Best Alexandria to Oakland Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Alexandria to Oakland and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,889 mile move from Virginia to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 55 Alexandria 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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria to Oakland Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1OCD Moving Services LLC9.669.47Authorized For HHGContact
2ARS Movers9.639.76Authorized For HHGContact
3Bookstore Movers9.609.55Authorized For HHGContact
4Mic's Moving9.599.56Authorized For HHGContact
5Fairprice Movers8.879.12Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Alexandria to Oakland

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,889 miles from Alexandria, VA to Oakland, CA will cost on average $4,238 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Alexandria to Oakland move is roughly $10,250. 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$2,840300 ft³9.47
1 Bedroom$4,238450 ft³9.42
2 Bedrooms$7,026750 ft³9.37
3 Bedrooms$10,2501100 ft³9.32
4 Bedrooms$14,8281600 ft³9.27
5+ Bedrooms$16,5921800 ft³9.22
*Please note: These Virginia to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Virginia & 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 VA to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Oakland to Alexandria guide.

Compare the 5 Best Alexandria to Oakland Movers

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

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
1
ARS Movers Logo

ARS Movers

Exceptional9.63/10
based on 1,704+ data points

Herndon, VA, 20170

About ARS Movers

ARS Movers is a top-rated, locally-owned moving company based in Herndon, Virginia, serving customers for over a decade. They offer a...

Services

  • Local Moving (Residential Moving)
  • Long Distance Moving (Interstate Moving)
  • Office Moving (Commercial Moving)

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 11/17/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3260258 / 1027666

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved3 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Bookstore Movers Logo

Bookstore Movers

Exceptional9.60/10
based on 6,631+ data points

5200 46th Ave

Hyattsville, MD, 20781

About Bookstore Movers

Locally owned and operated, Bookstore Movers was founded in 2005 with a dedication to customer service, personalization, and small business values....

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Cross-country moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/15/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2005212 / 707471

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans21
Registered Drivers21
Total Annual Miles Moved153,245 (2019)
View Full Review
3
Mic's Moving Logo

Mic's Moving

Exceptional9.59/10
based on 4,108+ data points

1250 9th st. nw

Washington DC, DC, 20011

About Mic's Moving

Mic's Moving is a locally owned and operated moving company that focuses on providing a personalized moving experience to residential and...

Services

  • Local Move
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Labor Only: Loading, Unloading and In-house moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2474176 / 856657

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2019)
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.

Alexandria vs. Oakland Neighborhood Comparison

Moving from one city to another can be daunting, especially when it comes to finding a neighborhood that feels like home. To ease this transition, we've curated a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Alexandria, VA & Oakland, CA , highlighting areas with similar vibes, amenities, and community feel. Whether you're searching for bustling urban life or serene suburbia, this guide aims to match you with your perfect Oakland neighborhood.

AlexandriaOaklandHow They're Similar
Old TownRockridgeHistoric charm, shopping
Del RayTemescalArtsy, vibrant community
Potomac YardJack London SquareWaterfront dining, shopping
West EndMontclairFamily-friendly, suburban feel
Parker-GrayWest OaklandRich in history, diverse
North RidgePiedmont AvenueQuiet, upscale living
LandmarkFruitvaleDiverse, vibrant community
Eisenhower EastEmeryvilleModern, tech-oriented
RosemontDimond DistrictCommunity-focused, natural beauty
Cameron StationGlenviewQuaint, community-oriented

In exploring the neighborhood parallels between Alexandria and Oakland, each area presents unique amenities and vibes that cater to a diverse range of preferences. For instance, if you're drawn to Old Town Alexandria’s cobblestone streets and waterfront charm, Rockridge in Oakland offers a similar historic elegance coupled with bustling shops along College Avenue. Dining enthusiasts moving from Potomac Yard will appreciate Jack London Square's assortment of waterfront eateries and lively atmosphere. Meanwhile, families originating from West End might find Montclair's tranquil, tree-lined streets and proximity to parks like Montclair Railroad Trail aligns well with their lifestyle. Embracing Oakland's neighborhoods means discovering a rich tapestry of communities, each with its own distinct character yet tied together by the city's vibrant multicultural essence.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Alexandria to Oakland

Moving from one city to another is a major life decision that requires careful consideration of both the advantages and drawbacks. This comparison aims to reflect honestly on the pros and cons of relocating from Alexandria, VA, to Oakland, CA , providing a balanced view that will help you make an informed decision. Here, we meticulously contrast the cons with the pros and vice versa, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of what to expect.

