Best Austin to Oakland Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
If you're moving from Austin to Oakland and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,812 mile move from Texas to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 27 Austin 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 $2,000 - $8,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Austin 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 Austin 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 | MoverTron Moving | 9.44 | 9.52 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
3 | Heavenly Moving and Storage | 9.29 | 9.38 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
4 | Amen Moving | 9.20 | 9.52 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
5 | Fairprice Movers | 8.87 | 9.12 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
Cost to Move from Austin to Oakland
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,812 miles from Austin, TX to Oakland, CA will cost on average $3,322 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Austin to Oakland move is roughly $8,011. 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 | $2,230 | 300 ft³ | 7.43 |
1 Bedroom | $3,322 | 450 ft³ | 7.38 |
2 Bedrooms | $5,499 | 750 ft³ | 7.33 |
3 Bedrooms | $8,011 | 1100 ft³ | 7.28 |
4 Bedrooms | $11,572 | 1600 ft³ | 7.23 |
5+ Bedrooms | $12,929 | 1800 ft³ | 7.18 |


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

MoverTron Moving
Briarcliff, TX, 78669
Services
- Local Moving
- Residential Moving
- Long-Distance Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 4135479 / 1584479 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
Registered Drivers | 2 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | - |

Heavenly Moving and Storage

9311 N Fm 620
Austin, TX, 78726
About Heavenly Moving and Storage
Heavenly Moving and Storage has been one of Austin’s premier moving companies since 2005. This locally-owned moving company provides high-quality packing...
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Full-service packing
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3429695 / 1110864 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 12 |
Registered Drivers | 10 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 250,000 (2021) |
Amen Moving
Volente, TX, 78726
About Amen Moving
Amen Moving is a professional moving company based in Austin, TX. The company specializes in out of state moving and packing...
Services
- Out of state moving services
- Packing services
- Office moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3119927 / 87368 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
Registered Drivers | 1 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 220,000 (2024) |

