Best Memphis to Oakland Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
If you're moving from Memphis to Oakland and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,096 mile move from Tennessee to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 21 Memphis 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 $2,500 - $8,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Memphis 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 Memphis 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 | Fairprice Movers | 8.87 | 9.12 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
3 | Garrett's Hauling | 8.79 | 8.8 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
4 | Polk's Reliable Delivery Services, LLC | 8.56 | 8.38 | Authorized For Property | Contact |
5 | My Town Movers | 8.37 | 8.94 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
Cost to Move from Memphis to Oakland
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,096 miles from Memphis, TN to Oakland, CA will cost on average $3,564 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Memphis to Oakland move is roughly $8,601. 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 | $2,391 | 300 ft³ | 7.97 |
1 Bedroom | $3,564 | 450 ft³ | 7.92 |
2 Bedrooms | $5,902 | 750 ft³ | 7.87 |
3 Bedrooms | $8,601 | 1100 ft³ | 7.82 |
4 Bedrooms | $12,431 | 1600 ft³ | 7.77 |
5+ Bedrooms | $13,895 | 1800 ft³ | 7.72 |


Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Oakland to Memphis guide.
Compare the 5 Best Memphis 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) |

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) |

Garrett's Hauling
Gallaway, TN, 38036
About Garrett's Hauling
Garrett's Hauling, a recently established moving company in 2021, is based in Cordova, Tennessee, and offers moving services in Cordova, Germantown,...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3819914 / 1381892 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
Registered Drivers | 2 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 40,000 (2023) |

Polk's Reliable Delivery Services, LLC
3456 Christy Ln
Bartlett, TN, 38135
About Polk's Reliable Delivery Services, LLC
Polk's Reliable Delivery Services, LLC is a family-owned moving company based in Bartlett, TN, with over 14 years of experience in...
Services
- Cheap moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3797931 / 1365852 Authorized For Property Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
Registered Drivers | 1 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 10,000 (2021) |

