Best New York City to Oakland Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from New York City to Oakland and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 3,013 mile move from New York to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 58 New York City 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 JP Urban Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $3,000 - $10,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in New York City 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 New York City to Oakland Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1JP Urban Moving9.859.78Authorized For HHGContact
2Metropolis Moving9.729.62Authorized For HHGContact
3Flex Moving and Storage9.689.74Authorized For Property, HHGContact
4OCD Moving Services LLC9.669.47Authorized For HHGContact
5Fairprice Movers8.879.12Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from New York City to Oakland

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 3,013 miles from New York City, NY to Oakland, CA will cost on average $4,343 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom New York City to Oakland move is roughly $10,507. 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$2,911300 ft³9.70
1 Bedroom$4,343450 ft³9.65
2 Bedrooms$7,202750 ft³9.60
3 Bedrooms$10,5071100 ft³9.55
4 Bedrooms$15,2031600 ft³9.50
5+ Bedrooms$17,0141800 ft³9.45
*Please note: These New York to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from New York & 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 NY to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Oakland to New York City guide.

Compare the 5 Best New York City to Oakland Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

JP Urban Moving Logo

JP Urban Moving

Exceptional9.85/10
based on 4,145+ data points

266 St Marks Ave 3rd fl

Brooklyn, NY, 11238

About JP Urban Moving

JP Urban Moving is a small family-owned business in Brooklyn with over 15 years of experience. Its goal is always to...

Services

  • Local NYC Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Office Moving, Business Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2096754 / 882954

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved120,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Metropolis Moving Logo

Metropolis Moving

Exceptional9.72/10
based on 2,535+ data points

476 Jefferson St

Brooklyn, NY, 11237

About Metropolis Moving

Metropolis Moving is a top-rated, licensed, and insured Brooklyn mover serving the greater Tri-State area, including all of Long Island and...

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Commercial moving services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

4277979 / 1662478

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2023)
View Full Review
2
Flex Moving and Storage Logo

Flex Moving and Storage

Exceptional9.68/10
based on 1,380+ data points

276 Greenpoint Ave 287, Suite

Brooklyn, NY, 11222

About Flex Moving and Storage

With its domicile in Astoria, New York, Flex Moving and Storage carries a decade long European establishment. The company's range of...

Services

  • Local moves
  • Commercial moves
  • Long distance moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/11/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3610638 / 1229716

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved25,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
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
4
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
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.

New York City vs. Oakland Neighborhood Comparison

Moving from one city to another can be a daunting task, especially when you're not familiar with your new home. To make the transition smoother, this guide offers a comparison of the local neighborhoods between New York City, NY & Oakland, CA . We've paired up popular neighborhoods from each city to help you find a new locale that feels like home.

New York CityOaklandHow They're Similar
WilliamsburgTemescalVibrant, artsy community
Upper East SideRockridgeUpscale, with lush streets
Greenwich VillagePiedmont AvenueBohemian and close-knit
SoHoUptownTrendy, with a rich arts scene
Brooklyn HeightsMontclairSerene, with stunning views
DUMBOJack London SquareWaterfront, creative vibe
MidtownDowntown OaklandBustling business district
HarlemWest OaklandDiverse, historical roots
ChelseaEmeryvilleInnovative and modern
Financial DistrictLake MerrittScenic, with urban parks

For those eyeing the vibrant, artistic communities akin to Williamsburg, Temescal in Oakland offers a rich tapestry of art, food, and culture. This neighborhood is home to local favorites like Pizzaiolo and the Temescal Farmers Market, encapsulating that sought-after eclectic vibe. Similarly, if the historic charm and upscale living of the Upper East Side appeal to you, Rockridge will not disappoint, with its lush, tree-lined streets and wealth of gourmet dining options such as Wood Tavern. For those drawn to the bustling business and nightlife scene of Midtown Manhattan, Downtown Oakland offers a dynamic urban center surrounded by theaters, galleries, and landmarks like the iconic Fox Theater. Each of these Oakland neighborhoods provides a distinct flavor and lifestyle, ensuring that erstwhile New Yorkers can find a new place to call home that resonates with their personal tastes and interests.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from New York City to Oakland

Moving from New York City, NY to Oakland, CA, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. This comparison seeks to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of this significant life change, aiming to help you make an informed decision.

