Best Philadelphia to Oakland Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Philadelphia to Oakland Movers

Moving from the historic streets of Philly to the vibrant heart of Oakland is an exciting chapter in your life, brimming with new adventures and opportunities. You're leaving behind the City of Brotherly Love, known for its cheesesteaks and iconic Liberty Bell, to embrace the Golden State's sunny Oakland, a city celebrated for its diverse culture and burgeoning tech scene. To make this long-distance move a smooth transition, it’s crucial to rely on trusted and reliable professional movers. Let us connect you with the best, ensuring your journey from coast to coast is as seamless as the Golden Gate Bridge.

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Best Philadelphia to Oakland Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
OCD Moving Services LLC9.66A+Authorized For HHGContact
EverSafe Moving Co.9.51A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Pineapple Movers9.44NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Kora Moving9.39A+Authorized For HHGContact
banning moving9.21NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Oakland to Philadelphia guide.

5 Best Philadelphia to Oakland Moving Companies

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

OCD Moving Services LLC Logo
Exceptional9.66/10
based on 3,273+ data points

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...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

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
EverSafe Moving Co. Logo
Exceptional9.51/10
based on 2,941+ data points

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 its team of ...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Movers
  • Long-distance Movers
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2261303 / 771755

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved15,000 (2021)
View Full Review
2
Pineapple Movers Logo
Exceptional9.44/10
based on 701+ data points

About Pineapple Movers

Pineapple Movers is a Philadelphia-based moving company that specializes in relocating residences and offices of all sizes. Established in 2...Read More >>

Services

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3579435 / 1208543

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved5,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Kora Moving Logo
Exceptional9.39/10
based on 1,517+ data points

About Kora Moving

Kora Moving, based in San Francisco, was established in 2018 by Carlos Viera, who has over 17 years of experience in the moving industry. Th...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moves
  • Long distance moves
  • Packing and unpacking

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3139436 / 1425667

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2021)
View Full Review
4
b
Exceptional9.21/10
based on 437+ data points

About banning moving

Banning Moving is a professional moving company focused on providing reliable and caring services for its customers. With experienced movers...Read More >>

Services

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3350149 / 1070919

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved25,675 (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.

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.

PhiladelphiaOaklandHow They're Similar
Rittenhouse SquareRockridgeUpscale, vibrant dining scene
FishtownTemescalHip, bustling with indie shops
ManayunkMontclairHilly terrain, community vibe
Old CityJack London SquareHistoric, waterfront dining
University CityPiedmont AvenueEducational institutions, local eateries
Northern LibertiesUptownTrendy nightlife, arts scene
Center CityLake MerrittUrban, active lifestyle
Society HillRockridge againHistoric homes, lush landscapes
Graduate HospitalGlenviewFamily-friendly, peaceful ambiance
East PassyunkGrand LakeEclectic 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.

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Things to Do in Oakland

  • Explore Chabot Space & Science Center
  • Stroll through Oakland Zoo
  • Enjoy Lake Merritt on paddleboat
  • Watch a game at Oakland Coliseum
  • Visit Oakland Museum of California
  • Sample at Jack London Square eateries
  • Hike in Redwood Regional Park

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.

CONs
PROs
Philadelphia, PA iconPhiladelphia, PA
  • Higher crime rates
  • Colder winters
  • Lower median income
  • Less diverse culinary scene
  • Smaller tech hub
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Milder climate
  • More outdoor activities
  • Higher median income
  • Rich culinary diversity
  • Larger tech industry
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Higher living costs
  • Less affordable housing
  • Less sports fervor
  • Less public transit
  • Smaller parks
Philadelphia, PA iconPhiladelphia, 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.

PhiladelphiaOakland
Most iconic local food itemPhilly CheesesteakSourdough Bread
Most popular meat dishRibeye SteakKorean BBQ
Most popular street food itemPretzelsTacos
Most popular vegan foodVegan CheesesteakJackfruit Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Zahav
  • Pat's King of Steaks
  • Geno's Steaks
  • Chez Panisse
  • Shakewell
  • Brown Sugar Kitchen
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.

PhiladelphiaOaklandWhat You'll Love
ZahavShakewellMediterranean-inspired fare, capturing Zahav's essence.
Reading Terminal MarketSwan's MarketOffers a diverse food hall experience.
Pat's King of SteaksSeñor SisigA Filipino twist to the classic cheesesteak experience.
SurayaDyafaAuthentic Middle Eastern dishes that rival Suraya's flavors.
Vetri CucinaBellanico Restaurant and Wine BarItalian cuisine with a comparable upscale vibe.
Federal DonutsDonut SavantCreative donuts that resonate with Federal Donuts' uniqueness.
Pizzeria VetriNick's PizzaMade with fresh, local ingredients, similar to Pizzeria Vetri's approach.
La ColombeBlue Bottle CoffeePioneering coffee culture akin to La Colombe's.
Franklin FountainFentons CreameryHistoric venue offering nostalgic dessert experiences.
El VezXoloA 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.

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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.

ComparisonPhiladelphiaOakland
Typical Architecture StyleColonialVictorian
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingClose to public transport, historic detailsBay 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.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Oakland, CA

1. Rockridge: Known for its welcoming atmosphere, Rockridge offers numerous pet-friendly cafes and a local pet shop, ensuring your furry friends are always pampered.

2. Lake Merritt: This area surrounds a picturesque lake with a 3.4-mile walking path that's perfect for dog-walking, alongside veterinary services easily accessible for your pets' health needs.

3. Montclair Village: Nestled in the hills, Montclair Village is not only scenic but also boasts a pet-friendly environment with holistic pet care, and numerous trails for adventurous walks with your pets.

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.

Summer icon
87°F / 66°F

Philadelphia, PA

73°F / 56°F

Oakland, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
40°F / 25°F

Philadelphia, PA

58°F / 44°F

Oakland, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
47"

Philadelphia, PA

23"

Oakland, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
13"

Philadelphia, PA

0"

Oakland, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonPhiladelphiaOakland
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersBlizzards, HurricanesEarthquakes, 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.

ComparisonPhiladelphiaOakland
Avg. Household Income$52,899$82,236
Cost of Living Index126.5139.1
State Income Tax3.0713.3 (max)
Avg. Property Tax0.990.79
Avg. Sales Tax89.25
Top 3 IndustriesEducation, Healthcare, ManufacturingTechnology, Healthcare, Trade
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertySignificantMore moderated
HomelessnessHighVery 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.

PhiladelphiaOakland
Political Make-upPrimarily DemocraticHeavily Democratic
Local PoliticsVaried emphasis on social justice, economic development, and educationStrong focus on social equity, environmental sustainability, and police reform
ReligionChristianity predominant, diverse religious communitiesA 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.

ComparisonPhiladelphiaOakland
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3229.3
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Yes, but challengingYes

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.

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