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.
Austin vs. Oakland Neighborhood Comparison
Moving between cities can feel like arriving on a different planet. To bridge this gap, we've crafted a guide to help you navigate the local neighborhoods between Austin, TX & Oakland, CA , allowing you to find your new community with ease. By using your current Austin neighborhood as a baseline, we aim to introduce you to similar areas in Oakland so you can start feeling at home right away.
Austin | Oakland | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
South Congress | Rockridge | Vibrant shopping, dining |
Travis Heights | Piedmont Avenue | Quiet, historic |
Barton Hills | Montclair | Family-friendly, nature proximity |
Hyde Park | Temescal | Eclectic, historic homes |
Zilker | Lake Merritt | Urban park, vibrant community |
Tarrytown | Rockridge | Upscale, peaceful |
East Austin | West Oakland | Edgy, artistic |
Clarksville | Grand Lake | Quaint, walkable |
Mueller | Emeryville | Planned community, green spaces |
Allandale | Glenview | Family-oriented, local eateries |
For those charmed by the boutique shops and vibrant atmosphere of South Congress, Rockridge offers a comparable experience in Oakland, with its bustling boutiques and acclaimed eateries like Ramen Shop. Meanwhile, if the green spaces and community vibe of Barton Hills drew you in, Montclair's proximity to parks like Anthony Chabot Regional Park and family-friendly environment will make you feel right at home. For the edgy and artistic spirit found in East Austin, West Oakland presents a dynamic arts scene and creative spaces, symbolizing the city's rich cultural diversity and vibrant community life.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Austin to Oakland
Moving from one city to another presents both opportunities and challenges. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of moving from Austin, TX to Oakland, CA , laying out the positives against the negatives. By examining these aspects, you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision about your relocation.
- Hotter summers
- Less diversity
- Lower walkability
- Traffic congestion
- Milder climate
- More cultural diversity
- Higher walkability
- Better public transit
- Higher living cost
- Less affordable housing
- Fewer Tex-Mex options
- Smaller green spaces
- Vibrant music scene
- Affordable housing
- Tex-Mex cuisine
- Outdoor activities
Moving from Austin to Oakland introduces you to a climate that's far more forgiving than Austin's scorching summers. You'll find neighborhoods like Rockridge and Lake Merritt offering not only a respite with their milder weather but also lush, walkable areas that invite leisurely exploration. The cultural diversity in Oakland is palpable, with celebrations and culinary offerings that span the globe. From the vibrant Oakland Museum of California to the bustling Jack London Square, there's a wealth of sights and experiences waiting for you. While Austin is known for its live music and Tex-Mex cuisine, Oakland boasts a rich tapestry of cultural festivals and a burgeoning culinary scene, exemplified by the likes of Chinatown and Temescal alleys' diverse food offerings.
Austin vs. Oakland Food Guide
Comparing the local cuisine between Austin, TX, and Oakland, CA, is essential for understanding what culinary delights await you in your new city. Food is a significant aspect of local culture and can greatly influence your living experience. This comparison will help you get a taste—literally—of what your life could be like in each city.
Austin | Oakland | |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | BBQ Brisket | Chicken and Waffles |
Most popular meat dish | Brisket Tacos | Korean BBQ |
Most popular street food item | Breakfast Tacos | Tacos |
Most popular vegan food | Vegan BBQ | Vegan Soul Food |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Austin, the BBQ scene is legendary, with places like Franklin Barbecue drawing crowds from all over for their brisket. Meanwhile, Oakland offers a diverse culinary scene, reflecting its multicultural community. Locals and visitors flock to Brown Sugar Kitchen for their famous chicken and waffles. Austin's love for breakfast tacos from street vendors contrasts with Oakland's vibrant taco scene, indicative of California's broader love for Mexican cuisine. Moreover, both cities cater well to vegan diets, but Oakland's vegan soul food is a unique twist that stands out. Austin's food truck scene is unbeatable, offering a wide variety of foods that mirror the city's eclectic taste and innovative spirit.
Austin vs. Oakland Restaurant Comparison
Relocating can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to find new favorites in your new city. However, food often plays a pivotal role in making a place feel like home. This detailed comparison of restaurants from Austin to Oakland will assist you in discovering new go-to spots, guiding your palate through this exciting transition. This restaurant comparison will help with your move from Austin, TX to Oakland, CA.
Austin | Oakland | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
Franklin Barbecue | Everett & Jones Barbeque | Authentic slow-smoked meats |
Uchi | Shakewell | Inventive, upscale cuisine with a touch of global influence |
Torchy's Tacos | Cholita Linda | Tacos with vibrant, fresh flavors |
Odd Duck | Belotti Ristorante E Bottega | Crafted, locally-sourced dishes |
Home Slice Pizza | Rockridge Improvement Club | Artisanal pizzas and welcoming community vibe |
Kemuri Tatsu-Ya | Shinmai | Japanese inspired modern ambiance and innovative cuisine |
Matt's El Rancho | Cosecha | Traditional dishes with a modern Californian twist |
Perla’s | Marica | Fresh seafood with an upscale casual feel |
Fonda San Miguel | Doña Tomás | Authentic Mexican cuisine with a seasonal menu |
Sway | Hawking Bird | Innovative approach to traditional flavors |
When you find yourself missing the vibrant flavors of Austin's Torchy's Tacos, a visit to Cholita Linda in Oakland will surely satisfy your cravings with their fresh, vibrant tacos that capture the essence of Austin's taco scene. For those who have fond memories of lingering over a meal at Odd Duck, a visit to Belotti Ristorante E Bottega will provide a similar experience with meticulously crafted dishes that emphasize the importance of locally-sourced ingredients. And if your evenings in Austin were often spent enjoying the ambiance and flavors at Kemuri Tatsu-Ya, then Oakland's Shinmai will likely become your new favorite spot for Japanese-inspired fare with a modern twist. These establishments not only offer great food but also boast an atmosphere that encourages diners to linger, chat, and create new memories in Oakland, much like their Austin counterparts.

