When planning a move from Ohio to California, professional movers typically run between
$3,708 and $7,896, a moving container averages about
$3,524, and a rental truck is around
$2,281.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
The best local moving companies in Ohio
In Ohio, you have a choice of 88 interstate moving companies that can accomodate your move to California. To help you choose with confidence, we’ve curated a list of top-rated local movers in Ohio based on reputation, pricing transparency, and customer satisfaction.
- MVM Moving & Storage: 4.88 out of 5 stars
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
- E.E. Ward Moving & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Berger Allied Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Planes Moving & Storage Company: 4.64 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 156647
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1444491
Alternate Names: MVM Columbus , MVM Columbus Incorporated.
MVM Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in Hilliard, OH since 2007. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 on Yelp and 4.9 on Google, plus an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they clearly prioritize customer satisfaction. Unlike many nearby movers, MVM offers comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and specialized handling of fragile items, ensuring a smooth and stress-free moving experience. Additionally, they can expertly move pianos, pool tables, and antiques, making them ideal for those with valuable or delicate items. They accept credit cards and require no deposit, setting them apart for convenience and reliability.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 136562
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1237577
Alternate Names: Leaders Moving And Storage Company , L.E.A.D.E.R.S Moving & Storage Co.
Leaders Moving & Storage Co. offers reliable local residential moving services in and around Cleveland, OH, and has been a trusted name since 1995. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 on Yelp and 4.9 on Google My Business, consumers consistently praise their services, placing them a step above other local movers. They not only handle office relocations and provide packing and unpacking services, but they also accept credit cards and require no deposit, adding to their convenience and accessibility. Holding an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, Leaders Moving & Storage Co. stands out as a reputable choice for your local moving needs.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 11470
Years in Business: 143
DOT #: 1222904
Alternate Names: E E Ward Moving & Storage Co LLC , E.E.Ward Moving & Storage Co., LLC
E.E. Ward Moving & Storage has been serving the Grove City, OH area since 1882, making it one of the oldest and most experienced local moving companies. With an impressive average rating of 4.8 from 288 Google reviews and a solid Yelp rating of 4.1 from 28 reviews, along with an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, they are widely regarded as a reputable choice. In addition to local residential moving, they offer a range of services including long-distance moves, office relocations, and specialty moving services for items like pianos and antiques. E.E. Ward stands out from the competition with its comprehensive packing and crating services, no required deposit, and full valuation insurance coverage.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 144651-HG
Years in Business: 115
DOT #: 125665
Alternate Names: Berger Transfer & Storage International, Inc.
Berger Allied Moving & Storage offers top-tier local residential moving services in and around Walton Hills, OH. Unlike many nearby moving companies, Berger Allied stands out with their exceptional Google My Business profile, boasting 570 reviews and an impressive average rating of 4.9. They provide a wide array of additional services such as packing, unpacking, crating, and moving specialty items like pianos and antiques. Customers appreciate that no deposit is required and the convenience of full valuation insurance coverage and shipment tracking. While their Yelp ratings are more modest with an average of 3.7 from three reviews, they are generally seen as a reputable and reliable choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00137119
Years in Business: 105
DOT #: 1458935
Alternate Names: Planes Commercial Services , Planes Moving & Storage of Columbus
Planes Moving & Storage Company has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Columbus, OH since 1921. While the company boasts a stellar 4.7 average rating from 519 Google reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, its Yelp profile reflects mixed feedback with a 2.4 average rating from 20 reviews. Planes also offers a comprehensive suite of services, including packing, unpacking, crating, and specialized moving for items like pianos and antiques. Unlike many competitors, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, making them a convenient choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
The best Ohio to California moving container companies
Moving containers allow you to cut costs without having to do everything yourself. You handle the loading and unloading, but the company takes care of the driving, picking up your container in Ohio and delivering it to your new place in California.
Take a look at these top-rated moving container companies:
|
|
|
|
rating
The best Ohio to California moving truck rentals
If you’re looking to cut costs on your move from Ohio to California, consider renting a moving truck. Just keep in mind that you’ll be handling all the lifting, loading, and driving on your own.
