Best overall value
Local moving companies in Columbus
- Bellhop Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- MVM Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- All American Moving and Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- E.E. Ward Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Friendly and approachable staff
- Quick moving process
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Unexpected charges
Company Info
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving, Bellhops, Inc., Bellhops
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Poor complaint handling
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Company Info
State license #: 00136562
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1237577
Alternate Names: Leaders Moving, Leaders Moving & Storage Co., L.E.A.D.E.R.S Moving & Storage Co., Leaders Moving And Storage Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Inaccurate estimates
- Unfriendly or rude staff
Company Info
State license #: 156647
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1444491
Alternate Names: MVM Columbus, MVM Columbus Incorporated.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
- Damage to items
- Inaccurate estimates
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Company Info
State license #: 147426
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 1239401
Alternate Names: American Moving & Storage, Ltd., All American Moving & Storage of Columbus, All American Moving and Storage, All American Delivery, Daniel R Dragin All American Moving, Storage and Delivery Prime Agent for Arpin Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
- Damage to items
- Misplaced or lost items
- Lack of communication
Company Info
State license #: 11470
Years in Business: 143
DOT #: 1222904
Alternate Names: E E Ward Moving & Storage Co LLC, E.E.Ward Moving & Storage Co., LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Factors influencing moving costs from Columbus to Oakland
What to know before moving from Columbus to Oakland
Moving from Columbus to Oakland comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Oakland is generally more expensive than Columbus, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Columbus | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,441 | $2,200 |
| Average home value | $238,832 | $736,156 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,075 | $94,389 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,784 | $3,146 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,249 | $8,584 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.7% | 4.5% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 13.3% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Oakland, since prices are typically 53% higher than in Columbus.
- The home prices in Oakland are 208.2% higher than in Columbus, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- You’re likely to make a higher income living in Oakland, where incomes are, on average, 45.0% higher than in Columbus. Major employers in Oakland include Kaiser Permanente, Dreyer's, and The Clorox Company.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Oakland, since the cost of living for a single person in Oakland is 13.0% higher than in Columbus. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Oakland, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Oakland is 18.4% higher than in Columbus.
- The unemployment rate in Oakland is 21.05% lower than in Columbus.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Oakland, since its sales taxes are 36.67% higher than what you are paying in Columbus.
- State income taxes in Oakland are 280.00% higher than in Columbus.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,390.09 in Oakland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbus.
How life is different in Columbus vs. Oakland
| Oakland | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 440,646 | 905,748 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 75 | 41 |
| Bike friendliness score | 65 | 48 |
| Crime Index | 68.62 | 49.65 |
| Safety Index | 31.38 | 50.35 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Oakland's population is about 51% less than Columbus.
- Oakland's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Columbus's lower score of 5.
- Oakland is more walkable than Columbus with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Columbus's 41 out of 100.
- With a score of 65 out of 100, Oakland is more bike-friendly than Columbus, which has a score of 48 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Oakland's crime rate is higher than Columbus with a score of 68.62 compared to Columbus's 49.65. This means that Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65%.
- Oakland is considered to be less safe than Columbus with a score of 31.38 vs Columbus's 50.35.
- Air quality in Oakland is good, and in Columbus it's good.
Other things to consider for your Columbus vs. Oakland move
- Weather: Oakland features warm, dry summers, and mild, wet winters.
- 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: 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in California, 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 Oakland Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Oakland
With your sights set on Town, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Oakland.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Grand Lake
- Piedmont Avenue
- Rockridge
- Temescal
Best neighborhoods for families
- Fairview Park
- Rockridge
- Bushrod
- Upper Rockridge
- Lakeshore
Things to do in Oakland
Once you're settled into your new home in California, it's time to get out and discover what Oakland has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Oakland is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Oakland Museum of California, Chabot Space & Science Center, USS Potomac, Oakland Aviation Museum, and African American Museum and Library.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Redwood Regional Park, Joaquin Miller Park, East Bay Regional Park District, and Lakeside Park and Garden Center — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.'
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Oakland Athletics (MLB) and Oakland Roots DC (USLC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbus to Oakland?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Columbus to Oakland You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Columbus.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbus to Oakland?
Because spring and fall moves from Columbus to Oakland 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 Columbus to Oakland take?
The 2,426-mile journey from Columbus, OH to Oakland, CA, typically takes seven to 18 days. Some movers in Columbus offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Oakland.