CONs
PROs
Alexandria, VA iconAlexandria, VA
  • Higher humidity
  • Less diversity
  • Fewer tech jobs
  • Traditional cuisine
  • Smaller parks
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Milder climate
  • More cultural diversity
  • Tech hub
  • Diverse food scene
  • Larger green spaces
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Less historical sites
  • Far from capital
  • Higher living costs
  • Urban noise
  • More impersonal
Alexandria, VA iconAlexandria, VA
  • Historic charm
  • Proximity to D.C.
  • Lower living costs
  • Quieter lifestyle
  • Community feel

While Alexandria, VA, charms with its historic ambiance and proximity to the nation's capital, offering a more community-centered and quieter lifestyle, Oakland, CA, presents an attractive alternative with its milder climate, booming tech industry, and significant cultural diversity. Oakland's food scene, highlighted by diverse offerings from restaurants like Nyumbai for authentic Burmese cuisine to the innovative dishes at Shakewell, outpaces Alexandria's more traditional cuisine. Meanwhile, the expansive green spaces such as Redwood Regional Park offer a stark contrast to the smaller parks in Alexandria. This move, therefore, not only signifies a change in geography but a leap towards a lifestyle steeped in diversity, innovation, and natural beauty.

Alexandria vs. Oakland Food Guide

Comparing the local cuisine between Alexandria, VA & Oakland, CA is essential for understanding the culinary landscape of where you're moving to. Food is a pivotal part of local culture and can vastly influence the living experience in a new area. This comparison will help you get acquainted with the food scene you're about to dive into.

AlexandriaOakland
Most iconic local food itemChesapeake Bay CrabSourdough Bread
Most popular meat dishFried ChickenBBQ Ribs
Most popular street food itemHalf-SmokeTacos
Most popular vegan foodGrain BowlAvocado Toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Restaurant Eve
  • The Majestic
  • Vermilion
  • Shakewell
  • Brown Sugar Kitchen
  • The Wolf
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Alexandria, VA, the local cuisine is heavily influenced by its access to the Chesapeake Bay, making seafood a staple, especially the iconic Chesapeake Bay Crab. The city's streets buzz with the aroma of Half-Smokes from local vendors, showcasing the area's love for unique street food. In contrast, when you move to Oakland, CA, you'll notice a shift towards a more health-conscious and diverse culinary scene. The city's love for sourdough bread speaks to its rich food history, while the plethora of tacos available from street vendors highlights the area's cultural diversity. Oakland's food scene is vibrant, aided by an abundance of food trucks and a high vegan-friendly rating, making it a paradise for food enthusiasts. Be sure to explore neighborhoods like Temescal for its food markets and Uptown for trendy eateries that represent the heart of Oakland's dining scene.

Alexandria vs. Oakland Restaurant Comparison

Relocating can be a culinary adventure, and food plays a crucial role in feeling at home in a new city. This restaurant comparison between Alexandria and Oakland will guide you in discovering local eateries that resonate with your tastes, making the transition smoother. Whether you’re craving a gourmet experience or simply looking for comfort food, let this serve as your roadmap to finding your next favorite dining spot.

AlexandriaOaklandWhat You'll Love
VermilionCommisHigh-end dining with a focus on intricate flavors and presentation
Momo SushiShimizu SushiQuality sushi, offering fresh and artistic rolls
King Street BluesEverett & Jones BBQSouthern comfort food with a focus on smoked meats
BraboDuendeEuropean touches on local cuisine, great for a fancy night out
Hawwi Ethiopian RestaurantEnssaroAuthentic Ethiopian cuisine with a cozy, inviting atmosphere
Warehouse Bar & GrillChop BarCasual, friendly vibe with hearty, locally-sourced meals
Don TacoCholita LindaKnown for its tacos and vibrant Latin American flavors
The MajesticWood TavernOffers a warm, rustic atmosphere with American comfort food
Joe Theismann’s RestaurantMad OakSports bar with an excellent selection of drinks and bar food
Fontaine Caffe & CreperieCrepevineCasual eatery specializing in crêpes and American breakfast dishes

For those seeking a fine dining experience reminiscent of Alexandria’s Vermilion, Oakland’s Commis is an exquisite choice, showcasing the pinnacle of culinary artistry with its Michelin-starred dining. Ethiopian food lovers moving from Alexandria will be delighted to find Enssaro in Oakland, where the authentic flavor profiles and communal eating mirrors the experience at Hawwi Ethiopian Restaurant. If your go-to spot in Alexandria was Don Taco, then prepare to fall in love with Cholita Linda. The latter stands out for its tacos al pastor and vibrant ambiance, making it a go-to spot for Latin American cuisine enthusiasts seeking familiarity in a new city.

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Alexandria vs. Oakland Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a pivotal factor when planning a move. Understanding how Alexandria and Oakland compare in terms of housing costs, architecture, and urban lifestyle ensures you make an informed decision tailored to your preferences and needs.

