($1,222) Cost to Move From San Francisco, CA to Columbus, OH

1. Pure Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
2. Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
3. Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
4. NorthStar Moving Company : 4.5 out of 5 stars
5. Good Green Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from San Francisco to Columbus

When planning a move to Columbus from San Francisco, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,222 and $5,492. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,511 and $7,839 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $7,009 to $11,895.

Cost of moving containers from San Francisco to Columbus

When you’re heading from San Francisco to Columbus, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,319 and $3,121. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,208 and $4,538. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,006 to $6,355. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from California easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from San Francisco to Columbus

A moving rental truck from San Francisco to Columbus is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,365 to $2,615. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,406 to $3,113, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from San Francisco to Columbus costs around $1,830 to $3,780.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 56% less expensive in Columbus than in San Francisco, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
• Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 81% cheaper in Columbus than in San Francisco.
• You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 52% less in Columbus than in San Francisco.
• Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Columbus. The cost of living for a single person there is 26% below that of San Francisco.
• A move to Columbus can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 17% lower compared to San Francisco.
• Columbus has a higher unemployment rate than San Francisco by about 6%. 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.
• Sales taxes are 13% cheaper in Columbus compared to San Francisco. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
• Income taxes are 74% less in Ohio compared to California, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.

• Columbus’s population is about 12% greater than San Francisco.
• Columbus’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than San Francisco’s score of 10.
• Columbus is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 41 out of 100 vs San Francisco’s 99 out of 100.
• Columbus has a bike-friendliness score of 48 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as San Francisco, which has a score of 99.
• Columbus’s crime rate is lower than San Francisco with a score of 49.65 compared to San Francisco’s 61.41. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41%.
• Columbus is considered to be safer than San Francisco with a safety index of 50.35 vs San Francisco’s 38.59.
• Air quality in Columbus is Good, and in San Francisco it’s Moderate.

• HOA rules: Costs across San Francisco and Columbus are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Ohio, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Ohio, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
• Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Columbus. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Downtown
• Short North
• Victorian Village
• Clintonville
• Grandview Heights
• Ashville
• Dublin

Best neighborhoods for families

• Bexley
• Clintonville
• Gahanna
• Hilliard
• Upper Arlington

Things to do in Columbus

With your move to Ohio complete, you can dive right into experiencing Columbus. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:

• Arts and culture: Columbus is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Beeler Gallery, Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, Central Ohio Fire Museum, and Columbus Historical Society.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Scioto Mile, Topiary Garden, and Schiller Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
• Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Columbus Crew (MLS)Ohio State Buckeyes (NCAA)Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)Columbus Clippers (AAAE) game.