Best Oakland to Nashville Movers + Moving Guide

Want help with the heavy lifting?

Get a quote now.

If you're moving from Oakland to Nashville and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,308 mile move from California to Tennessee go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 27 Oakland to Nashville 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 $2,500 - $9,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Oakland compared to Nashville. 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 Oakland to Nashville Interstate Movers Featured Image

Best Oakland to Nashville Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1OCD Moving Services LLC9.679.47Authorized For HHG
2Little Guys Movers Nashville9.119.01Authorized For HHG
36th Man Movers9.008.79Authorized 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 Nashville?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,308 miles from Oakland, CA to Nashville, TN will cost on average $3,744 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Oakland to Nashville move is roughly $9,042. 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$2,511300 ft³$8.37
1 Bedroom$3,744450 ft³$8.32
2 Bedrooms$6,202750 ft³$8.27
3 Bedrooms$9,0421100 ft³$8.22
4 Bedrooms$13,0721600 ft³$8.17
5+ Bedrooms$14,6161800 ft³$8.12
*Please note: These California to Tennessee moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & Tennessee. 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 TN mover.
California iconArrow iconTennessee icon
U-turn icon

Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Nashville to Oakland guide.

Compare the 5 Best Oakland to Nashville 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
Little Guys Movers Nashville Logo

Little Guys Movers Nashville

Exceptional9.11/10
based on 170+ data points

Nashville, TN, 37201

About Little Guys Movers Nashville

Established in 1992, Little Guys Movers Nashville is a highly regarded franchise providing numerous moving and packing services. They cater to...

Services

  • Long Distance Moving
  • Local Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

4004993 / 1506293

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2023)
View Full Review
2
6th Man Movers Logo

6th Man Movers

Superb9.00/10
based on 4,696+ data points

309 Hermitage Ave

Nashville, TN, 37210

About 6th Man Movers

As a locally owned and operated moving company based in Nashville, Tennessee, 6th Man Movers serves Nashville residents with high-quality relocation...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance
  • Labor Only

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2315850 / 853001

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans13
Registered Drivers20
Total Annual Miles Moved12,508 (2022)
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
Rankings You Can Trust background image
Trust Rankings icon

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. Nashville Neighborhood Comparison

When you're planning to move, being able to compare your familiar surroundings with those of your future city can ease the transition. This guide takes Oakland, CA's vibrant neighborhoods and finds their counterparts in Nashville, TN. By understanding the similarities between local neighborhoods in Oakland, CA & Nashville, TN, you can better envision your new life and find the community that feels like home.

OaklandNashvilleHow They're Similar
Rockridge12 Southtrendy, walkable area with boutique shops
MontclairGreen Hillsupscale residential with shopping malls
TemescalEast Nashvillevibrant arts scene and eateries
Piedmont AvenueHillsboro Villagecozy, with unique local businesses
Jack London SquareThe Gulchmodern, energetic nightlife and dining
Lake MerrittCentennial Parkiconic park and community hub
Grand LakeMidtownlively nightlife and weekend markets
West OaklandGermantownhistorical area with a strong community feel
UptownSobroentertainment and dining, similar urban vibe
Dimond DistrictBellevuefamily-friendly and expanding community amenities

For those who love the walkable, cafe-lined streets of Rockridge, you'll find Nashville's 12 South a charming equivalent, bustling with boutique shops like Draper James and dining spots such as Bar Taco. East Nashville mirrors Temescal's vibrant atmosphere with a strong arts scene, where venues like the The Basement East showcase local talent. Conversely, if Jack London Square's waterfront dining and entertainment are what you'll miss, The Gulch in Nashville offers a modern, urban feel with upscale restaurants and the famous Station Inn for live music, ensuring you won't skip a beat in finding your new favorite neighborhood spot.

Things To Do background image

Things to Do in Nashville

  • Explore Radnor Lake State Park
  • Enjoy live music at The Ryman Auditorium
  • Visit Country Music Hall of Fame
  • Walk the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
  • Try hot chicken at Prince's
  • Attend a Nashville Predators game
  • Shop at 12 South

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Oakland to Nashville

Moving from one city to another is a monumental decision. In this guide, we'll explore the pros and cons of moving from Oakland, CA to Nashville, TN to help you weigh your options. Understand the intricate details and make an informed decision about this significant change in your life.