ComparisonAlexandriaOakland
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, GeorgianVictorian, Modern
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingHistoric charm, proximity to Washington D.C.Access to green spaces, vibrant arts scene

When comparing Alexandria and Oakland, the significant difference in median home prices and monthly rent is immediately apparent, reflecting Oakland's higher cost of living. Alexandria's historical colonial and Georgian architectural styles offer a charming, quaint atmosphere, contrasting with Oakland's mix of Victorian and modern architecture that underlines its diverse and dynamic culture. Both cities boast decent walkability and bikeability scores, but Oakland edges ahead, likely due to its more urbanized layout and extensive bike lanes. Notably, Oakland's real estate listings frequently highlight its vibrant arts scene and access to green spaces, demonstrating the city's commitment to cultural and recreational activities. This contrast with Alexandria’s emphasis on historic charm and proximity to the capital offers a glimpse into the distinct lifestyles each city promotes.

Alexandria vs. Oakland Weather Considerations

Moving from one location to another can significantly impact your daily life, especially when it comes to the weather. If you're considering a move from Alexandria, VA, to Oakland, CA, it's essential to understand how your new environment compares to what you're used to. This comparison will provide insights into the weather patterns you can expect, helping you prepare for the change.

Summer icon
89/71

Alexandria, VA

72/56

Oakland, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
47/30

Alexandria, VA

58/44

Oakland, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
44

Alexandria, VA

20

Oakland, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
14

Alexandria, VA

0

Oakland, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonAlexandriaOakland
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersHurricanes, FloodsEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

You’ll find that Oakland offers a milder climate compared to Alexandria, with cooler summers and warmer winters. This results in more comfortable conditions year-round. However, it's essential to note the higher number of sunny days in Oakland doesn’t necessarily mean a dry climate. Oakland’s average annual humidity is higher, which can influence your perception of temperature. The different types of natural disasters in each location are also noteworthy. While Alexandria faces risks from hurricanes and floods, Oakland’s risks include earthquakes and wildfires, highlighting the variation in emergency preparedness you’ll need. Additionally, Oakland's moderate air quality compared to Alexandria's good rating might affect individuals with respiratory conditions or those sensitive to air pollution.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Alexandria to Oakland

Understanding the financial implications is crucial when relocating. This comparison offers insight into money and finance variables you'll encounter moving from Alexandria, VA to Oakland, CA. It sheds light on essential aspects like income and living costs, allowing for a smoother transition.

ComparisonAlexandriaOakland
Avg. Household Income$101,162$82,236
Cost of Living Index140.1139.1
State Income Tax5.7513.3
Avg. Property Tax1.030.79
Avg. Sales Tax69.25
Top 3 IndustriesGovernment, Professional Services, TechnologyTechnology, Healthcare, Retail
AffluenceWealthyModerately Affluent
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessMinimalSignificant

When relocating from Alexandria, VA to Oakland, CA, you should prepare for a higher cost of living, indicated by Oakland's index of 162 compared to Alexandria's 149. Despite Alexandria's higher average household income, Oakland presents unique financial challenges, including California's notably higher state income tax of 13.3%. However, Oakland’s average property tax rate is somewhat more favorable. Additionally, the top industries across these cities hint at regional economic focuses, potentially affecting job opportunities. Understanding these differences is key to financial planning and adjusting to your new environment.

Alexandria vs. Oakland Political & Religious Comparison

Relocating to a new city is more than just a geographical change; it involves acclimatizing to a different societal fabric. This comparison aims to provide a quick snapshot of the political and religious makeup of Alexandria & Oakland to help you understand the community dynamics of where you're moving from and to.

AlexandriaOakland
Political Make-upDemocraticDemocratic
Local PoliticsLiberalVery Liberal
ReligionChristianity predominant, diverse religious communitiesVaried, with strong non-religious presence

While both cities lean Democratic, you'll find Oakland to be more liberal in its local governance and social policies, reflecting California's broader political climate. This may come across in more progressive community programs and local initiatives. Religion in Oakland presents a mosaic of faiths but with a significant portion of individuals identifying as non-religious or spiritual but not religious, contrasting with Alexandria's more traditional Christian majority. Understanding these nuances will help you navigate the local culture and community engagements more effectively.

Alexandria vs. Oakland Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

To make your transition smoother, understanding the daily commute and traffic nuances is crucial. This guide offers a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Alexandria & Oakland, aiming to provide insights into what your daily commute might look like in these cities.

ComparisonAlexandriaOakland
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3029.3
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Yes, but challengingMore feasibly than Alexandria

When comparing Alexandria and Oakland, it's apparent that both cities offer distinct commuting experiences. Alexandria, with its proximity to Washington D.C., tends to have a slightly higher traffic congestion rating. However, it also boasts a robust public transit system, thanks to the WMATA metro rail and bus services, making it somewhat possible to get by without a car, though it could be challenging depending on your specific location and commuting needs. On the other hand, Oakland offers a slightly more relaxed traffic scenario and a commendable public transit system through BART and AC Transit, potentially making it easier for residents to navigate the city without a personal vehicle. Understanding these dynamics can help you better prepare for your move and daily commutes.

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