Take a look at our top choices for rental trucks:
|
|
|
|
The best Ohio to California labor-only movers
If you’re just looking for some help loading your stuff into a rental truck or storage container, labor-only movers are the way to go. You can choose the crew size that fits your needs, and you only pay for the time they end up taking.
When planning a move from Ohio to California, check out these top-rated moving labor companies for a hassle-free experience.
|
|
|
|
How we chose the best moving companies for your OH to CA move
Using rate data from 101 Ohio movers, our team spotlighted the top companies that deliver on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost-effectiveness.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Owns mistakes and works quickly to make things right when issues pop up.
- Industry reputation (15%): Well regarded in the moving community and engaged in professional groups.
- Online reputation (15%): Accurate website info plus timely, professional replies to messages and reviews.
- Service options (10%): Full-service capabilities—packing, storage, specialty handling, and expedited options.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Ohio to California?
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Ohio to California with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,335 – $5,473 | $1,299 – $3,131 | $1,366 – $2,669 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,708 – $7,896 | $2,353 – $4,695 | $1,508 – $3,054 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,038 – $11,857 | $3,143 – $6,310 | $1,887 – $3,707 |
*These ranges are rough estimates for a 2,404-mile move from OH to CA, based on pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 04, 2025. We gather thousands of verified prices from movers nationwide and refresh the dataset each month to reflect seasonal shifts and market changes. Your actual cost can vary with factors like shipment size, add-on services, parking or access constraints, fuel costs, and timing. To get the most accurate number, compare quotes from several moving companies.
Cost to hire movers from Ohio to California
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Ohio to California, you can expect to spend between $1,335 and $5,473. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,708 to $7,896 on the same route (OH to CA). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Ohio to California typically runs between $7,038 and $11,857.
Cost of moving containers from Ohio to California
Moving from Ohio to California? For a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,299 and $3,131. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,353 to $4,695. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,143 up to $6,310. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Ohio.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Ohio to California
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,366 and $2,669. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,508 and $3,054. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,887 and $3,707.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from OH to CA
There are many factors that influence Ohio moving costs. The cost to move from Ohio to California will depend on these factors:
- How much you’re bringing: A bigger load, like a full house, will always cost more than moving a small apartment.
- When you move: Summer moves in Ohio fall during peak demand, so expect higher rates.
- Professional movers or DIY: Going the DIY route is cheaper, but full-service movers handle the heavy lifting and logistics for you.
What to know before moving from OH to CA
Moving between Ohio and California involves more than distance — it’s about understanding how your everyday life will change.
Cost of living: Ohio vs. California
Before making your move, it’s helpful to understand how living expenses stack up between Ohio and California. From housing and income to taxes and unemployment rates, this side-by-side comparison gives you a clearer picture of the financial differences that may impact your budget and lifestyle. Take a look at how the two states compare across key cost-of-living factors:
| Ohio | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $945 | $1,856 |
| Average home cost | $230,798 | $771,057 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,990 | $91,905 |
| Cost of living index | 94 | 134 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 5.4% |
| Average sales tax | 7.23% | 8.68% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 13.3% |
- Rent costs 96% more in California compared to Ohio. Be sure to factor this increase into your monthly budget.
- Get ready for a higher monthly mortgage. You can expect home prices in California to be about 234% more than what you’ll find in Ohio.
- Great news — you’re likely to make about 37% more in California compared to Ohio. That boost could translate to extra savings or new investment opportunities every month.
- Moving to California will cost you 43% more than living in Ohio, so make sure to plan for the higher cost of living.
- California has a higher unemployment rate than Ohio by about 50%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Shoppers in California pay about 20% more in sales tax than those in Ohio, adding extra cost to everyday buys like clothes, electronics, and dining out.
- Income taxes in California are 280% higher than in Ohio. This means you’ll pay more in state taxes and bring home less pay.