Ready to start your move?
Austin vs. Oakland Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate significantly impacts your relocation experience, making it essential to understand how Austin, TX, and Oakland, CA differ in this regard. This comparison will highlight important aspects such as housing costs, architectural styles, and urban lifestyle in Austin and Oakland , offering a clear picture of what to expect in each city.
Comparison | Austin | Oakland |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Modern and Craftsman | Victorian and Craftsman |
Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Open floor plans, energy efficiency | Proximity to public transit, historic details |
When examining the housing landscape of Austin and Oakland, you'll notice distinct differences reflecting each city's culture and lifestyle. Austin's homes often emphasize modern and energy-efficient features with spacious, open floor plans, appealing to those who cherish innovation and sustainability. In contrast, Oakland's real estate market treasures its Victorian and Craftsman homes, offering historic charm combined with modern upgrades. This difference not only impacts the architectural aesthetics but also the lifestyle afforded by each city. Oakland scores higher in walkability and bikeability, indicating a more urban, accessible lifestyle compared to Austin. These aspects, alongside the significant price discrepancy in both home prices and rent, shape the unique living experiences in each city. Whether you're leaning towards the vibrant urban life in Oakland or the innovative, more laid-back environment of Austin, understanding these factors can help guide your decision.
Austin vs. Oakland Weather Considerations
If you're gearing up for a move, understanding how the weather in your new locale compares to your current one is crucial. This comparison between Austin, TX, and Oakland, CA, is designed to shed light on what weather changes you can expect, aiding in a smoother transition.
Austin, TX
Oakland, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Austin, TX
Oakland, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Austin, TX
Oakland, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Austin, TX
Oakland, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Comparison | Austin | Oakland |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
Natural Disasters | Heatwaves, Tornadoes | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Austin, TX, to Oakland, CA, you'll notice a significant difference in summer temperatures, with Oakland offering a milder climate, making it perfect for those who find Austin's summers too intense. The increased number of sunny days in Oakland provides ample opportunity for outdoor activities, although you might find the higher humidity a bit surprising. Additionally, while natural disaster threats differ - with a shift from tornadoes to earthquakes and wildfires - it's comforting to note that air quality in Oakland is generally considered good, potentially offering a relief to allergy sufferers.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Austin to Oakland
When planning a move from Austin, TX to Oakland, CA, it's vital to compare financial factors affecting your lifestyle. Understanding how the cost of living, tax rates, and average incomes in Austin and Oakland impact your budget will ensure a smoother transition. This comparison aims to highlight the key monetary differences to expect.
Comparison | Austin | Oakland |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $79,542 | $82,236 |
Cost of Living Index | 95.5 | 139.1 |
State Income Tax | 0% | up to 13.3% |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.83% | 0.74% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 8.25% | 9.25% |
Top 3 Industries | Technology, Education, Health Services | Technology, Healthcare, International Trade |
Affluence | Higher-middle | High |
Poverty | Lower | Medium |
Homelessness | Moderate | High |
Upon moving from Austin to Oakland, you'll notice significant changes, particularly in the cost of living and state income tax rates. Despite a slightly higher average household income in Oakland, the city's cost of living index is considerably higher than Austin's, potentially impacting your budget more than initially expected. Additionally, Texas's lack of state income tax contrasts starkly with California's, which can reach up to 13.3% depending on your income level. However, it's important to consider the lower property tax rate in Oakland, which might offer some relief. Careful planning and budgeting are crucial steps to ensure a comfortable transition to your new city.
Austin vs. Oakland Political & Religious Comparison
This comparison of the politics between Austin & Oakland offers a quick snapshot aimed at providing you with an understanding of the political and religious landscape of both cities, facilitating a smoother transition for your move.
Austin | Oakland | |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Liberal/Democratic | Very Liberal/Democratic |
Local Politics | Progressive on social issues | Highly active in social and environmental causes |
Religion | Mix, with a prominent Christian community | Diverse, inclusive of many faiths and secular viewpoints |
While both Austin and Oakland boast liberal and Democratic-leaning populations, Oakland is recognized for being exceptionally liberal, particularly active in social justice, and environmental advocacy. Local politics in Oakland heavily emphasize community engagement in issues like housing equity and climate change, reflecting the city's deeply ingrained progressive values. In terms of religion, both cities embrace diversity, but Oakland stands out for its exceptionally inclusive approach, welcoming an array of religious and secular perspectives. This ensures a community where your beliefs and values are likely to find resonance and respect.
Austin vs. Oakland Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Austin, TX to Oakland, CA? Understand the daily commute and traffic differences to better prepare for your new life. This comparison of traffic and transportation options between Austin & Oakland provides essential insights.
Comparison | Austin | Oakland |
---|---|---|
Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 26 | 29 |
Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
Can you get by without a car? | Challenging | Easier |
In Austin, while the average commute time might seem less daunting, traffic congestion ranks slightly higher than in Oakland, making daily commutes a tad more stressful. Public transit in Austin is available but not as extensive or reliable as in Oakland, where the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) and other AC Transit services make navigating the city without a car much more feasible. Oakland's slightly longer commute time is often offset by these efficient public transit options, providing a smoother and more sustainable commuting experience. Therefore, if you’re used to driving everywhere in Austin, you might find Oakland's transit-friendly landscape a welcome change.



Additional Resources
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