Best Oakland to Tucson Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Oakland to Tucson Movers

Moving from Oakland, the bustling "Bright Side of the Bay," to Tucson, the vibrant "Old Pueblo," marks an exciting chapter in your life filled with new adventures and perspectives. Leaving behind Oakland's eclectic food scene and dynamic cultural tapestry for Tucson's rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and burgeoning culinary scene is a journey worth cherishing. It's crucial to ensure that this significant leap is as smooth as possible by entrusting your move to professional movers known for their reliability and trustworthiness, a standard we uphold by rigorously evaluating the best options through our unbiased ranking algorithm.

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Best Oakland to Tucson Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
OCD Moving Services LLC9.66A+Authorized For HHGContact
Get Your Move On, LLC9.03A+Authorized For HHGContact
Abba & Sons Moving LLC8.91A+Authorized For HHGContact
Fairprice Movers8.89NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Upline Moving8.61A+Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Tucson to Oakland guide.

5 Best Oakland to Tucson 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 12/5/2024)

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
Get Your Move On, LLC Logo
Exceptional9.03/10
based on 1,564+ data points

About Get Your Move On, LLC

This family-owned and operated moving company has been helping Phoenix, AZ residents move since 2005. Get Your Move On was founded with a co...Read More >>

Services

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/2/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1885055 / 990813

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans15
Registered Drivers19
Total Annual Miles Moved350,000 (2023)
View Full Review
2
Abba & Sons Moving LLC Logo
Superb8.91/10
based on 1,474+ data points

About Abba & Sons Moving LLC

Based in Tucson, Abba and Sons Moving is a family-owned company that serves all of Southern Arizona with residential and commercial relocati...Read More >>

Services

  • Home/Apartment Moving Services
  • Moving and Packing Services
  • Specializing in homes, offices, apartments

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/5/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1921793 / 32280

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Fairprice Movers Logo
Superb8.89/10
based on 325+ data points

About Fairprice Movers

Established in 2012, Fairprice Movers is a moving company headquartered in San Jose, California. The company offers a highly personalized mo...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial and Office Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/6/2024)

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
Fabulous8.61/10
based on 3,350+ data points

About Upline Moving

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

Services

  • Residential movers
  • Long distance movers
  • Local movers

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/5/2024)

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. Tucson Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding the right neighborhood. To ease this transition, we've created a guide comparing Oakland, CA & Tucson, AZ local neighborhoods . By using your familiar Oakland neighborhood as a baseline, we'll help you discover a similar community in Tucson, ensuring you feel at home right away.

OaklandTucsonHow They're Similar
RockridgeSam HughesHistoric, walkable
Piedmont AvenueEl EncantoUpscale, local shopping
MontclairCatalina FoothillsScenic views, upscale
TemescalFourth AvenueVibrant, artsy
Jack London SquareDowntown TucsonWaterfront, nightlife
Grand LakeArmory ParkHistoric, community-oriented
West OaklandBarrio HistoricoCultural, historic
Lake MerrittReid ParkUrban park, community events
GlenviewBlenman-ElmQuiet, family-friendly
UptownDowntown Arts DistrictEntertainment, artsy

For example, if you appreciate Rockridge's blend of charming homes and accessible, boutique shopping along College Avenue, you'll find a similar atmosphere in Sam Hughes with its historic homes and walkable streets lined with local cafes and shops, like the beloved Time Market. Meanwhile, Jack London Square's vibrant waterfront scene is echoed in Downtown Tucson, where you can enjoy an array of dining and entertainment options along the streetcar line. The artsy and eclectic feel of Temescal finds its counterpart in Fourth Avenue, Tucson, known for its unique shops, restaurants, and frequent festivals, such as the Fourth Avenue Street Fair. Thus, transitioning from Oakland to Tucson doesn't mean leaving behind the community vibes and lifestyles you've grown to love; it's about discovering them anew in a different cityscape.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Oakland to Tucson

Moving from one city to another is a big decision, filled with numerous nuances that can impact your happiness and quality of life. This guide aims to give you an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Oakland, CA to Tucson, AZ. By comparing the cons to the pros and vice versa, you'll gain a clearer picture of what awaits in your potential new home.

