Best Philadelphia to Oakland Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Philadelphia to Oakland and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,947 mile move from Pennsylvania to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 41 Philadelphia 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 $3,000 - $10,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 | EverSafe Moving Co. | 9.50 | 9.5 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Pineapple Movers | 9.44 | 9.62 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | banning moving | 9.20 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Fairprice Movers | 8.87 | 9.12 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Philadelphia to Oakland
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,947 miles from Philadelphia, PA to Oakland, CA will cost on average $4,287 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Philadelphia to Oakland move is roughly $10,370. 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 | $2,873 | 300 ft³ | 9.58 |
| 1 Bedroom | $4,287 | 450 ft³ | 9.53 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $7,108 | 750 ft³ | 9.48 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $10,370 | 1100 ft³ | 9.43 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $15,004 | 1600 ft³ | 9.38 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $16,789 | 1800 ft³ | 9.33 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Oakland to Philadelphia guide.
Compare the 5 Best Philadelphia 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) |
EverSafe Moving Co.
8701 Torresdale Ave
Philadelphia, PA, 19136
About EverSafe Moving Co.
Founded in 2011, EverSafe Moving has built a reputation in the Greater Philadelphia area for courtesy, care, and quality due to...
Services
- Local Movers
- Long-distance Movers
- Packing Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2261303 / 771755 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 15,000 (2021) |
Pineapple Movers
Collingswood, NJ, 08108
About Pineapple Movers
Pineapple Movers is a Philadelphia-based moving company that specializes in relocating residences and offices of all sizes. Established in 2023, they...
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Cross-country moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3579435 / 1208543 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 5,000 (2022) |
banning moving
2224 Apple Way
Bensalem, PA, 19020
About banning moving
Banning Moving is a professional moving company focused on providing reliable and caring services for its customers. With experienced movers, the...
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Cross-country moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3350149 / 1070919 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 5 |
| Registered Drivers | 5 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 25,675 (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) |
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.
Philadelphia vs. Oakland Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can be a daunting task, especially if you're not familiar with the local areas. To help ease this transition, we’ve created a guide comparing popular neighborhoods in Philadelphia, PA and Oakland, CA . This side-by-side look at similar neighborhoods between the two cities is designed to help you find an area in Oakland that feels like home, based on what you love about your current Philadelphia neighborhood.
| Philadelphia | Oakland | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Rittenhouse Square | Rockridge | Upscale, vibrant dining scene |
| Fishtown | Temescal | Hip, bustling with indie shops |
| Manayunk | Montclair | Hilly terrain, community vibe |
| Old City | Jack London Square | Historic, waterfront dining |
| University City | Piedmont Avenue | Educational institutions, local eateries |
| Northern Liberties | Uptown | Trendy nightlife, arts scene |
| Center City | Lake Merritt | Urban, active lifestyle |
| Society Hill | Rockridge again | Historic homes, lush landscapes |
| Graduate Hospital | Glenview | Family-friendly, peaceful ambiance |
| East Passyunk | Grand Lake | Eclectic food scene, community-focused |
For those who treasure the vibrant dining and indie shops of Fishtown, Oakland's Temescal neighborhood will feel familiar with its bustling indie scene and creative energy. Rockridge offers a similar upscale, yet community-oriented atmosphere to Rittenhouse Square, boasting both fine dining options and family-friendly activities. If the historic charm and waterfront dining of Old City captivates you, Jack London Square in Oakland with its picturesque piers, seafood restaurants, and rich history may be your new favorite spot. And for those coming from University City, Piedmont Avenue's mix of educational institutions and quaint eateries provides a similar collegiate atmosphere amidst Oakland's eclectic urban landscape. Whether you're seeking a neighborhood with a strong community vibe, trendy nightlife, or scenic views, this comparison guide aims to make your move from Philadelphia to Oakland as seamless as possible.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Philadelphia to Oakland
Moving across the country can bring a mix of emotions and logistics to navigate. This comparison highlights the pros and cons of relocating from Philadelphia, PA to Oakland, CA, aiming to give an honest reflection of the benefits and drawbacks of such a move. By examining these factors, you can better prepare for the transition and make informed decisions about your relocation.