How life is different in California vs. Ohio
Starting fresh in a new state means adjusting to more than just logistics. Weather trends, crime levels, political climate, and population density all play into the overall experience. Here’s a breakdown of how California differs from Ohio in these areas.
| California | Ohio | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,029,342 | 11,785,935 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 59-41 | Republican 55-45 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 59ºF | 20ºF |
| Annual rain | 22″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 7″ | 28″ |
| Crime index | 28.43 | 20.76 |
- If you’re relocating from Ohio to California, you’ll notice that California has about 231% more residents. With a larger population comes improved infrastructure—think better hospitals, schools, public transportation, and more entertainment options.
- In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Ohio voted Republican.
- Summer highs in California average 87°F, almost the same as 84°F in Ohio. With such similar conditions, your adjustment should be smooth, though humidity and weather patterns may still play a role.
- Winters in California average 59°F, compared to 20°F in Ohio. The milder lows mean less strain on heating, gentler weather, and more comfortable outdoor living.
- In California, you’ll see about 22 inches of rain each year, less than the 40 inches you’re used to in Ohio. Get ready for more sunshine, extra outdoor fun, and fewer weather-related worries.
- In California, you’ll see just 7 inches of snow each year, compared to Ohio, which gets 28 inches annually. Moving to California means enjoying gentler winters, less shoveling, and fewer weather headaches.
- California reports a higher crime rate than Ohio, with a crime index of 28.43 versus 20.76. A higher statewide rate shouldn’t automatically deter you from moving, but it’s wise to look into specific neighborhoods, stay informed about local safety, and consider how it could impact your daily routine.
Comparing the pros of Ohio vs. California
There’s something exciting about a fresh start. Here’s a quick look at how life in California stacks up against Ohio:
| 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
Life can be unpredictable, no matter where you are. As you get ready to move from Ohio to California, keep these tips in mind:
| 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 |
Other things to consider for your Ohio to California move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
- 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. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
- State regulator: Easily verify the status of a California moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- 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: Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Just set your official move date, and your mail will be forwarded to California right on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” for free. 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: Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Things to do in California
Get ready to discover California. Check out these must-visit places in your new home state:
Museums in California
- The Getty Center
- USS Midway Museum
- Hess Persson Estates
- California State Railroad Museum
- The Getty Villa
Parks in California
- La Jolla Cove
- Heisler Park
- Sonoma Plaza
- Mount Rubidoux Park
- Redwood Regional Park
Sports teams in California
- Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
- San Jose Sharks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
Universities in California
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
- University of California, San Diego
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Ohio to California?
Hiring a full-service Ohio moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.
Do movers transport your car from Ohio to California?
Many full-service moving companies can arrange auto transport for an extra fee as part of your moving package. Alternatively, you can book vehicle transport from Ohio to California separately with a leading car shipping provider.
What are the benefits of moving from Ohio to California?
More and more folks are relocating from Ohio to California to enjoy all the perks that come with living there, such as ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.
Is it cheaper to live in Ohio or California?
Living in Ohio usually costs less than in California. Housing is much more affordable in Ohio, with average rent about 49% less and home prices 70% lower than in California. Taxes are also lower in Ohio, most notably income taxes, which are more than 70% less than those paid by California residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in California?
If you’re planning to live on your own in California, aim for an income of around $73,978 to live comfortably. Expect monthly expenses to be about $5,276 if you’re flying solo, or $10,220 for a family of four. Your actual costs will vary depending on where you live. Bigger cities like Camp Pendleton North and Los Angeles usually come with higher housing prices than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Ohio?
Looking to save on your move? These discounts are currently offered in Ohio. There are 6 movers that recognize AAA membership with discounts. Military families can take advantage of special pricing through 10 moving companies. Savings for seniors are available from 12 movers. Law enforcement professionals can access special rates from 2 moving providers.
Terms differ by mover, so ask about current discounts when requesting quotes.
Helpful moving resources
Ohio moving services
Popular Ohio routes
Popular moving resources
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