CONs
PROs
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Higher cost of living
  • Severe traffic congestion
  • Higher crime rates
  • Less country music scene
Nashville, TN iconNashville, TN
  • Lower cost of living
  • Easier commutes
  • Safer neighborhoods
  • Vibrant country music culture
Nashville, TN iconNashville, TN
  • More homogeneous culture
  • Fewer tech jobs
  • Hotter summers
  • Landlocked location
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Diverse cultural scene
  • Tech job opportunities
  • Mild winters
  • Beach access

While Oakland offers a rich diversity and is known for its vibrant culture, including tech opportunities in places like Silicon Valley, Nashville presents a unique charm of its own. Moving to Nashville, you would enjoy a significantly lower cost of living and easier commutes, making day-to-day life less stressful. Despite being landlocked, Nashville doesn't lack in natural beauty or outdoor activities, with places like the Cumberland River and Centennial Park offering plenty of options for residents to explore. It's worth noting that Nashville's country music scene, embodied by locations such as the Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame, enriches the city's cultural landscape significantly, providing entertainment and a sense of community that is hard to find elsewhere.

Oakland vs. Nashville Food Guide

Understanding the essence of local cuisine is imperative when relocating, as food plays a vital role in the cultural vibe and lifestyle of any area. Through this guide, we'll embark on a comparison of the local cuisine between Oakland & Nashville, helping you grasp the culinary landscape of your new home.

Oakland
Nashville
Most iconic local food item
Sourdough Bread
Hot Chicken
Most popular meat dish
BBQ Ribs
Pulled Pork BBQ
Most popular street food item
Tacos
Biscuits and Gravy
Most popular vegan food
Jackfruit Tacos
BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Commis Website
  • Shakewell
  • Brown Sugar Kitchen
  • Hattie B's Hot Chicken Website
  • Prince's Hot Chicken
  • The Loveless Cafe
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

While Oakland's food scene thrives on its diversity, offering everything from artisan sourdough bread to innovative jackfruit tacos, Nashville's cuisine is deeply rooted in Southern traditions, prominently featuring its fiery hot chicken and soulful pulled pork BBQ. In Oakland, neighborhoods like Temescal and Jack London Square are hotspots for culinary exploration, offering vibrant street food scenes and high-quality vegan options. Conversely, in Nashville, areas like East Nashville and The Gulch have become culinary meccas, where the smell of hot chicken wafts through the air, and traditional Southern biscuits and gravy can be found at every corner. Notably, both cities have a rich food truck culture, providing a vast range of options catering to all taste palettes and dietary needs.

Oakland vs. Nashville Restaurant Comparison

When relocating, finding your new go-to restaurants can transform a city into a home. This comparison of Oakland and Nashville's top restaurants aims to ease your transition by mapping your current favorites to your soon-to-be favorites.

OaklandNashvilleWhat You'll Love
CommisThe Catbird SeatAn intimate chef's counter dining experience focusing on unique tasting menus.
Brown Sugar KitchenArnold's Country KitchenKnown for hearty, soulful food with a Southern touch.
ShakewellButchertown HallOffers a mix of Mediterranean cuisine with a New American twist and a focus on grilled meats.
HopscotchRolf and DaughtersCreatively combines global flavors with local ingredients, making for an innovative dining experience.
PizzaioloDeSano Pizza BakeryAuthentic Neapolitan pizzas made with imported ingredients and traditional techniques.
Dona TomasMas TacosOffers a vibrant take on Mexican street food, known for its fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
MuaThe Patterson HouseA cozy spot with a dynamic menu that reflects a diverse range of American cuisine.
Nyum BaiThe Smiling ElephantRenowned for its authentic Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly its flavorful Thai dishes.
Everett and Jones BBQMartin's Bar-B-Que JointFamous for its whole-hog BBQ and a staple in the Nashville food scene.
Drake's DealershipPinewood SocialA versatile space where guests can enjoy crafted food and drinks, bowling, and swimming.

Exploring the food scene is essential when adapting to a new city. For instance, if you're nostalgic for Oakland's unique dining experiences, Nashville's The Catbird Seat offers an equally memorable chef-driven tasting menu. Lovers of Brown Sugar Kitchen's comfort food will find solace in Arnold's Country Kitchen, where the emphasis on Southern flavors mirrors the soulful cuisine you cherished in Oakland. In a similar vein, DeSano Pizza crafts its pizzas with an attention to tradition and quality that Pizzaiolo aficionados will undoubtedly appreciate, ensuring that the spirit of your Oakland favorites lives on in the heart of Nashville.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

Oakland vs. Nashville Real Estate & Living Facts

When considering a move, delving into the real estate dynamics of your prospective city is crucial. This comparison between Oakland and Nashville provides a snapshot of what to expect in terms of housing costs, styles, and the overall living experience. Understanding these elements is vital to making an informed decision.

