Best Des Moines to Oakland Movers

How Much Do Des Moines to Oakland Movers Cost?

Moving 1,882 miles from Des Moines, IA to Oakland, CA will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

Pro tip for the cheapest long distance move

Find long distance movers in Oakland that already have a booked job heading from Oakland to Des Moines. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Oakland from Des Moines entirely empty. If you can find a Oakland moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper Des Moines to Oakland moving option

Hire local Des Moines movers for the pickup location at an hourly rate. They can quickly load your moving container. When your container is dropped off at your new home, hire Oakland movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this Des Moines to Oakland move together yourself with at least 3 different companies. Taking on this scheduling responsibility will save you a little money by moving with this strategy.

How we ranked the top Des Moines to Oakland movers

Why you should trust us

We take reviews seriously to protect people just like you! Our team has been crunching data on moving companies since 2010. Our math-based ranking system uses data, manual review, and statistical analysis to help you hire the best Des Moines, IA to Oakland, CA long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

Here's the methodology we used to come up with the best movers for the Des Moines to Oakland moving route:

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 16 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Des Moines and Oakland areas.

From these 16 companies, we analyzed a total of 4,368 reviews dating all the way back to February 2007.

We also reviewed a total of 6 state and federal moving licenses from these 16 companies and 77 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~4,000 reviews was scored according to our detailed 11-point rating criteria

Reviews are time-weighted so that more recent reviews carry more weight. This helps you understand how a mover is doing today... not 5 years ago. We have 1,409 Des Moines to Oakland moving company data points from the past 2 years that carry more weight.

Bayesian averages calculated to fairly account for the differences between companies that are newer(like OCD Moving Services LLC) vs older more established companies (like Hemmen Moving).

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every Des Moines to Oakland moving company across 11 of the most important criteria for a succesful moving experience.

Quality

Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.

8.92/10 avg (Des Moines & Oakland combined) from 2,447 reviews

Punctuality

Did the crew show up on-time with the required equipment?

8.37/10 avg (Des Moines & Oakland combined) from 893 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.98/10 avg (Des Moines & Oakland combined) from 529 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

8.12/10 avg (Des Moines & Oakland combined) from 1,178 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

7.04/10 avg (Des Moines & Oakland combined) from 440 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

9.05/10 avg (Des Moines & Oakland combined) from 1,012 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

9.37/10 avg (Des Moines & Oakland combined) from 1,519 reviews

Will Hire Again

How likely a customer is to hire the same movers again.

8.54/10 avg (Des Moines & Oakland combined) from 2,425 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.87/10 avg (Des Moines & Oakland combined) from 1,552 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

4.73/10 avg (Des Moines & Oakland combined) from 260 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.42/10 avg (Des Moines & Oakland combined) from 1,318 reviews

From Des Moines to Oakland: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• East Village in Des Moines & Uptown in Oakland are both known for their nightlife & arts district, walkable
• Des Moines' Sherman Hill neighborhood & Oakland's Temescal both share historic bungalows & cafe scene
• If you're moving from Beaverdale, check out Montclair in the Oakland area for the suburban hills & family homes
• Do you enjoy Drake's near college, diverse renters & park access? You're sure to love Lake Merritt
• Move from Ingersoll Park to West Oakland and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: gentrifying area & close to downtown
• Valley Junction & Grand Lake are both known for their historic mixed-use district & local events
• Des Moines' Waveland Park neighborhood & Oakland's Dimond District neighborhood both have quiet streets & neighborhood shops
• If you're moving from Highland Park, look into Rockridge for the craftsman homes & tree-lined avenues

Pros and Cons of Moving from Des Moines to Oakland

ConsDes Moines, IA

• Less diverse
• Colder winters
• Fewer cultural venues
• Smaller job market
• Lesser nightlife

ProsOakland, CA

• More diverse
• Mild climate
• Rich cultural scene
• Larger job market
• Vibrant nightlife

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Oakland, CA

• Higher cost of living
• Busier city life
• Less space
• Challenging traffic
• Mixed community vibe

Des Moines, IA

• Lower cost of living
• Quieter city life
• More spacious
• Easy commuting
• Community feel

