Moving from Columbus, OH to California: Movers and Cost

Last Updated: Mar 1, 2023 · 5 min read

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Columbus, OH to California averages from $1,495 to $8,097 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.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from California to Columbus, OH guide.

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

Best Columbus, OH to California movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from Columbus to California.
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.
Columbus, OH to California car shippers: Moving your car? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced.

Moving 2,366 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Columbus, OH to California?

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

Move Size	Moving Company	Moving Container	Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom	$1,371 - $5,600	$1,321 - $3,280	$1,381 - $2,671
2 - 3 bedrooms	$3,855 - $8,097	$2,347 - $4,866	$1,495 - $3,180
4+ bedrooms	$7,243 - $12,522	$3,227 - $6,601	$1,889 - $3,899

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,366 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 Columbus, OH to California 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.

How Much do Movers Cost?

Get instant ballpark pricing. No email or phone required. It's fast, free, and easy.

Pick from the Best Columbus to California 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
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 movers from Columbus, OH to California?

To ship furniture from Columbus to California with a mover will cost between $1,371 to $5,600. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home from The Arch City to CA will range from $3,855 to $8,097, and a large move from Columbus to California will cost from $7,243 to $12,522.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Columbus, OH to California?

Moving pods from Columbus to California will cost you $1,321 to $3,280 for a small move. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,347 to $4,866. A 4-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,227 to $6,601.

How much is a moving truck from Columbus, OH to California?

A moving rental truck is generally 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 $1,381 to $2,671. A larger move will cost $1,495 to $3,180, and a 4+ bedroom move from Columbus to California costs from $1,889 to $3,899.

How to ship a car from Columbus, OH to California

Now that you've picked from the top movers for your belongings, it's time to choose an experienced and reputable Columbus to California car shipper.

Just like booking a reputable mover, professional car shippers will apply know-how and experience to make sure that your car makes it unscathed during this long-distance move.

Company	Quote	Rating	Price
	Check prices	5 overall rating
	Check prices	4.75 overall rating
	Check prices	4.5 overall rating

The type of transport you choose and the size of the vehicle will influence the final price of shipping your car. Learn more about car shipping costs.

Is moving from Columbus, OH to California a good idea?

If you’re moving to California from Columbus, OH, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs California

	Columbus, OH	California
Average rent cost	$912	$1,503
Average home cost	$223,836	$758,360
Average income (per capita)	$60,205	$78,672
Unemployment rate	5.7%	5.8%
State Income Tax	3.99%	13.3%

Columbus sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
California sources: World Population Review, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Rent is about 73% more expensive in California than in Columbus.
Home prices are about 272.4% higher in California than in Columbus.
The average income is about 32.6% higher in California than in Columbus.
California has a higher unemployment rate than Columbus by about 2.2%.
Income taxes are 233.33% higher in California than in Columbus.

How is life different in Columbus, OH from California?

	Columbus, OH	California
Population	905,748	39,237,836
Political leaning	Democrat 65-33	Democratic 63-34
Summer High	85ºF	87ºF
Winter Low	21ºF	59ºF
Annual Rain	40"	22"
Annual Snow	22"	7"
Crime Index	37.49	25.7

Columbus sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
California sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, BestPlaces

The population of California is approximately 4,232% greater than the population of Columbus.
In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Columbus voted Democrat.
The average high in the summertime in California is 87ºF and in Columbus, it’s 85ºF.
During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ºF and Columbus gets down to 21ºF.
You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California vs 40 inches of rainfall in Columbus.
In California, it snows about 7 inches annually vs 22 inches of snow in Columbus.
California has a lower crime rate than Columbus with a crime index of 37.49 vs 25.7.

Comparing the pros of Columbus, OH vs. California:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Columbus vs California side-by-side.

Pros of living in Columbus, OH	Pros of living in California
Low cost of living	Ample economic opportunity
Delicious food	Pleasant weather
Bountiful arts and recreational activities	Abundant recreational options
Friendly people	High quality of life
Ample economic opportunity	Fresh and healthy foods

Comparing the cons of living in Columbus, OH vs. California:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Columbus for California.

Cons of living in Columbus, OH	Cons of living in California
Bad drivers	High cost of living
Terrible traffic	Heavy tax burdens
Bad weather	Natural disasters
High taxes	Terrible traffic
Limited public transportation	Strange laws

Considerations for moving to California

Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days..
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: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
State Regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
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: 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 . Get started here.
Mover's Insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local Columbus movers?

Company	Quote	Rating	Contact
Bellhop most popular	Get A Quote	4.52 overall rating	79 East Seventh Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43201 (614) 705-0516
MVM Moving & Storage	Get A Quote	5 overall rating	3979 Parkway Lane, Hilliard, OH, 43026 (614) 230-0667
All American Moving and Storage	Get A Quote	4.96 overall rating	2660 Fisher Road, Columbus, OH, 43204 (614) 224-0077