Oakland
Nashville
Typical Architecture Style
Victorian, Craftsman
Modern, Traditional
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Close to public transit, Bay views
Spacious yards, Garage space

The disparity in median home prices between Oakland and Nashville is significant, reflecting the broader cost of living differences between California and Tennessee. In Oakland, the higher costs come with an urban lifestyle rating that suggests a more vibrant, albeit expensive, living environment, highlighted by its Victorian and Craftsman architecture. Nashville, while more affordable, offers modern and traditional designs, emphasizing spacious yards and garage spaces, indicative of a more suburban appeal. Moreover, Oakland's better walkability and bikeability scores cater to those seeking an active, urban lifestyle without heavy reliance on a car. Consequently, these cities cater to different preferences, making it essential to consider lifestyle priorities alongside financial constraints.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Nashville, TN

1. East Nashville : You'll find an abundance of dog parks and pet-friendly restaurants that welcome your furry companions with open arms.

2. Germantown : With its tree-lined streets and close proximity to parks, you and your pets will love the charming environment perfect for leisurely walks.

3. The Gulch : Numerous pet-friendly apartments and businesses make this vibrant area ideal for you and your pet to explore urban living together.

Oakland vs. Nashville Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Oakland, CA to Nashville, TN, it's crucial to understand how the weather differences will affect your daily life. This comparison aims to highlight weather factors from each city to help you anticipate the changes and adapt more comfortably to your new surroundings.

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

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

72°F / 56°F
89°F / 70°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

58°F / 43°F
49°F / 30°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

23"
48"
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

0"
6"


Moving from Oakland to Nashville, you're transitioning from a milder, dryer climate to one that's more humid and experiences a broader range of temperatures. Oakland enjoys a relatively mild climate year-round, with fewer days of extreme heat or cold and less humidity, making it generally comfortable. On the contrary, Nashville, while boasting a higher number of sunny days, faces more severe weather, including the potential for tornadoes and significantly more rainfall, which impacts outdoor activities and could require adjustments to your lifestyle. The variation in air quality and higher instances of seasonal allergies in Nashville are also factors to consider as you prepare for your move.

Ready to start your move?

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

When considering a move from one city to another, it's crucial to grasp how the cost of living and other financial factors will change. This comparison between Oakland and Nashville aims to illuminate these differences to help you make an informed decision.

Oakland
Nashville
Avg. Household Income
$82,236
$64,857
Cost of Living Index
139.1
88.9
State Income Tax
13.3 (max)
1 (interest and dividends only)
Avg. Property Tax
0.78
0.93
Avg. Sales Tax
9.25
9.75
Top 3 Industries
Technology, Healthcare, Retail
Music, Healthcare, Education
Affluence
Moderately affluent
Varied
Poverty
High
Moderate
Homelessness
Significant
Noticeable

Moving from Oakland to Nashville, you'll find a significant shift in financial dynamics. Nashville's cost of living is almost half that of Oakland, with a lower average household income that is somewhat offset by the state's nearly non-existent income tax. The industries powering each city's economy differ greatly, highlighting a potential change in job market opportunities. Nashville's more balanced affordability could provide a different lifestyle, potentially with less financial strain given the lower cost of living index, despite the average wages being lower.

Oakland vs. Nashville Political & Religious Comparison

This comparison of the politics between Oakland & Nashville provides a quick snapshot to understand how the political and religious landscapes might change for those considering a move. It aims to give a broad view of the civic and cultural differences between these two vibrant cities.

Oakland
Nashville
Political Make-up
Strongly Democratic
Leans Democratic
Local Politics
Progressive
Moderately progressive
Religion
Diverse: Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, etc.
Primarily Christian, with a significant presence of other faiths

In moving from Oakland to Nashville, you'll find both cities embrace a predominantly Democratic political makeup, though Oakland is known for its stronger lean towards progressive ideologies. Local politics in Oakland is highly progressive, focusing on equity, social justice, and environmental sustainability, compared to Nashville's moderately progressive stance. Religion in both cities is diverse; however, Nashville has a more pronounced Christian majority while still maintaining a blend of other faiths, reflecting its eclectic mix of cultural influences. This snapshot provides a glimpse into the dynamic urban landscapes and civic atmospheres awaiting you.

Oakland vs. Nashville Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

When planning a move from Oakland, CA to Nashville, TN, it is crucial to understand how your daily commute and traffic experiences will change. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Oakland & Nashville aims to provide you with a clear picture of what to expect, helping you navigate your new city with ease.

Oakland
Nashville
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
29.3
25.1
Traffic Congestion
8 out of 10
6 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
9 out of 10
4 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
Possible
Challenging

In Oakland, the well-established public transportation system, including BART and buses, makes it feasible for residents to live without a personal vehicle. The city's higher traffic congestion score reflects its dense urban fabric and heavy reliance on freeway systems. Conversely, in Nashville, you'll find a lower traffic congestion level, but public transportation options are not as robust, making a car almost a necessity for getting around efficiently. With a shorter average commute time, Nashville offers quicker commutes but emphasizes the need for personal transportation in daily life.

CTA Banner background image
Connect with one of our Certified Moving Partners.
Best Oakland to Nashville Movers Featured Image