Best Movers From California to Ohio (2025 Cost Data)
When planning a move from California to Ohio, professional movers typically run between
$3,515 and $7,339, a moving container averages about
$3,373, and a rental truck is around
$2,146.
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Let’s get moving.
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$1,303 — $7,339 Top local mover
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$1,303 — $10,787 Top long-distance mover
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$1,305 — $6,282 Top container company
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$1,307 — $3,728 Top truck rental
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$61 — $81/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from California to Ohio
After analyzing 3,180 movers, the moveBuddha team determined that 2,641 (83%) offer interstate services. Using our thorough rating methodology, our moving experts narrowed the field to the top providers equipped to handle your move from California to Ohio.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from California to Ohio
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
4 Bedrooms
Nov 15, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Nov 14, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Nov 04, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Oct 23, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Oct 22, 2025
Studio apartment
Oct 18, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Oct 12, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Oct 07, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Sep 07, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Sep 02, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from California to Ohio?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,303 – $5,036 | $1,305 – $3,056 | $1,307 – $2,605 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,515 – $7,339 | $2,164 – $4,582 | $1,373 – $2,920 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,804 – $10,787 | $3,189 – $6,282 | $1,752 – $3,728 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,303 – $5,036
- 2–3 bedrooms: $3,515 – $7,339
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,804 – $10,787
How much do moving containers cost from California to Ohio?
- Small move: $1,305 – $3,056
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,164 – $4,582
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,189 – $6,282
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,307 – $2,605
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,373 – $2,920
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,752 – $3,728
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 2,404-mile move from CA to OH using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 17, 2025.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from CA to OH?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| California | Ohio | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,856 | $945 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $230,798 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $66,990 |
| Cost of living index | 134 | 94 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 3.6% |
| Average sales tax | 8.68% | 7.23% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 3.5% |
Will rent be more expensive in Ohio?
Rent is about 49% lower in Ohio than in California.
Avg rent: $1,856 vs. $945
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 70% lower in Ohio than in California.
Avg home value: $771,057 vs. $230,798
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 27% lower in Ohio than in California.
Avg income (per capita): $91,905 vs. $66,990
Is the overall cost of living higher in Ohio?
The cost of living is 30% lower in Ohio than in California.
Cost of living index: 134 vs. 94
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 17% lower in Ohio than in California.
Avg sales tax: 8.68% vs. 7.23%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 74% lower in Ohio than in California.
State income tax: 13.3% vs. 3.5%
How is daily life different in Ohio compared to California?
Starting fresh means adjusting to more than logistics — climate, crime, and culture shape the experience.
| Ohio | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 11,785,935 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Republican 55-45 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 20ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 40″ | 22″ |
| Annual snow | 28″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 20.76 | 28.43 |
Will Ohio feel more crowded than California?
Ohio is about 70% less populous than California — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Ohio voted Republican while California voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (84°F vs. 87°F).
Winter: Ohio is colder on average (20°F vs. 59°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Ohio?
Rain: Ohio gets more rain (40″ vs. 22″).
Snow: Ohio gets more snow (28 inches vs. 7 inches).
Is Ohio safer than California?
Ohio has a lower crime index than California (20.76 vs. 28.43), which can mean more peace of mind overall.
What are some things to do in Ohio?
Museums in Ohio
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
- Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- A Christmas Story House
- National Museum of the US Air Force
Parks in Ohio
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
- Wayne National Forest
- Upper Falls at Old Man’s Cave
- Maumee Bay State Park
Sports teams in Ohio
- Cincinnati Reds (MLB)
- Cleveland Guardians (MLB)
- Cincinnati Bengals (NFL)
- Cleveland Browns (NFL)
- Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)
Universities in Ohio
- The Ohio State University
- University of Cincinnati
- Case Western Reserve University
- Kent State University
- Bowling Green State University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your California to Ohio 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: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
- State regulator: Easily verify the status of a Ohio moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: Ohio 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. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide basic insurance for free. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Ohio?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Ohio?
Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Ohio moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Ohio?
Ohio does not require any moving permits.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires basic insurance for interstate moves. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
Some movers in California offer discounts: 7 AAA discounts; 7 military discounts; 7 senior discounts; 2 student discounts; 2 educator discounts; 4 law enforcement discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary.
Keep moving day simple with our moving checklist.
Helpful moving resources
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Popular California routes
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