Philadelphia, PA- Higher crime rates
- Colder winters
- Lower median income
- Less diverse culinary scene
- Smaller tech hub
Oakland, CA- Milder climate
- More outdoor activities
- Higher median income
- Rich culinary diversity
- Larger tech industry
Oakland, CA- Higher living costs
- Less affordable housing
- Less sports fervor
- Less public transit
- Smaller parks
Philadelphia, PA- Rich historical sites
- More affordable housing
- Strong sports culture
- Extensive public transit
- Larger green spaces
Moving to Oakland offers the chance to experience a milder climate and a vibrant outdoor culture, with landmarks like Lake Merritt and Redwood Regional Park providing ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation. The city's food scene is an exciting journey through a rich culinary diversity; places like Oakland Chinatown and Temescal offer a variety of dining options that cater to every palate. On the tech front, Oakland is part of the larger Bay Area ecosystem, offering numerous opportunities for professionals in the industry. Though the cost of living is higher, the blend of culture, innovation, and natural beauty makes Oakland an appealing destination for many.
Philadelphia vs. Oakland Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Philadelphia & Oakland, underscoring that food is a quintessential element of local culture and the living experience. Exploring this comparison will inform readers about the culinary vibes of their new home.
| Philadelphia | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Philly Cheesesteak | Sourdough Bread |
| Most popular meat dish | Ribeye Steak | Korean BBQ |
| Most popular street food item | Pretzels | Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegan Cheesesteak | Jackfruit Tacos |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Philadelphia shines with its iconic Philly Cheesesteak, best savored in neighborhoods like South Philly, home to rivals Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks. Meanwhile, Oakland offers a diverse culinary scene, reflecting its rich cultural tapestry. The city's penchant for sourdough bread speaks to its California roots, while the abundance of vegan options and food trucks showcases Oakland's progressive and health-conscious ethos. Particularly notable is Oakland’s Jack London Square and Temescal area, where the fusion of flavors and vegan-friendly options like jackfruit tacos highlight the city's innovative culinary spirit.
Philadelphia vs. Oakland Restaurant Comparison
Finding comfort in your new Oakland home starts with discovering the perfect dining spots that echo your Philadelphia favorites. This restaurant comparison between Philadelphia, PA and Oakland, CA will guide you to your next beloved eatery by aligning your culinary preferences.
| Philadelphia | Oakland | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Zahav | Shakewell | Mediterranean-inspired fare, capturing Zahav's essence. |
| Reading Terminal Market | Swan's Market | Offers a diverse food hall experience. |
| Pat's King of Steaks | Señor Sisig | A Filipino twist to the classic cheesesteak experience. |
| Suraya | Dyafa | Authentic Middle Eastern dishes that rival Suraya's flavors. |
| Vetri Cucina | Bellanico Restaurant and Wine Bar | Italian cuisine with a comparable upscale vibe. |
| Federal Donuts | Donut Savant | Creative donuts that resonate with Federal Donuts' uniqueness. |
| Pizzeria Vetri | Nick's Pizza | Made with fresh, local ingredients, similar to Pizzeria Vetri's approach. |
| La Colombe | Blue Bottle Coffee | Pioneering coffee culture akin to La Colombe's. |
| Franklin Fountain | Fentons Creamery | Historic venue offering nostalgic dessert experiences. |
| El Vez | Xolo | A modern take on Mexican cuisine, reflecting El Vez's vibrancy. |
While you’ll surely miss Zahav's renowned Israeli cuisine, Shakewell stands ready to capture your palate with Mediterranean-inspired fare that perfectly balances novel flavors with traditional cooking techniques. If the eclectic charm and historic vibe of Reading Terminal Market is what you're after, Swan's Market in Oakland offers a beautifully restored food hall experience that showcases a wide range of cuisines, similar to what you’d expect back in Philadelphia. Lastly, for those days when you crave an inventive twist on the classic cheesesteak, Señor Sisig’s Filipino-infused version will offer a delightful surprise, proving Oakland’s culinary scene is as diverse and vibrant as Philadelphia's.
Ready to start your move?
Philadelphia vs. Oakland Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, understanding the real estate market is crucial. This comparison highlights the differences in housing costs, styles, walkability, and lifestyle between Philadelphia and Oakland, helping you make an informed decision.
| Comparison | Philadelphia | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial | Victorian |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Close to public transport, historic details | Bay views, green spaces |
When comparing these cities, it's clear that Oakland's real estate is more expensive, both for buying and renting, possibly due to its proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area's tech-heavy job market. However, Oakland offers unique Victorian architecture and slightly better bikeability, catering well to those who prefer active transportation. The city's high urban lifestyle score is reflected in its listings, with many emphasizing bay views and access to green spaces. On the other hand, Philadelphia, while more affordable, boasts rich history and colonial architecture, with listings frequently highlighting proximity to public transit and historic details. Choosing between these cities depends significantly on your lifestyle preferences and budget.
