Best Oakland to Cary Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Oakland to Cary and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,840 mile move from California to North Carolina go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 26 Oakland to Cary 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 $3,000 - $10,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Oakland compared to Cary. 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 Oakland to Cary Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1OCD Moving Services LLC9.679.47Authorized For HHG
2Raleigh Moving Company9.449.6Active
3Athens Moving Experts9.349.49Authorized For HHG
4Fairprice Movers8.909.12Authorized For HHG
5Upline Moving8.618.62Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Oakland to Cary?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,840 miles from Oakland, CA to Cary, NC will cost on average $4,196 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Oakland to Cary move is roughly $10,148. 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$2,813300 ft³$9.38
1 Bedroom$4,196450 ft³$9.33
2 Bedrooms$6,956750 ft³$9.28
3 Bedrooms$10,1481100 ft³$9.23
4 Bedrooms$14,6801600 ft³$9.18
5+ Bedrooms$16,4251800 ft³$9.13
*Please note: These California to North Carolina moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & North Carolina. 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 CA to NC mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Cary to Oakland guide.

Compare the 5 Best Oakland to Cary 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

Exceptional9.67/10
based on 2,922+ 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
Raleigh Moving Company Logo

Raleigh Moving Company

Exceptional9.44/10
based on 856+ data points

Raleigh, NC, 27609

About Raleigh Moving Company

Raleigh Moving Company is a locally owned and operated moving company offering residential and commercial services for local and long-distance moves...

Services

  • Free estimates
  • Full Value Protection (FVP)
  • Fully licensed and insured

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3344628 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
2
Athens Moving Experts Logo

Athens Moving Experts

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.34/10
based on 3,932+ data points

6601 Hillsborough St # 111

Raleigh, NC, 27606

About Athens Moving Experts

Since 2015, Athens Moving Experts has helped Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Holly Springs, and communities across North Carolina with their residential and...

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long Distance Moving Services
  • Commercial Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3205320 / 204920

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved25,000 (2021)
View Full Review
3
Fairprice Movers Logo

Fairprice Movers

Superb8.90/10
based on 298+ 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
4
Upline Moving Logo

Upline Moving

Fabulous8.61/10
based on 2,924+ data points

30956 San Clemente St

Hayward, CA, 94544

About Upline Moving

For smooth local, statewide, and nationwide residential relocations, Upline Moving is your trusted partner. Based in Hayward, it serves the community...

Services

  • Residential movers
  • Long distance movers
  • Local movers

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1881933 / 678648

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved150,000 (2012)
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.

Oakland vs. Cary Neighborhood Comparison

When you're moving from one city to another, familiarizing yourself with your new surroundings can be daunting. To ease this transition, we've created a comparison of local neighborhoods between Oakland, CA & Cary, NC, allowing you to find areas with similar vibes, amenities, and lifestyles. This guide will help you discover your new favorite neighborhood in no time.

OaklandCaryHow They're Similar
RockridgePrestonFamily-friendly, affluent area with dining options
MontclairLochmereLush landscapes, community-focused
Piedmont AvenueRegencyCompact, walkable, local shopping
TemescalStone Creek VillageHip, with unique eateries and shops
Jack London SquareAmberlyWaterfront views, vibrant nightlife
Grand LakeCarpenter VillageHistoric feel, weekend markets
Adams PointPark VillageDiverse, family-friendly, near parks
Dimond DistrictHighcroftMix of cultures, community-centric
North OaklandMacGregor DownsTranquil, leafy, spacious homes
West OaklandWellington ParkIndustrial chic, evolving community

In comparing these neighborhoods, one can't help but observe the unique character each region maintains while sharing a common thread of community and quality of life. Rockridge in Oakland, for instance, offers a vibrant mix of dining and boutique shopping similar to what one will find in Cary's Preston. Both neighborhoods boast some of the best schools in their respective cities, making them highly sought after by families. On the other hand, Temescal's similarity to Stone Creek Village lies in its hip ambiance and the prevalence of unique eateries and independent shops, contrasting with Cary’s more suburban feel while still appealing to young professionals. Furthermore, Jack London Square and Amberly share waterfront access that imbues each neighborhood with a sense of tranquility and leisure opportunities, from dining to outdoor activities—highlighting the balance of urban living with nature-friendly spaces both cities offer.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Oakland to Cary

Moving can be both an exciting and daunting process, especially when considering the variety of factors that come into play. This guide is designed to give you a comprehensive comparison between Oakland, CA and Cary, NC, offering an honest reflection of the good and the bad aspects of relocating from one city to another. Through insightful charts, you'll gain a balanced view of what to expect, helping you make an informed decision about your move.