CONs
PROs
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Higher living cost
  • Dense urban environment
  • Less sunshine
  • Heavier traffic
Tucson, AZ iconTucson, AZ
  • More affordable
  • Spacious landscapes
  • More sunshine
  • Lighter traffic
Tucson, AZ iconTucson, AZ
  • Less diverse culture
  • Isolated location
  • Limited job sectors
  • No coastal access
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Vibrant culture
  • Proximity to SF
  • Better job market
  • Coastal access

Moving to Tucson from Oakland presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. While you might miss the vibrant cultural scene and diverse restaurants like Wood Tavern and Lake Merritt areas in Oakland, Tucson offers its own charm with attractions like the expansive Saguaro National Park and the historic Mission San Xavier del Bac. What Tucson lacks in coastal access and dense urban environment, it more than makes up for with its affordable living, spacious landscapes, and a sunnier climate. It brings a slower pace of life, which can be a refreshing change, along with opportunities to explore vast outdoor activities and unique local eateries such as El Charro Café, the nation's oldest Mexican restaurant in continuous operation by the same family.

Oakland vs. Tucson Food Guide

Food significantly reflects the local culture and lifestyle, making it a crucial aspect of relocating. To help you acclimate to your new surroundings, we will conduct a comparison of the local cuisine between Oakland & Tucson . This comparison will prepare your palate for the culinary transition ahead.

OaklandTucson
Most iconic local food itemSourdough BreadSonoran Hot Dog
Most popular meat dishBBQ BrisketCarne Asada
Most popular street food itemTacosTacos
Most popular vegan foodJackfruit TacosTofu Scramble
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Shakewell
  • Commis
  • The Fat Lady
  • El Charro Café
  • Cafe Poca Cosa
  • The Cup Cafe
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Moving from Oakland to Tucson introduces you to a captivating blend of culinary traditions with unique local specialties. In Tucson, you'll find neighborhoods like the historic Fourth Avenue and Downtown buzzing with food trucks offering the famous Sonoran Hot Dog, a local adaptation that encapsulates the city's culinary creativity. Tucson's El Charro Café, established in 1922, is a testament to the city's rich Mexican-American heritage, offering authentic dishes like Carne Asada, which contrasts with Oakland's diverse and international flavors. While both cities share a high appreciation for food trucks and a vibrant foodie scene, Oakland stands out with a slightly more health-conscious and vegan-friendly environment, reflected in the popularity of innovative vegan options like Jackfruit Tacos.

Oakland vs. Tucson Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a pivotal role in transforming a new city into a place that feels like home. With our restaurant comparison, we aim to ease your transition from Oakland, CA to Tucson, AZ by matching your current culinary favorites to their Tucson equivalents. Discovering these comparable eateries will help you find the comfort of home in your new city.

OaklandTucsonWhat You'll Love
CommisTito & PepInnovative western cooking with a twist.
ShakewellPencaOffers a unique blend of Mediterranean and Mexican cuisine.
Brown Sugar KitchenThe Cup CaféKnown for comfort food with a modern spin.
Mama's Royal CaféBaja CaféFamous for their creative breakfasts and brunches.
PizzaioloReilly Craft Pizza & DrinkServes up authentic, stone-fired pizzas.
Donut SavantBatch Café & BarKnown for doughnuts and whiskey, offering a unique twist.
DuendeContigo Latin KitchenPresents a vibrant blend of Latin flavors.
Señor SisigSeis KitchenCelebrates street food from different regions of Mexico.
The Cook and Her FarmerAgustin KitchenFocuses on farm-to-table dining with a twist on classics.
HomeroomThe FixArizona's Mac n Chz Headquarters, offering a variety of mac and cheese options.

Finding a slice of Oakland in Tucson is more than possible with establishments like Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink, echoing Pizzaiolo's commitment to authentically crafted, stone-fired pizzas. Similarly, for those who crave the unique breakfast and brunch offerings of Mama's Royal Café, Baja Café will not disappoint, offering a creativity that rivals the original. And for the comfort of Southern-inspired dishes, The Cup Café's inventive menu brings to mind the beloved flavors of Brown Sugar Kitchen. Each Tucson eatery listed not only matches its Oakland counterpart in culinary ethos but also in the desire to create a warm, welcoming environment for every guest.

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Oakland vs. Tucson Real Estate & Living Facts

When considering a move, assessing the real estate landscape is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight the key differences in housing between Oakland, CA, and Tucson, AZ, focusing on costs, architecture, and lifestyle. Understanding these variations can significantly impact your relocation decision, ensuring you find a home that fits your needs and preferences in your new city.