CONs
PROs
New York City, NY iconNew York City, NY
  • Higher living costs
  • Crowded streets
  • Harsh winters
  • Less green spaces
  • 24/7 noise
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Lower living costs
  • More space
  • Milder weather
  • More parks
  • Quieter neighborhoods
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Less nightlife
  • Smaller cultural spectrum
  • Fewer food options
  • More car dependency
  • Fewer landmarks
New York City, NY iconNew York City, NY
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Diverse culture
  • Global cuisine
  • Extensive public transit
  • Iconic sights

While the move from New York City, NY to Oakland, CA might mean saying goodbye to the globally renowned cuisine found in the likes of Eater NY's listed restaurants and the iconic sights such as Times Square, it welcomes you to a quieter, spacious environment with a lower cost of living. In Oakland, you'll find beautiful parks like the Joaquin Miller Park, offering vast green spaces for outdoor activities, and a growing gastronomy scene with establishments like Ordinaire Wine Bar & Shop, providing unique local flavors. The shift to a more car-dependent lifestyle in Oakland might be challenging for some, but the city's burgeoning culture and community initiatives make it an attractive place for those seeking a new beginning.

New York City vs. Oakland Food Guide

When you're moving, the flavors of your destination matter just as much as the scenery. That's why we're bringing you a comparison of the local cuisine between New York City & Oakland . This way, you can savor the tastes that will soon become a part of your everyday life, helping you feel right at home.

New York CityOakland
Most iconic local food itemPizzaOakland Sourdough
Most popular meat dishPastrami SandwichKorean BBQ
Most popular street food itemHot DogTacos
Most popular vegan foodAvocado ToastVegan Soul Food
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Katz’s Delicatessen
  • Dominique Ansel Bakery
  • Joe’s Shanghai
  • Shandong Restaurant
  • Mua Oakland
  • Brown Sugar Kitchen
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Moving from the bustling streets of New York City to the vibrant neighborhoods of Oakland introduces you to a unique culinary landscape. In Oakland, you might start your morning with a loaf of freshly baked sourdough from a local bakery in the Temescal neighborhood. For lunch, finding vegan options is a breeze, with spots like Vegan Soul Food in the Lake Merritt area offering a comforting and delicious meal. Food trucks, particularly those serving tacos, are ubiquitous, reflecting Oakland's rich cultural diversity and offering a quick, tasty bite at any time of the day. The city's health-conscious vibe is palpable, with plenty of restaurants prioritizing locally sourced and organic ingredients, making Oakland an exciting new home for food lovers.

New York City vs. Oakland Restaurant Comparison

Discovering your next culinary haven is a vital part of making a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison between New York City and Oakland aims to guide you in finding your new go-to spots, mirroring the flavors and ambiance you cherished back in the Big Apple. Whether you crave high-end dining, casual bites, or unique foodie experiences, this list will navigate your gastronomic journey in your new West Coast abode.

New York CityOaklandWhat You'll Love
Le BernardinCommisFrench-inspired cuisine with an emphasis on precision and artistry
Joe's PizzaArizmendi Bakery & PizzeriaCommunity-owned establishment known for its slices and commitment to quality
Katz's DelicatessenSaul's Restaurant & DelicatessenTraditional Jewish deli fare with a California twist
Per SeCaminoSeasonally driven tasting menus that evoke Per Se’s meticulous approach
Shake ShackTrueBurgerHandcrafted burgers and shakes with a focus on quality ingredients
CarboneBelotti Ristorante E BottegaAuthentic Italian dishes that resonate with Carbone's classic charm
Momofuku Noodle BarRamen ShopCreative ramen bowls that capture the innovation of Momofuku
The Halal GuysReem'sMiddle Eastern cuisine with a commitment to community and authenticity
Dinosaur Bar-B-QueEverett & Jones BarbequeA family-run spot offering smoky flavors and homestyle sides
Di Fara PizzaBoot & Shoe ServiceArtisanal pizzas that pay homage to Di Fara's craftsmanship

Embarking on a culinary exploration of Oakland might lead you to spots like Commis, echoing the exquisite French-inspired cuisine reminiscent of the celebrated Le Bernardin in New York City. Likewise, pizza aficionados who have relished the iconic slices at Joe's Pizza will find solace in the authentic offerings of Arizmendi Bakery & Pizzeria. The sense of home extends to beloved comfort foods, where TrueBurger stands as a beacon for premium burgers and shakes, akin to what Shake Shack has symbolized for many New Yorkers. These restaurants in Oakland not only promise to satisfy your cravings but also offer an opportunity to explore local flavors and foster community connections, making your transition truly satisfying.

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New York City vs. Oakland Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial. This comparison will illuminate the differences in housing aspects between New York City and Oakland , ensuring you make an informed decision. From costs to urban lifestyle, see how these cities stack up.