CONs
PROs
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • High living costs
  • Crime rates
  • Heavy traffic
  • Urban congestion
Cary, NC iconCary, NC
  • Lower living costs
  • Safer neighborhoods
  • Less traffic
  • More green space
Cary, NC iconCary, NC
  • Less diversity
  • Fewer dining options
  • Smaller arts scene
  • Far from the coast
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Diverse culture
  • Vibrant food scene
  • Rich arts community
  • Bay Area location

While considering the move from Oakland, CA, to Cary, NC, it's important to delve deeper into what each city has to offer. Oakland is celebrated for its vibrant food scene, with local gems like The Cooking School at Cavallo Point and sights like the Oakland Museum of California highlighting the rich arts community. Conversely, Cary, though smaller in its arts scene, hosts charming spots such as the Fred G. Bond Metro Park for those who appreciate green spaces and less urban congestion. Cary also offers a safer, more family-friendly environment, like the neighborhoods around Cary Sports, making it an attractive option for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area.

Oakland vs. Cary Food Guide

Food is a significant part of understanding a place's culture and the everyday lifestyle of its residents. To help you get a taste of your new home, we're diving into a comparison of the local cuisine between Oakland, CA, and Cary, NC . This comparison will give you an insight into what culinary delights await you.

Oakland
Cary
Most iconic local food item
Sourdough Bread
Carolina Barbecue
Most popular meat dish
BBQ Ribs
Pulled Pork
Most popular street food item
Tacos
Hot Dogs
Most popular vegan food
Tempeh Reuben
BBQ Jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Commis
  • Shakewell
  • Belotti
  • Ashworth Drugs
  • Crosstown Pub & Grill
  • La Bella Pizza
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from Oakland to Cary, you'll transition from the sourdough capital to a place revered for its Carolina Barbecue. While Oakland boasts an eclectic mix of BBQ ribs and a vibrant street food scene with tacos, Cary offers traditional pulled pork and hot dogs as its preferred street food. Cary's emerging food scene is keenly visible through its local establishments. Places like Crosstown Pub & Grill and La Bella Pizza offer a glimpse into Cary's diverse culinary culture. Despite Oakland's higher rank in vegan-friendliness, Cary's adoption of vegan options like BBQ Jackfruit showcases its evolving food landscape. Both cities have unique offerings, but Cary's charm lies in its southern hospitality and traditional flavors, creating a comforting culinary experience for newcomers.

Oakland vs. Cary Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a crucial part in making a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison between Oakland, CA, and Cary, NC, is designed to help you find your next go-to eatery, transitioning your taste buds from familiar favorites to new delights.

OaklandCaryWhat You'll Love
CommisPrestonwood Country ClubHigh-end dining with exquisite service
Brown Sugar KitchenDame's Chicken & WafflesComfort food with a Southern twist
MuaAcademy Street BistroCasual, vibrant ambiance with diverse flavors
ShakewellLa Farm BakeryEuropean-inspired cuisine in a friendly atmosphere
Hawking BirdC&T WokAuthentic flavors and casual dining experience
PizzaioloSalvio's PizzeriaTraditional pizza with a focus on quality ingredients
HomeroomMacGregor Draft HouseCasual eatery with a great selection of comfort food
Wood TavernLucky 32 Southern KitchenClassic dishes with a Southern flair
Cholita LindaTaqueria La ZacatecanaAuthentic Mexican street food in a casual setting
Dragon GateSuper WokAuthentic and cozy setting for Asian cuisine enthusiasts

For those missing Brown Sugar Kitchen's soulful dishes, Dame's Chicken & Waffles in Cary stands out with its own rendition of soul food, including the signature chicken and waffles that offer a comforting taste of the South similar to your Oakland favorite. Meanwhile, pizza aficionados will find solace in Salvio's Pizzeria, whose dedication to the craft of pizza-making closely aligns with Pizzaiolo's ethos, offering a slice of Oakland's vibrant food scene right in the heart of Cary. And for the days when nothing but a flavorful, authentic Mexican meal will do, Taqueria La Zacatecana is Cary's answer to Cholita Linda, serving up street food staples that transport your taste buds without having to venture far from your new home.

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Ready to start your move?

Oakland vs. Cary Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a moving journey, diving deep into real estate distinctions between your current and future home is crucial. This comparison aims to shed light on how Oakland, CA and Cary, NC compare in terms of housing —covering cost, architecture, lifestyle, and more—providing a clearer path for your relocation decisions.

Oakland
Cary
Typical Architecture Style
Victorian, Craftsman
Colonial, Transitional
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Proximity to San Francisco, BART access
Family-friendly, Safe neighborhoods

In deeper consideration, the difference in median home prices and rents reflect the broader cost of living and lifestyle expectations between Oakland and Cary. Oakland, with its higher urban lifestyle score, showcases its vibrant city life and diverse architecture—ranging from historical Victorian to modern Craftsman styles, all while boasting proximity to San Francisco and essential BART access for commuters. On the flip side, Cary is highlighted as a more family-centric town, noted for its safety and tranquil, colonial to transitional architectural vibes. This contrast underpins a key decision factor for potential movers: the balance between urban vibrancy and suburban serenity. Additionally, the walkability and bikeability scores reveal how each city prioritizes transportation and lifestyle, further guiding your choice tailored to your preferences towards an active lifestyle or a more laid-back, car-dependent living experience.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Cary, NC

1. Lochmere : You and your furry friend will love the extensive trails and parks that make Lochmere a haven for pet owners seeking an active lifestyle.

