$1,522 Movers From Ohio to California
Fact Checked by: The cost to move from Ohio to California averages from $1,719 to $8,634 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.
Hiring a full-service Ohio moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from California to Ohio guide.
Moving from Ohio to California resources
- Best Ohio to California movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from Ohio to California.
- How much do movers cost?: Use our moving cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving expenses.
- Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
- Ohio to California car shippers: Moving your car? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced.
Moving 2,407 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.
The best Ohio to California movers
Hiring an interstate moving company from Ohio to California is a big deal.
There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Ohio to California.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- American Van Lines: Best industry reputation
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best upfront pricing
- North American Van Lines: Best for complex moves
- JK Moving Services: Best for high-end moves
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If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.
How much does it cost to move from Ohio to California?
The table below lays out average cost ranges when moving from Ohio to California for different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,522 - $6,614 | $1,524 - $3,639 | $1,588 - $3,072 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,179 - $8,634 | $2,577 - $5,291 | $1,719 - $3,513 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,508 - $13,357 | $3,616 - $7,333 | $2,151 - $4,618 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,407 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.
There are many factors that influence Ohio moving costs. The cost to move from Ohio to California will depend on these factors:
- Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
- Time of year: The peak moving season in Ohio is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
How much does it cost to hire movers from Ohio to California?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Ohio to California will cost between $1,522 to $6,614. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from OH to CA will range from $4,179 to $8,634, and a large move from Ohio to California will cost from $8,508 to $13,357.
How much are moving containers like PODS from Ohio to California?
Moving containers from Ohio to California will cost you $1,524 to $3,639 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,577 to $5,291. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,616 to $7,333. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Ohio.
How much is a moving truck from Ohio to California?
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,588 to $3,072. A larger move will cost $1,719 to $3,513, and a 4+ bedroom move from Ohio to California costs from $2,151 to $4,618.
Is moving from Ohio to California a good idea?
If you’re moving to California from Ohio, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of Living: Ohio vs California
| Ohio | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $825 | $1,586 |
| Average home cost | $216,115 | $746,055 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,990 | $91,905 |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 4.8% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.23% | 8.68% |
| State Income Tax | 3.99% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 92% more expensive in California than in Ohio.
- Home prices are about 245.2% higher in California than in Ohio.
- The average income is about 37.2% higher in California than in Ohio.
- Cost of living is 6.4% lower in California than in Ohio.
- California has a higher unemployment rate than Ohio by about 33.3%.
- Sales taxes are 20.06% higher in California than in Ohio.
- Income taxes are 233.33% higher in California than in Ohio.
How is life different in California from Ohio?
| California | Ohio | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,029,342 | 11,756,058 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 63-34 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer High | 87ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter Low | 59ºF | 20ºF |
| Annual Rain | 22" | 40" |
| Annual Snow | 7" | 28" |
| Crime Index | 27.88 | 21.82 |
- The population of California is approximately 232% greater than the population of Ohio.
- In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Ohio voted Republican.
- The average high in the summertime in California is 87ºF and in Ohio, it’s 84ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ºF and Ohio gets down to 20ºF.
- You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California vs 40 inches of rainfall in Ohio.
- In California, it snows about 7 inches annually vs 28 inches of snow in Ohio.
- California has a higher crime rate than Ohio with a crime index of 27.88 vs 21.82.
Comparing the pros of Ohio vs. California:
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Ohio vs California side-by-side.
| Pros of living in Ohio | Pros of living in California |
|---|---|
| Ample economic opportunity | Ample economic opportunity |
| Low cost of living | Pleasant weather |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities | Abundant recreational options |
| Famously delicious beer | High quality of life |
| Amazing food | Fresh and healthy foods |
Comparing the cons of living in Ohio vs. California:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Ohio for California.
| Cons of living in Ohio | Cons of living in California |
|---|---|
| Low happiness | High cost of living |
| Limited diversity | Heavy tax burdens |
| Political division | Natural disasters |
| Harsh weather | Terrible traffic |
| Weird laws | Strange laws |
Considerations for moving to California
- Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
- HOA Rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator Reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
- State Licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State Regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving Permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of Address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to California. Get started here.
- Mover's Insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving Checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Looking for local Ohio movers?
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
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Get A Quote |
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6500 Shier Rings Rd Suite B, Dublin, OH, 43016 (614) 352-6444 |
| E.E. Ward Moving & Storage | Get A Quote |
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2235 Southwest Blvd Suite A, Grove City, OH, 43123 (614) 401-6796 |
| MVM Moving & Storage | Get A Quote |
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3979 Parkway Lane, Hilliard, OH, 43026 (614) 230-0667 |
Visit our Best Movers in Ohio page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
Things to do in California
While you’re in California, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state.
- Yosemite National Park
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Disneyland Park
- Big Sur Coastline
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Death Valley National Park
- San Diego Zoo
- Lake Tahoe
- Santa Catalina Island
- Redwood National and State Parks
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Hearst Castle
- Channel Islands National Park
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- The Hollywood Sign
- Lombard Street
- Venice Beach
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Griffith Observatory
- Santa Monica Pier
- Alcatraz Island
- Winchester Mystery House
- Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Solvang
- Fisherman’s Wharf
- Burney Falls
- Anza Borrego Desert State Park
- Bodie State Historic Park
FAQs about moving from Ohio to California
What is the cheapest way to move from Ohio to California?
The cheapest way to move from Ohio to California is with a DIY move. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.
What are the benefits of moving from Ohio to California?
The main reasons people are moving from Ohio to California are the amazing upsides of living in California such as ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.