Philadelphia vs. Oakland Weather Considerations
When moving from one city to another, it's crucial to consider how the climate will shift. This comparison aims to highlight the weather differences you'll face transitioning from Philadelphia, PA to Oakland, CA. Understanding these changes is essential for your comfort and preparation.
Philadelphia, PA
Oakland, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Philadelphia, PA
Oakland, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Philadelphia, PA
Oakland, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Philadelphia, PA
Oakland, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Philadelphia | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Hurricanes | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
In moving from Philadelphia to Oakland, you'll experience milder summers and warmer winters. Oakland offers more days of sunshine annually, providing ample opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. The change in natural disaster risks is notable, with Oakland being more prone to earthquakes and wildfires, contrasting with Philadelphia's blizzards and hurricanes. This shift in climate and environmental risks underscores the necessity of adapting to new seasonal activities and emergency preparedness strategies.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Philadelphia to Oakland
If you're planning to relocate, it's crucial to grasp how the cost of living and overall financial landscape in Philadelphia compares to that in Oakland. This information will help you adjust your budget and expectations, ensuring a smoother transition.
| Comparison | Philadelphia | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $52,899 | $82,236 |
| Cost of Living Index | 126.5 | 139.1 |
| State Income Tax | 3.07 | 13.3 (max) |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.99 | 0.79 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 8 | 9.25 |
| Top 3 Industries | Education, Healthcare, Manufacturing | Technology, Healthcare, Trade |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Significant | More moderated |
| Homelessness | High | Very High |
Moving from Philadelphia to Oakland, you'll find that Oakland has a significantly higher average household income but also a higher cost of living index, reflecting the more expensive nature of the West Coast lifestyle. Surprisingly, despite its affluence, Oakland experiences a greater challenge with homelessness, presenting a complex urban issue. The top industries also shift from education and healthcare in Philadelphia to the booming technology sector in Oakland alongside healthcare, indicating varied employment opportunities. Considering these factors can help you set realistic financial expectations and career aspirations in your new city.
Philadelphia vs. Oakland Political & Religious Comparison
In this guide, we delve into a quick, at-a-glance snapshot, offering a comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Philadelphia & Oakland. This outline will enable you to grasp the essential social and cultural nuances of your new city, easing your transition and helping you mesh with the local community.
| Philadelphia | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Primarily Democratic | Heavily Democratic |
| Local Politics | Varied emphasis on social justice, economic development, and education | Strong focus on social equity, environmental sustainability, and police reform |
| Religion | Christianity predominant, diverse religious communities | A diverse mix with a notable presence of non-religious or spiritual individuals |
When moving from Philadelphia to Oakland, you'll find yourself transitioning from one vibrant, politically Democratic city to another, albeit with a heavier emphasis on progressive policies in Oakland. Local politics in Oakland are more intensively geared towards social equity and environmental sustainability, reflecting California's overall progressive stance. Whereas, Philadelphia's political discourse may be a bit more varied, focusing also on economic and educational issues. In terms of religion, both cities host diverse religious communities. However, Oakland stands out for its considerable population of people identifying as non-religious or spiritual, mirroring a broader trend in the San Francisco Bay Area. This aspect highlights a significant cultural difference that you might find refreshing and enlightening.
Philadelphia vs. Oakland Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from one city to another can significantly change your daily commute and interaction with traffic. This guide compares the traffic and transportation options between Philadelphia & Oakland to help you better understand what to expect when you relocate from Philadelphia, PA to Oakland, CA.
| Comparison | Philadelphia | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 32 | 29.3 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes, but challenging | Yes |
While both Philadelphia and Oakland offer robust public transportation systems, there are differences in everyday commute experiences. In Philadelphia, the average commute is slightly longer and the city experiences a higher level of traffic congestion as compared to Oakland. Public transit in Oakland scores higher in availability, largely due to the efficient BART system that links Oakland with neighboring cities, including San Francisco. This makes getting around without a car more feasible in Oakland. If you’re transitioning from Philadelphia to Oakland, you might find the shift in commuting dynamics refreshing, especially with the relatively smoother traffic flow and more accessible public transportation options.
Additional Resources
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