Best overall value
Local moving companies in San Jose
- Lunardi Moving: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- All Reasons Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Vector Moving and Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Trek Movers: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Ninja Movers, Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Helpful movers
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Unexpected charges
- Damage to items
Company Info
State license #: 0190625
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2762936
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
- Unfriendly or rude staff
Company Info
State license #: 0189789
Years in Business: 33
DOT #: 70719
Alternate Names: All Reasons Moving and Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Highly recommended
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
- Unreliable timing
Company Info
State license #: 0191802
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3152229
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Company Info
State license #: 0191848
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2967361
Alternate Names: Ninja Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Key factors that influence moving costs from San Jose to Columbus
What to know before moving from San Jose to Columbus
Moving from San Jose to Columbus means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in San Jose than in Columbus, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how San Jose compares to Columbus so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| San Jose | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,095 | $1,441 |
| Average home value | $1,453,657 | $238,832 |
| Average income (per capita) | $83,421 | $65,075 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,674 | $2,784 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,354 | $7,249 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 5.7% |
| Sales tax | 9.38% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 3.5% |
- Rent prices in Columbus are 53% lower than in San Jose, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Columbus.
Home prices in Columbus are 83.6% lower than in San Jose. - Income in Columbus is 22.0% lower than in San Jose, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Columbus — including Ohio State University, The State of Ohio, and JPMorgan Chase — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Columbus. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 24.2% lower than in San Jose.
- A move to Columbus can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 13.2% less than what it costs in San Jose.
- The unemployment rate in Columbus is 13.64% lower than in San Jose.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Columbus, since the city's sales taxes in Columbus are 20.04% lower than in San Jose.
- One perk of moving to Columbus is paying less in state income taxes, which are 73.68% lower than in San Jose.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,273.27 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Jose.
How life is different in San Jose vs. Columbus
| Columbus | San Jose | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 905,748 | 971,233 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 62 |
| Crime Index | 49.65 | 47.73 |
| Safety Index | 50.35 | 52.27 |
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Columbus might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 7% less than San Jose.
- Getting around Columbus without a car might be more difficult than in San Jose. Columbus has a public transportation score of 5 out of 10, whereas San Jose is ranked 7. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Columbus neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as San Jose. Based on its score of 41 out of 100, Columbus isn't as walkable as San Jose, which has a score of 51 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Columbus, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than San Jose. While San Jose has a bike-friendliness score of 62 out of 100, Columbus earned a 48. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- You can anticipate the same crime rate in Columbus as San Jose. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80–100.
- Columbus is generally as safe as San Jose, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
- You can breathe easy knowing that Columbus has better air quality than in San Jose. Columbus has Good air quality, compared to moderate in San Jose. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.
Other things to consider for your San Jose vs. Columbus move
- 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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: You can verify a Ohio moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Ohio, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Columbus Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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.
Where to live in Columbus
Now that you've decided to make the move to Arch City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Columbus.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Short North
- Clintonville
- Ashville
- Dublin
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bexley
- Clintonville
- Gahanna
- Hilliard
- Upper Arlington
Things to do in Columbus
After getting comfortable in your new Ohio home, it's time to see what Columbus is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Columbus include museums and art centers like the Beeler Gallery, Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, Central Ohio Fire Museum, Columbus Historical Society, and Columbus Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Scioto Mile, Topiary Garden, and Schiller Park — and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Columbus Crew (MLS), Ohio State Buckeyes (NCAA), Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL), or Columbus Clippers (AAAE) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Jose to Columbus?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from San Jose to Columbus You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in San Jose.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Jose to Columbus?
Because spring and fall moves from San Jose to Columbus are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from San Jose to Columbus take?
The 2,464-mile journey from San Jose, CA to Columbus, OH, typically takes seven to 18 days. Some movers in San Jose offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Columbus.