My Town Movers
W 449 US-72 # 129
Collierville, TN, 38017
About My Town Movers
For over a decade, locally owned and operated moving company My Town Movers has been helping people in the Memphis area...
Services
- Local Moving Services
- Long Distance Moving
- Apartment Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2434252 / 839413 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 8 |
Registered Drivers | 8 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 88,000 (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.
Memphis vs. Oakland Neighborhood Comparison
Moving from one city to another can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with your new home. To ease this transition, we've created a guide that offers a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Memphis, TN & Oakland, CA. This will help you find a new neighborhood that feels like home by using what you already love about your current one as a baseline.
Memphis | Oakland | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
Midtown | Rockridge | Vibrant, artsy community with similar cultural diversity |
East Memphis | Piedmont Avenue | Upscale living with local dining and shopping |
Cooper-Young | Temescal | Hipster-friendly with a strong sense of community and eclectic shops |
Germantown | Montclair | Family-friendly, with a quieter, suburban feel and green spaces |
Downtown | Jack London Square | Waterfront views, bustling nightlife and dining |
South Main | Old Oakland | Historic charm with modern conveniences and nightlife |
Harbor Town | Alameda | Island living with a laid-back vibe and great schools |
Cordova | Lake Merritt | Diverse community with a mix of urban and natural attractions |
Berclair | Fruitvale | Culturally rich, with a strong sense of community and history |
High Point Terrace | Glenview | Quiet, residential area with a mix of dining and local commerce |
If you're drawn to the eclectic, vibrant atmosphere of Cooper-Young in Memphis, you'll feel right at home in Temescal. This Oakland neighborhood brims with hipster-friendly coffee shops like Blue Bottle Coffee and unique stores, mirroring the close-knit community and diversity found in Cooper-Young. For those who appreciate the upscale, suburban feel of East Memphis, Piedmont Avenue provides an inviting blend of high-end retail and cozy, local dining spots such as Commis, a Michelin-starred restaurant, creating an atmosphere where luxury meets community. Meanwhile, the historical charm of South Main's streets is echoed in Old Oakland, where modern amenities meet historical architecture, offering a seamless blend of past and present for its residents. Each Oakland neighborhood carries its own unique character and charm, offering something special for everyone transitioning from Memphis.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Memphis to Oakland
Moving to a new city is always a significant life change. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Memphis, TN to Oakland, CA. By examining the cons and pros, this guide hopes to present a balanced perspective to assist in your decision-making process.
- Higher crime rate
- Hot, humid summers
- Fewer job opportunities
- Less public transit
- More diverse culture
- Milder climate
- Tech job hub
- Better public transit
- Higher living costs
- Less blues music
- Faster-paced lifestyle
- Smaller spaces
- Lower cost of living
- Soulful music scene
- Friendly communities
- Spacious living
Moving from Memphis, TN, to Oakland, CA, invites a myriad of changes into your lifestyle. The weather change from Memphis's hot, humid summers to Oakland's milder climate may come as a relief. Oakland's vibrant, diverse cultural scene is mirrored in its offerings, from the eclectic mix of restaurants in Chinatown, such as the renowned Shandong Restaurant, to the scenic beauty and outdoor activities available at Lake Merritt or the Redwood Regional Park. However, prepare for a significant shift in living expenses and housing sizes – this bustling city is known for its higher cost of living. The transition might involve adapting to a faster-paced lifestyle. Yet, the tech-driven economy in Oakland provides ample professional opportunities, especially for those in the technology sector.
Memphis vs. Oakland Food Guide
Understanding the culinary landscape is crucial when relocating, as food plays a significant role in experiencing local culture. In this guide, we'll delve into a comparison of the local cuisine between Memphis & Oakland so you can be well-informed about the diverse food scenes awaiting in your new city.
Memphis | Oakland | |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Barbecue ribs | Sourdough bread |
Most popular meat dish | Pulled pork sandwich | Korean BBQ |
Most popular street food item | Barbecue nachos | Tacos |
Most popular vegan food | BBQ tofu | Avocado toast |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Memphis, the love for BBQ permeates almost every corner of the city, with iconic spots like Central BBQ serving up mouthwatering dishes that epitomize local flavors. Meanwhile, Oakland introduces a more diverse and health-conscious culinary scene. Here, the legendary Chez Panisse, situated in the quaint Berkley neighborhood, pioneers the farm-to-table movement, offering fresh, organic options. The vibrant street food scene, highlighted by innovative food trucks and street vendors, especially in areas like Fruitvale for tacos, showcases the city's cultural diversity through its culinary offerings. Whether you crave the smoky delicacies of Memphis BBQ or the organic, diverse flavors of Oakland, each city offers a unique palate experience, reflective of its cultural identity and lifestyle.
Memphis vs. Oakland Restaurant Comparison
Food forms the heart of any home, and finding your next culinary love is crucial when moving cities. This restaurant comparison guide aims to ease the transition from Memphis, TN to Oakland, CA, by mapping out your future favorite eateries. Let's embark on a flavorful journey bridging the best of both cities.
Memphis | Oakland | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken | Brown Sugar Kitchen | Offers a twist on Southern comfort food, akin to Gus's but with waffles. |
Flight Restaurant & Wine Bar | Ordinaire | Known for its diverse wine selection and small plates, echoing Flight's sophisticated vibe. |
Central BBQ | Horn Barbecue | Brings authentic Texas-style barbecue to California, much like Central's dedication to Memphis-style BBQ. |
Huey's | TrueBurger | A local burger favorite with a similar dedication to quality and casual dining atmosphere. |
Arcade Restaurant | Dyafa | Celebrates traditional and innovative Middle Eastern dishes, providing a similar iconic dining experience. |
The Beauty Shop | Donna's | Offers a unique dining setting with equally creative and high-quality dishes, reminiscent of The Beauty Shop's flair. |
Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen | Pasta Ramen | Fuses Italian techniques with Japanese flavors, offering a novel twist similar to Andrew Michael's Italian innovation. |
Bryant's Breakfast | Mama's Royal Cafe | Known for hearty breakfasts and a homey feel, encapsulating Bryant's essence. |
Rendezvous | Everett & Jones Barbeque | A staple for BBQ lovers, offering a vibe and taste that rivals the legendary status of Rendezvous. |
Maciel's Tortas & Tacos | Xolo | Delivers authentic Mexican street food, mirroring Maciel’s dedication to quality and taste. |
One of the joys of moving to a new city is finding places that remind you of home while offering their own local flair. For instance, Horn Barbecue in Oakland not only pays homage to the deep-rooted tradition of barbecue, much like Memphis's Central BBQ, but it also brings a unique Texan touch to California. Meanwhile, at Dyafa, you'll be immersed in a sumptuous Middle Eastern dining experience that parallels the unique and historical vibes of Arcade Restaurant in Memphis. This blend of the familiar and the exciting ensures that, even far from Memphis, your culinary journey in Oakland will be both comforting and adventurous.

