,384 | 1600 ft³ | 8.99 |
5+ Bedrooms | $16,092 | 1800 ft³ | 8.94 |


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
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) |

American Moving and Hauling Inc.
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2007351 / 876579 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 7 |
Registered Drivers | 9 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 32,000 (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) |

Two Men and a Truck
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2882856 / FF-17069
967604 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 13 |
Registered Drivers | 16 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 325,645 (2023) |

Miracle Movers
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2461529 / 852349 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 14 |
Registered Drivers | 18 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 450,000 (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.
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 Salem | Oakland | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
West End | Piedmont Avenue | Quaint, historic vibe |
Buena Vista | Rockridge | Upscale, family-friendly |
Downtown | Uptown Oakland | Vibrant arts scene |
Ardmore | Temescal | Hip, with a strong community feel |
Washington Park | Grand Lake | Lakeside views, bustling market |
West Highlands | Montclair | Forested, tranquil living |
Reynolda | Claremont | Elite, with scenic beauty |
Historic Bethabara | Old Oakland | Rich in history, charming |
Sherwood Forest | Redwood Heights | Serene, nestled in nature |
Brookberry Farm | Sequoyah | Spacious, 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.
Ready to start your move?
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.
- Smaller City
- Fewer Job Opportunities
- Lower Diversity
- Milder Climate
- Larger Urban Area
- Greater Diversity
- More Liberal Environment
- Mild Coastal Climate
- Higher Cost of Living
- Urban Noise
- Scarcer Parking
- Less Personal
- More Traffic
- 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 Salem | Oakland | |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Pulled Pork BBQ | Oakland Sourdough |
Most popular meat dish | Biscuits and Gravy | Korean BBQ |
Most popular street food item | Hot Dogs | Taco Trucks Tacos |
Most popular vegan food | Bean Burgers | Jackfruit Tacos |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
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 Salem | Oakland | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
Sweet Potatoes | Brown Sugar Kitchen | Both offer comforting, Southern-inspired cuisine |
The Katharine Brasserie | Mägo | Offers a high-end dining experience with a focus on farm-to-table dishes |
Di Lisio's Italian Restaurant | Belotti Ristorante E Bottega | Known for authentic Italian cuisine and handmade pasta |
Krankies Coffee | Blue Bottle Coffee | Both are beloved local coffee shops with a focus on quality and community |
Canteen Market & Bistro | Swan's Market | Similar concept with a variety of food options in a market setting |
Bib's Downtown | Smokin' Woods BBQ | Both are top spots for BBQ lovers seeking authentic flavors |
Camino Bakery | Arizmendi Bakery | Known for artisanal baked goods and a cooperative ownership model |
Mooney's Mediterranean Cafe | Reem's California | Offers a modern take on traditional Mediterranean and Arab cuisine |
Ryan's Restaurant | Commis | Both provide a luxurious dining experience with meticulously crafted dishes |
Foothills Brewery | Drake'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.

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.
Comparison | Winston Salem | Oakland |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Traditional | Victorian, Modern |
Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious yards, Quiet neighborhoods | Views, 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.
Winston Salem, NC
Oakland, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Winston Salem, NC
Oakland, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Winston Salem, NC
Oakland, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Winston Salem, NC
Oakland, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Comparison | Winston Salem | Oakland |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Good | Moderate to Good |
Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Tornadoes | Earthquakes, 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.
Ready to start your move?
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.
Comparison | Winston Salem | Oakland |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $54,228 | $82,236 |
Cost of Living Index | 92.44 | 139.1 |
State Income Tax | 5.25 | 9.3 |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.85 | 0.74 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 7 | 9.25 |
Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing | Technology, Healthcare, Retail |
Affluence | Moderate | High |
Poverty | Moderate | Low |
Homelessness | Low | High |
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 Salem | Oakland | |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Lean Democratic | Strongly Democratic |
Local Politics | Moderate, with a focus on local businesses and community development | Very liberal, with a strong emphasis on social justice and environmental issues |
Religion | Diverse, with a significant Christian community | Diverse, 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.
Comparison | Winston Salem | Oakland |
---|---|---|
Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 22 | 30 |
Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
Can you get by without car? | No | Yes |
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.



Additional Resources
Winston Salem Moving Services
Popular Winston Salem to California Routes
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