Quick answer: A move from Columbus to San Diego costs $1,717–$9,273 and takes six to 17 days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 2,226-mile move yourself.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from San Diego to Columbus guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best Professional Movers from Columbus to San Diego
Picking a long-distance moving company for your move from Columbus to San Diego isn't easy — there are tons of options out there, and figuring out who's reliable (and who's not) can feel like a real challenge.
No need to stress about sifting through endless options — we've already done the homework for you. Our picks are based on real reviews, pricing, and the range of services offered.
Safeway Moving
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
American Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Allied Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mayzlin Relocation
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
North American Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
How we chose the best moving companies for your OH to CA move
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
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
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
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
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
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
How much does it cost to move from Columbus to San Diego?
Columbus movers charge $145 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,711 - $6,885 | $1,555 - $3,821 | $1,602 - $2,913 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,487 - $9,273 | $2,794 - $5,778 | $1,717 - $3,721 |
4+ bedrooms | $8,087 - $14,283 | $3,724 - $7,899 | $2,062 - $4,428 |
Cost to hire movers from Ohio to California
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Ohio to California typically costs between $1,711 and $6,885. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $4,487 and $9,273 when moving from OH to CA. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Ohio to California, you’re looking at costs ranging from $8,087 up to $14,283.
Cost of moving containers from Ohio to California
When you’re heading from Ohio to California, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,555 and $3,821. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,794 and $5,778. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,724 to $7,899. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Ohio easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Ohio to California
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,602 and $2,913 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,717 to $3,721. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $2,062 to $4,428.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors influencing moving costs from Columbus to San Diego
What to know before moving from Columbus to San Diego
Moving from Columbus to San Diego comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since San Diego 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 | San Diego | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,441 | $2,881 |
Average home value | $238,832 | $1,003,444 |
Average income (per capita) | $65,075 | $72,963 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,784 | $3,346 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,249 | $7,719 |
Unemployment rate | 5.7% | 6.6% |
Sales tax | 7.5% | 7.75% |
State income tax | 3.5% | 13.3% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in San Diego, since prices are typically 100% higher than in Columbus.
- The home prices in San Diego are 320.1% 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 San Diego, where incomes are, on average, 12.1% higher than in Columbus. Major employers in San Diego include United States Navy, University of California, San Diego, and Sharp HealthCare.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in San Diego, since the cost of living for a single person in San Diego is 20.2% higher than in Columbus. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to San Diego, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in San Diego is 6.5% higher than in Columbus.
- The unemployment rate in San Diego is 15.79% higher than in Columbus.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in San Diego, since its sales taxes are 3.33% higher than what you are paying in Columbus.
- State income taxes in San Diego are 280.00% higher than in Columbus.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,605.60 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbus.
How life is different in Columbus vs. San Diego
San Diego | Columbus | |
---|---|---|
Population | 1,386,932 | 905,748 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 5 |
Walkability score | 53 | 41 |
Bike friendliness score | 43 | 48 |
Crime Index | 39.83 | 49.65 |
Safety Index | 60.17 | 50.35 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- The population of San Diego is about 53% greater than Columbus, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- San Diego offers better access to buses and trains than Columbus, based on public transportation ratings. San Diego has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 5 in Columbus. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in San Diego means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Columbus. San Diego is considered more walkable than Columbus, with a score of 53 out of 100 versus 41 out of 100 in Columbus. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in San Diego, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Columbus. While Columbus has a bike-friendliness score of 48 out of 100, San Diego earned a 43. 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.
- San Diego has a lower crime rate than Columbus based on scores of 39.83 and Columbus's 49.65, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in San Diego than in Columbus, based on San Diego's safety index of 60.17 versus 50.35 for Columbus. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in San Diego isn't as good as it is in Columbus, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. San Diego has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Columbus is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.
Other things to consider for your Columbus vs. San Diego move
- Weather: San Diego's climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters, with most of the annual precipitation falling between December and March. The city has a mild climate year-round.
- 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 through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- 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 San Diego. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you\'ve got everything covered.
Where to live in San Diego
With your sights set on America's Finest City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in San Diego.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Gaslamp Quarter
- Hillcrest
- North Park
- Ocean Beach
- Pacific Beach
Best neighborhoods for families
- Carmel Valley
- Del Mar Heights
- Loma Portal
- Rancho Bernardo
- Rancho Penasquitos
Things to do in San Diego
Now that you've made the move to California it's the perfect time to explore San Diego From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in San Diego include museums and art centers like the USS Midway Museum, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Maritime Museum of San Diego, San Diego Air & Space Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's La Jolla Cove, Balboa Park, La Jolla Shores Park, and Sunset Cliffs Natural 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 San Diego Padres (MLB), San Diego Gulls (AHL), or San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbus to San Diego?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Columbus to San Diego are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Columbus. are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbus to San Diego?
Because most people are moving from Columbus to San Diego in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Columbus to San Diego take?
Moving from Columbus, OH to San Diego, CA covers 2,226 miles and usually takes six to 17 days Need to move faster? Some Columbus movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in San Diego.