ComparisonOaklandTucson
Typical Architecture StyleVictorian, CraftsmanSpanish Colonial, Adobe
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingBay views, Proximity to San FranciscoMountain views, Outdoor living spaces

While the median home price and rent in Oakland greatly surpass those in Tucson, it's essential to dig deeper into what these figures represent. For example, Oakland's housing market is influenced by its proximity to San Francisco, leading to higher costs but also offering Victorian and Craftsman-style homes with stunning bay views. On the flip side, Tucson provides a more affordable living with its Spanish Colonial and Adobe style architectures, emphasizing outdoor living spaces and breathtaking mountain views. Despite being less walkable, Tucson's emphasis on outdoor living could be a perfect match for those who yearn for a connection with nature without compromising on urban amenities. Notably, the bikeability scores are relatively close, suggesting both cities appreciate cycling as a mode of transportation, albeit in very different settings.

Oakland vs. Tucson Weather Considerations

If you're considering a move from Oakland, CA to Tucson, AZ, grasping the weather differences is crucial. This comparison will shed light on what to expect and how to prepare. Understanding the weather contrasts between Oakland and Tucson will help you adapt more smoothly to your new environment.

Summer icon
72°F / 56°F

Oakland, CA

100°F / 74°F

Tucson, AZ

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
58°F / 44°F

Oakland, CA

65°F / 39°F

Tucson, AZ

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
23 inches

Oakland, CA

12 inches

Tucson, AZ

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0 inches

Oakland, CA

0.3 inches

Tucson, AZ

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonOaklandTucson
Air QualityGoodVariable
Natural DisastersEarthquakesHeatwaves, Monsoons
Days of Sunshine per Year260 days286 days
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Transitioning from Oakland's mild climate to Tucson's desert weather involves significant changes. In Tucson, you'll enjoy more sunny days but prepare for the intense summer heat and much lower humidity levels. While both cities experience minimal snowfall, Tucson offers a drastic shift in outdoor lifestyle opportunities due to its prolonged warm seasons. Understanding these climate differences is key to adapting your lifestyle, clothing, and home to your new setting efficiently.

Ready to start your move?

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

When considering a move from one city to another, understanding how your finances will be affected is essential. This comparison highlights the significant differences in cost of living, income, and taxes between Oakland and Tucson, providing you with a clearer financial picture as you plan your move.

ComparisonOaklandTucson
Avg. Household Income$82,236$50,306
Cost of Living Index139.196.5
State Income Tax9.3%4.5%
Avg. Property Tax0.78%0.72%
Avg. Sales Tax9.25%8.6%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Health Care, RetailAerospace, Education, Health Care
AffluenceModerateLower
PovertyHighHigher
HomelessnessVery HighHigh

While Oakland presents a higher average household income, it's essential to note that this is balanced by a significantly higher cost of living and state income tax than in Tucson. Tucson offers a more affordable living situation with a lower cost of living index and state income tax, although household incomes tend to be lower. The industries driving each city's economy differ, reflecting unique job opportunities available. These financial and economic differences are crucial to consider when planning your move, as they directly impact your budget and lifestyle choices.

Oakland vs. Tucson Political & Religious Comparison

In preparing for your move from Oakland, CA to Tucson, AZ, understanding the community you're moving into is key. This is a comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Oakland & Tucson . It provides a quick glance at the typical population characteristics, helping you get a feel for your new city.

OaklandTucson
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocraticLiberal/Democratic
Local PoliticsProgressive policies & activismProgressive, with a focus on environmental & social issues
ReligionDiverse religious landscapeDiverse, with a significant Catholic presence

Moving from Oakland to Tucson, you'll find both cities share a liberal and Democratic political makeup, reflecting their populations' progressive views on social and environmental issues. However, while you may be accustomed to the robust activism and progressive policies prevalent in Oakland's local politics, Tucson also places a strong emphasis on environmental and social issues, which might offer you a familiar community atmosphere. The religious landscape in both cities is quite diverse, though Tucson holds a significant Catholic presence. This comparison gives an overview of the vital social characteristics that define each city, providing you with insights into your new community.

Oakland vs. Tucson Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Oakland, CA to Tucson, AZ, it's essential to understand the differences in traffic and transportation options between the two cities to better anticipate what your daily commute and dealings with traffic will be like.

ComparisonOaklandTucson
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)34.525.3
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Yes, with some planningChallenging

While Oakland offers a robust public transit system with BART and buses making it feasible to navigate without a car, Tucson's public transportation scores lower, making car ownership more of a necessity. Average commute times are also significantly shorter in Tucson, hinting at less congestion on the roads compared to Oakland. This difference could mean you'll spend less time in traffic and have more leisure or productivity in your day. However, Tucson's transportation infrastructure limits your mobility without a personal vehicle, so it's crucial to consider this when planning your move.

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