ComparisonNew York CityOakland
Typical Architecture StyleArt Deco, BrownstoneVictorian, Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to subway, views of skylineYard space, proximity to parks

In considering a move from New York City to Oakland, it's fascinating to observe the nuanced differences in their real estate landscapes. While both cities boast a vibrant urban lifestyle, New York City's unparalleled walkability and iconic skyline views are contrasted by Oakland's emphasis on yard space and proximity to parks, such as the Joaquin Miller Park. Additionally, Oakland's architecture leans towards the charming Victorian and Craftsman styles, giving it a unique aesthetic appeal. Despite the higher median home price in Oakland, the slightly lower rent might be appealing for those looking to make a move. These aspects altogether paint a vivid picture of what life could be like when transitioning from the East to the West Coast.

New York City vs. Oakland Weather Considerations

When considering moving from one location to another, understanding the weather differences is crucial. This comparison between New York City, NY and Oakland, CA offers insight into what you can expect climate-wise, helping you prepare for the transition. By comparing average temperatures, sunshine days, and more, this guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the weather variations you'll encounter.

Summer icon
85°F/66°F

New York City, NY

72°F/56°F

Oakland, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
38°F/26°F

New York City, NY

58°F/44°F

Oakland, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
49.9

New York City, NY

23.1

Oakland, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
25.8

New York City, NY

0

Oakland, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonNew York CityOakland
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersHurricanes, Nor'eastersEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While New York City and Oakland both offer vibrant urban living, their climates differ significantly. Oakland enjoys more days of sunshine and milder temperatures throughout the year, compared to the distinct seasons experienced in New York City. The moderate winters and cooler summers in Oakland make it an attractive destination for those seeking relief from extreme temperatures. Additionally, the air quality in Oakland tends to be better, contributing to a healthier living environment. However, it's important to note the different risks associated with natural disasters in each area, with Oakland being more prone to earthquakes and wildfires, while New York City faces threats from hurricanes and Nor'easters.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from New York City to Oakland

When considering a move from one city to another, it's crucial to grasp the financial landscapes you're transitioning between. This comparison will highlight how the cost of living and the economic environment in New York City contrast with those in Oakland , helping you better prepare for the financial aspects of your relocation.

ComparisonNew York CityOakland
Avg. Household Income$67,997$82,236
Cost of Living Index185.8139.1
State Income Tax4-8.821-13.3
Avg. Property Tax0.880.73
Avg. Sales Tax8.8759.25
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Healthcare, RetailTechnology, Healthcare, Retail
AffluenceVery highHigh
PovertySignificantModerate
HomelessnessHighVery high

Comparing New York City to Oakland reveals significant insights, particularly in terms of the average household income, which is slightly higher in New York City. However, this higher income is offset by a substantially higher cost of living index. The state income tax in California (pertaining to Oakland) has a higher potential maximum rate, which might impact higher earners more significantly. In terms of property and sales tax, the differences are relatively modest but could influence your overall budget planning. Additionally, both cities exhibit diverse leading industries, offering various employment opportunities. Understanding these dynamics can help you anticipate and prepare for the financial changes associated with your move.

New York City vs. Oakland Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from New York City, NY to Oakland, CA, understanding the local ambiance is crucial. Through a comparison of the politics between New York City & Oakland , this brief insight aims to provide a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents, helping you better anticipate the cultural atmosphere of your potential new home.

New York CityOakland
Political Make-upMostly DemocraticStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsDiverse representationProgressive leadership
ReligionMulticultural and diverseMulticultural, with strong progressive communities

Both New York City and Oakland share a Democratic leaning, yet Oakland is known for its particularly strong progressive stance, often reflected in its local politics. Leadership in Oakland tends to advocate heavily for social justice, environmental concerns, and inclusivity. While both cities boast a rich tapestry of religious and cultural diversity, Oakland features a noteworthy presence of progressive religious communities and places of worship that are deeply integrated within the social fabric of the city. These characteristics invite an environment where you might find yourself engaged in vibrant community activism and rich, multicultural exchanges.

New York City vs. Oakland Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

This guide aims to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like, by comparing traffic and transportation options between New York City & Oakland. Whether you're driving to work or using public transit, knowing these differences can significantly impact your decision-making process.

ComparisonNew York CityOakland
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)4129.3
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?YesMore challenging, but possible

While both New York City and Oakland offer unique challenges and benefits for commuters, there are key differences to consider. New York City, with its extensive public transit system, including the MTA, allows residents to easily navigate the city without a car. In contrast, Oakland, though having a decent public transit system with options like BART, still makes car ownership more attractive for convenience and broader accessibility. The average commute time in Oakland is notably shorter than in New York City, reflecting the lower traffic congestion levels. Nevertheless, being adaptable and planning your commute effectively can mitigate some of these challenges, regardless of your city of residence.

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