Moving from San Jose, CA to Columbus, OH: Movers and Cost

Sergio Ocampo

Last Updated: Mar 1, 2023 · 5 min read

Quick Answer: The cost to move from San Jose, CA to Columbus, OH averages from $1,551 to $7,778 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself. Hiring movers will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or renting a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Columbus, OH. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Columbus to San Jose guide.

• Best San Jose to Columbus movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from San Jose to Columbus.
• How much will your move cost?: Use our moving calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving costs.
• Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
• San Jose to Columbus car shippers: Moving your car? Here's a list of our top car shipping companies.

Moving 2,458 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from San Jose to Columbus?

Here are average prices to hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck:

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,458 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.

The cost to move from San Jose to Columbus will depend on:

• Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
• Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
• Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.

Who Are The Best San Jose to Columbus Movers?

Hiring a moving company is a big deal.

We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.

If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.

Company	Quote	Rating	Price
Safeway Moving Best Overall Value	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
American Van Lines Best industry reputation	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
International Van Lines Best customer service	Get A Quote	4.45 overall rating

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 hire a professional moving company from San Jose to Columbus?

To ship furniture from San Jose to Columbus with a mover will cost between $1,313 to $5,403. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home will range from $3,748 to $7,778, and a 4-bedroom move or bigger move from San Jose to Columbus will cost from $7,043 to $12,036.

How much are moving container companies from San Jose to Columbus?

Moving containers from San Jose to Columbus will cost you $1,354 to $3,366 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,406 to $4,997. A larger home will cost $3,310 to $6,789.

How much is a moving truck from San Jose to Columbus?

Renting a moving truck is usually 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 $1,432 to $2,773. A larger move will cost $1,551 to $3,301, and a 4+ bedroom move from San Jose to Columbus costs from $1,959 to $4,048.

How to ship a car from San Jose to Columbus?

If you're moving from San Jose to Columbus and need to transport your car, finding a reliable car shipping company is crucial. Look for top-rated San Jose to Columbus car shippers and compare quotes and services to find the best fit for your needs and budget. Keep in mind that the type of transport you choose and the size of your vehicle will affect the cost.

Is moving from San Jose, CA to Columbus, OH a good idea?

Cost of Living: San Jose vs Columbus

• Rent Prices in Columbus, OH are 64% lower than in San Jose, CA.
• Home Prices in Columbus, OH are 84.5% lower than in San Jose, CA.
• Income in Columbus, OH is 20.5% lower than in San Jose, CA.
• Cost of Living for a single person in Columbus, OH is 11.4% lower than in San Jose, CA.
• Cost of Living for a family in Columbus, OH is 12.8% lower than in San Jose, CA.
• Unemployment rate in Columbus, OH is 18.57% lower than in San Jose, CA.
• Sales Taxes in Columbus, OH are 20.04% lower than in San Jose, CA.
• State Income Taxes in Columbus, OH are 70.00% lower than in San Jose, CA.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,657.3 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Jose.

How is life different in San Jose, CA to Columbus, OH?

• Columbus’s population is about 11% less than San Jose.
• Columbus’s public transportation is better than San Jose with a score of 5 vs 7.
• Columbus is less walkable than San Jose with a score of 41 vs 51.
• Columbus is less bike-friendly than San Jose with a score of 48 vs 62.
• Columbus's crime rate is higher than San Jose with a score of 37.49 compared to 28.18.
• Columbus is considered to be safer than San Jose with a safety index of 56.58 vs 53.91.
• Air Quality in Columbus is Good, and in San Jose it’s Good.

Considerations for moving to Columbus, OH

• Weather: Columbus doesn't get the snowfall that more northern Ohio gets but it does have some of the severe weather that's common in the midwest such as strong lightning storms and hail. In general, you can expect all 4 seasons in Columbus so take that into account when choosing the time of the year that you move..
• HOA Rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth 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: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State Regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
• 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: 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 Columbus. Get started here.
• Moving Company Insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
• Moving Checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.

Local San Jose Movers

Visit our Best Movers in San Jose page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Columbus, OH

Now that you've decided to make the move to "The Arch City", these are the best neighborhoods in Columbus to move to.

Best neighborhoods for singles:

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

Best neighborhoods for families:

• Bexley
• Clintonville
• Gahanna
• Hilliard
• Upper Arlington

What to do in Columbus

Moving to The “The Arch City”? These are some of the best things to do in your new Ohio home.

• Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
• Easton Town Center
• COSI (Center of Science and Industry)
• North Market Farmer's Market
• Scioto Mile
• German Village
• Ohio Stadium
• Ohio Theater
• Otherworld
• Columbus Museum of Art
• Wagner-Hagans Auto Museum
• Nationwide Arena
• Ohio State University
• Huntington Park
• Shadowbox Live

Get your sports on!

• Columbus Crew (MLS)
• Ohio State Buckeyes (NCAA)
• Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)
• Columbus Clippers (AAAE)

Related articles to your move

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Learn more about Columbus

• What Is The Cost To Move In Columbus?
• What Is The Cost To Move To Ohio?
• Best Moving Companies in Columbus, OH
• Best Moving Companies in Ohio