($1,376) Cost to Move From Columbus, OH to San Francisco, CA

1. MVM Moving & Storage: 4.92 out of 5 stars
2. Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
3. Integrity Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
4. Black Tie Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
5. E.E. Ward Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Columbus to San Francisco

When planning a move to San Francisco from Columbus, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,376 and $5,492. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,727 and $8,069 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $6,655 to $11,765.

Cost of moving containers from Columbus to San Francisco

When you’re heading from Columbus to San Francisco, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,306 and $3,153. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,277 and $4,680. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,226 to $6,227. 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 Columbus to San Francisco

A moving rental truck from Columbus to San Francisco is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,392 to $2,537. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,479 to $2,958, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Columbus to San Francisco costs around $1,867 to $3,856.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 126% more expensive in San Francisco than in Columbus. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
• Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 420% steeper in San Francisco compared to Columbus.
• Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 110% greater in San Francisco than in Columbus, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
• Prepare for elevated costs in San Francisco, with the cost of living for a single person being 36% more than in Columbus. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
• When considering a family move to San Francisco, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 20% higher than in Columbus.
• San Francisco and Columbus have roughly the same unemployment rate (within about 5%), so you likely won’t see a major shift in job availability or competition from what you’re used to.
• Sales taxes in San Francisco surpass those in Columbus by 15%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
• Income taxes are 280% more in California than in Ohio. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.

• San Francisco’s population is about 11% less than Columbus.
• San Francisco’s public transportation score of 10 out of 10 is higher than Columbus’s score of 5.
• San Francisco is more walkable than Columbus with a score of 99 out of 100 vs Columbus’s 41 out of 100.
• With a score of 99 out of 100, San Francisco is more bike-friendly than Columbus, which has a score of 48 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
• San Francisco’s crime rate is higher than Columbus with a score of 61.41 compared to Columbus’s 49.65. This means that San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65%.
• San Francisco is considered to be less safe than Columbus with a score of 38.59 vs Columbus’s 50.35.
• Air quality in San Francisco is Moderate, and in Columbus it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Columbus and San Francisco are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the 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: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• 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: To confirm a moving company’s license in California, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in California, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
• 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 Francisco. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Marina District
• Mission Bay
• Mission District
• Noe Valley

Best neighborhoods for families

• Bernal Heights
• Inner Sunset
• Noe Valley
• North Beach
• Presidio Heights

Things to do in San Francisco

With your move to California complete, you can dive right into experiencing San Francisco. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:

• Arts and culture: San Francisco is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Exploratorium, California Academy of Sciences, Walt Disney Family Museum, and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Golden Gate Park, Presidio of San Francisco, Mission Dolores Park, and Crissy Field — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
• Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an San Francisco 49ers (NFL)San Francisco Giants (MLB)Golden State Warriors (NBA) game.