2. Amberly : With its vast open spaces and pet-friendly amenities, Amberly ensures you and your pets can enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere.

3. Preston : Known for its welcoming vibe and accessible pet facilities, Preston is a favorite among pet owners looking for a comfortable and supportive neighborhood.

Oakland vs. Cary Weather Considerations

If you're considering a move from Oakland, CA, to Cary, NC, understanding the differences in weather patterns and climate between these two cities can help you prepare better. Knowing how Oakland's weather compares with Cary's can influence everything from your daily activities to the clothes you decide to pack.

Oakland
Cary
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Earthquakes
Hurricanes, Tornadoes
Air Quality
Good
Moderate
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

72°F / 56°F
88°F / 68°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

58°F / 44°F
50°F / 30°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

23.5
43
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

0
6


While Oakland offers a more temperate climate with mild summers and winters, Cary experiences hotter summers and colder winters, along with more humid conditions year-round. One of the significant adjustments may be the increased annual rainfall in Cary, nearly doubling that of Oakland's, which also leads to Cary experiencing occasional snow. Furthermore, while Oakland residents might be vigilant about earthquakes, moving to Cary introduces the possibility of hurricanes and tornadoes, each bringing its preparation and safety measures.

Ready to start your move?

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

When considering a move, it's crucial to understand how your finances might be impacted. Comparing the cost of living and overall financial environment from Oakland to Cary helps ensure you're prepared for the financial transition. Here's a detailed comparison focusing on key money and finance aspects.

Oakland
Cary
Avg. Household Income
$82,236
$123,857
Cost of Living Index
139.1
95.85
State Income Tax
13.3 max
5.25 flat
Avg. Property Tax
0.79
0.84
Avg. Sales Tax
9.25
7.25
Top 3 Industries
Technology, Healthcare, Retail
Technology, Education, Health & Pharmaceuticals
Affluence
Moderately affluent
Highly affluent
Poverty
Visible
Lower than average
Homelessness
Significant
Moderate

When moving from Oakland to Cary, you'll likely notice a substantial change in the cost of living. Cary's lower cost of living index suggests that your money might go further in this North Carolina city, especially when considering housing and necessities. Despite Cary having a lower average property tax rate, the state income tax in North Carolina is significantly less than California's max rate, potentially offering considerable savings. Additionally, Cary's economy is buoyed by a robust technology sector, similar to Oakland, but also emphasizes education and health & pharmaceuticals, indicating diverse job opportunities. Understanding these financial aspects can help ease the transition and assist in planning for a comfortable move.

Oakland vs. Cary Political & Religious Comparison

Moving from one city to another brings a world of change, especially when it comes to the local community's beliefs and governance. This quick guide aims to provide you with a comparison of the politics between Oakland & Cary , alongside a glimpse into the religious makeup of each city, offering insights into what you might expect as you transition from one to the other.

Oakland
Cary
Political Make-up
Progressive/Liberal
Moderately Conservative
Local Politics
Democrat-dominated City Council
More politically mixed Council
Religion
Diverse religious communities
Christian majority, with diverse options

When moving from Oakland, known for its politically progressive stance, to Cary, you'll encounter a more moderately conservative landscape. This shift might reflect in local policies, community initiatives, and the general public opinion. Oakland's government leans heavily Democrat, which influences citywide decisions and public projects. In contrast, Cary boasts a more politically diverse council, potentially leading to a wider variety of viewpoints being represented. While Oakland celebrates a broad spectrum of religious beliefs with numerous communities such as the Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California and Temple Sinai, Cary, although predominantly Christian, also hosts a mix of religious institutions like the Islamic Association of Cary. Embracing these changes can enrich your understanding and appreciation of your new home.

Oakland vs. Cary Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

When considering a move from Oakland, CA, to Cary, NC, it's helpful to compare the daily commute and traffic, alongside transportation options between Oakland & Cary. This will give you a clearer idea of what your day-to-day might look like and how you might need to adjust your commuting habits.

Oakland
Cary
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
32
24
Traffic Congestion
7 out of 10
4 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
8 out of 10
3 out of 10
Can you get by without a car?
Yes
No

In Oakland, the robust BART system and extensive bus lines make it feasible, even convenient, to live without a car. The average commute time might be a bit longer due to the city's higher traffic congestion, yet the comprehensive public transit options offer a versatile way to navigate the area. In contrast, Cary's lower traffic congestion levels and shorter average commute times reflect a smoother driving experience. However, the town's limited public transit options mean that having a car is almost a necessity for moving around efficiently. These differences underscore the importance of considering your commuting preferences and lifestyle needs when making the move.

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