Pros of moving from Des Moines to Oakland

• Say goodbye to less diverse and hello to more diverse
• Look forward to moving away from colder winters and moving to Oakland with a mild climate
• Swap the fewer cultural venues of Des Moines for a rich cultural scene in Oakland
• Get ready for a larger job market in Oakland

Cons of moving from Des Moines to Oakland

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in Des Moines to live with a higher cost of living in Oakland
• You'll lose out on the pro of quieter city life and have to settle with the con of busier city life
• Time to bid farewell to more spacious and get used to less space in Oakland
• Swap easy commuting for challenging traffic

Des Moines vs. Oakland: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Des Moines to Oakland, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Des Moines for the equally delicious Sourdough of Oakland. And while the locals in Des Moines rave about their flavorful Iowa Chop (Pork) and sumptuous Sweet Corn, Oakland residents know they have tasty Korean BBQ Short Ribs and Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tempeh Reuben they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Jackfruit Tacos of Oakland. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Des Moines eateries like Zombie Burger, Aria Steakhouse, and Fong's Pizza. After the boxes are unpacked in Oakland, don't wait too long before making your way to Oakland's acclaimed eateries like Shandong, Burma Superstar, and Cholita Linda.

When comparing lifestyles, Oakland shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Des Moines. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Oakland compared to what you are used to in Des Moines. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Oakland.

Discover Oakland Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to Oakland is an opportunity to try lots of new restaurants. Sure, you'll miss your old Des Moines favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Centro, Fong's Pizza, and Akebono 515 in Des Moines, we're sure you'll love Donato & Co, Boot and Shoe Service, and Umami Mart in Oakland. See our Oakland restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Des Moines hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Zombie Burger + Drink Lab, head to TrueBurger on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Des Moines and Oakland

• The Ranch and Craftsman architecture that Des Moines is known for will be replaced with the Victorian and Craftsman architecture typical of Oakland.
• Compared to Des Moines's real estate listings that commonly reference quiet neighborhoods and spacious lots, Oakland real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to public transit and vibrant communities.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Oakland is more walkable than Des Moines.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Oakland is more bike-friendly than Des Moines.
• Oakland has more of an urban feel than Des Moines.
• Oakland housing costs are 302% more expensive than they are in Des Moines, with a median home price of $803,291 compared to Des Moines’s $199,739.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Oakland have increased by 7% compared to a 38% increase in Des Moines.
• Rent in Oakland is 132.99% more expensive than in Des Moines.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Oakland, CA

1. Rockridge : You’ll love the abundance of pet-friendly cafes and the scenic trails at nearby Lake Temescal for your daily walks.
2. Grand Lake : This vibrant neighborhood offers easy access to pet-welcoming parks and local markets where you can bring your furry friends.
3. Piedmont Avenue : Enjoy a welcoming community with plenty of pet-friendly establishments and beautiful tree-lined streets for leisurely strolls.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Des Moines and Oakland

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Des Moines to Oakland. Oakland gets 27% more sunshine days than Des Moines.
• Oakland has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Des Moines.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and blizzards in Des Moines, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and wildfires in Oakland.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Oakland is 14 degrees colder than in Des Moines.
• The average winter lows are 26 degrees warmer than they are in Des Moines.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Oakland. Oakland receives 13 fewer inches of rain compared to Des Moines.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Des Moines and Oakland

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Oakland tend to earn about 35% more than in Des Moines
• The COLI in Oakland is 53% higher than what you are used to living in Des Moines
• The state income tax in CA is up to 13.3% compared to up to 8.53% in IA
• The affluence in Oakland is high compared to moderate affluence in Des Moines
• The poverty level is lower in Oakland compared to moderate poverty in Des Moines
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Des Moines and high in Oakland

Political and Religious Climate in Des Moines vs. Oakland

• Des Moines tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Oakland, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
• Oakland's religious environment can be described as diverse, with significant numbers of non-religious residents and various faith communities
• Des Moines' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity being predominant, with a range of denominations

Des Moines vs. Oakland Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Bummer! Looks like you might end up spending about 50% more time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Oakland compared to your Des Moines commute. That's 5200 minutes lost each year in a car.
• You can expect traffic in Oakland to be worse than it is in Des Moines.
• Public transit is more readily available in Oakland.