Ready to start your move?
Memphis vs. Oakland Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate significantly influences the decision-making process when planning a move. Understanding how housing options in Memphis, TN and Oakland, CA compare can illuminate key differences and similarities. This comparison will explore various housing dimensions to ensure you make an informed choice.
Comparison | Memphis | Oakland |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial Revival | Victorian |
Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large yards, quiet streets | Proximity to public transport, eco-friendly features |
When moving from Memphis to Oakland, you'll find a dramatic shift in housing costs and lifestyle. Oakland boasts a high urban lifestyle score due to its vibrant city life and abundance of amenities, including eco-friendly housing options and easy access to public transport. While both cities feature historic architecture, Oakland’s Victorian homes stand out for their unique charm. Additionally, Oakland's higher walkability and bikeability scores highlight its infrastructure built to support a more active and environmentally conscious lifestyle. Such contrasts underline the significant adjustment required when relocating, especially considering the substantial difference in housing costs.
Memphis vs. Oakland Weather Considerations
Moving from one location to another brings a lot of changes, and among them, weather stands out as a significant factor to consider. Understanding how the climate shifts from Memphis, TN to Oakland, CA will prepare you for what to expect and help ensure a smoother transition to your new environment.
Memphis, TN
Oakland, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Memphis, TN
Oakland, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Memphis, TN
Oakland, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Memphis, TN
Oakland, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Comparison | Memphis | Oakland |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Good to Moderate | Good to Moderate |
Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Storms | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When comparing the weather between Memphis and Oakland, it's evident that Oakland enjoys milder temperatures, especially during the summer, and more sunny days throughout the year. While both cities share similar annual UV indexes, Oakland's lower humidity level contributes to a more comfortable living environment for many. Moreover, the shift from dealing with tornadoes and storms in Memphis to preparing for earthquakes and wildfires in Oakland represents a significant change in natural disaster preparedness. The dramatic decrease in annual rainfall and absence of snow in Oakland also marks a clear departure from Memphis's wetter and occasionally snowy climate.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Memphis to Oakland
When planning a move from one location to another, it's crucial to grasp the financial landscape you're stepping into. Emphasizing the necessity of such an understanding, we present a comparison chart highlighting the cost of living, taxation, and economic atmosphere from Memphis, TN to Oakland, CA . This information is key to setting realistic financial expectations for your new home.
Comparison | Memphis | Oakland |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $44,317 | $82,236 |
Cost of Living Index | 88.2 | 139.1 |
State Income Tax | 0 | 9.3 |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.53 | 0.68 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 9.25 | 9.25 |
Top 3 Industries | Transportation, Education, Healthcare | Technology, Healthcare, Education |
Affluence | Moderate | High |
Poverty | High | Lower |
Homelessness | Noticeable | Significant |
While average household incomes in Oakland are generally higher than in Memphis, the cost of living index in Oakland substantially surpasses that of Memphis, suggesting that the increased income may be offset by higher living expenses. Oakland's state income tax presents an additional expense that does not apply in Memphis, potentially affecting your take-home pay. On the other hand, property taxes in Oakland are lower relative to Memphis, which may influence decisions regarding home ownership. Considering the higher affluence and lower poverty rates in Oakland, it's clear the economic atmosphere varies significantly from Memphis, necessitating a thoughtful financial plan when moving.
Memphis vs. Oakland Political & Religious Comparison
Moving from Memphis, TN to Oakland, CA involves not just a change in scenery but also immersing oneself in diverse cultural environments. This comparison is designed to provide a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in Memphis & Oakland , aiding in understanding the societal changes one might experience.
Memphis | Oakland | |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Lean Democratic | Strongly Democratic |
Local Politics | Moderate, with focus on community issues | Liberal, with emphasis on social justice |
Religion | Christianity predominant, with a mix of denominations | Diverse; includes Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, and non-affiliated |
Living in Memphis might have accustomed you to a political environment that leans Democratic, but moving to Oakland, you'll enter a place known for its strong liberal and Democratic tendencies. Local politics in Oakland are particularly vibrant, often focusing heavily on social justice, environmental concerns, and community engagement, a shift from the more moderate community-focused political discussions common in Memphis. Religion in Oakland presents itself as markedly diverse. While Christianity remains prevalent, the city is home to a rich tapestry of religious practices including Buddhism and Islam, reflecting its multicultural populace. Those moving from Memphis will find Oakland's varied religious landscape to be a significant difference, offering an opportunity to explore new cultural and spiritual dimensions.
Memphis vs. Oakland Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Memphis, TN to Oakland, CA entails understanding the significant differences between the daily commute and traffic experiences. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Memphis & Oakland will help you adapt to your new city more smoothly.
Comparison | Memphis | Oakland |
---|---|---|
Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25 | 32 |
Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
Can you get by without car? | No | Yes |
When moving to Oakland from Memphis, you'll find the average commute time increases by several minutes, which might be attributed to the greater traffic congestion in the area. However, Oakland offers a much more robust public transit system compared to Memphis, making it feasible and often more convenient to navigate the city without a personal vehicle. This difference in public transit availability means relying on services like the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) and buses becomes a viable option for your daily commute, opening up a more sustainable way to explore your new city.



Additional Resources
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Popular Memphis to California Routes
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