Quick answer: Expect to pay $1,741–$8,811 for a move from Columbus to San Jose, with most moves taking seven to 18 days. Your cost depends on load size, timing, and whether you move yourself or hire help for the 2,464 miles.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from San Jose to Columbus guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
There are 24 interstate moving companies in Columbus, so figuring out which one is best for your move from Columbus, OH, to San Jose, CA, can feel overwhelming. You’ll also need to decide whether to hire professional full-service movers or take a more DIY approach.
Not to worry — we’ve made the process easier for you. We compared each mover by key factors like service options and cost, and analyzed customer feedback in online reviews. Using our research, we have narrowed the list of Columbus companies to only the best long-distance movers in Columbus, no matter what type of move you’re planning.
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Labor only
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Best professional movers from Columbus to San Jose
A full-service mover can make your interstate relocation from Columbus to San Jose far less complicated. From wrapping and packing your belongings to transporting them safely, these companies cover the entire process so you can spend your time on what matters most.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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What moving services are available in Columbus?
How we chose the best moving companies for your OH to CA move
The top local movers servicing Columbus to San Jose moves
It's not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Columbus that also handles long-distance moves to San Jose. With so many options, figuring out which ones you can trust takes time.
Luckily, we've done the research for you. We evaluated the top local movers in Columbus who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Columbus to San Jose.
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- MVM Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- E.E. Ward Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- All American Moving and Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Herlihy Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
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 #: 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
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
Years in Business: 104
DOT #: 183389
Alternate Names: Mayflower Containers, pods portable storage, Herlihy Moving & Storage, Inc, Herlihy Moving & Storage Inc., SAM Store and Move, Mayflower Transit
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Columbus to San Jose?
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 |
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Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,427 - $6,492 | $1,549 - $3,631 | $1,592 - $3,081 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,460 - $8,811 | $2,621 - $5,391 | $1,741 - $3,669 |
4+ bedrooms | $8,301 - $13,909 | $3,571 - $7,620 | $2,049 - $4,455 |
Cost to hire movers from Ohio to California
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Ohio to California typically costs between $1,427 and $6,492. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $4,460 and $8,811 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 $8,301 up to $13,909.
Cost of moving containers from Ohio to California
Moving from Ohio to California? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $1,549 and $3,631. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,621 to $5,391. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,571 up to $7,620. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Ohio.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Ohio to California
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you'll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,592 and $3,081. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,741 to $3,669. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $2,049 and $4,455.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors influencing moving costs from Columbus to San Jose
What to know before moving from Columbus to San Jose
Moving to San Jose typically means higher monthly totals — roughly 32% more for singles and 15% more for families compared with Columbus.
Singles spend around $3,674 in San Jose vs. $2,784 in Columbus, and families see $8,354 vs. $7,249.
Use the breakdown below to plan your budget:
- You may want to budget more for rent in San Jose, since prices are typically 115% higher than in Columbus.
- The home prices in San Jose are 508.7% 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 Jose, where incomes are, on average, 28.2% higher than in Columbus. Major employers in San Jose include Cisco Systems, Western Digital, and Infineon Technologies.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in San Jose, since the cost of living for a single person in San Jose is 32.0% higher than in Columbus. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to San Jose, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in San Jose is 15.2% higher than in Columbus.
- The unemployment rate in San Jose is 15.79% higher than in Columbus.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in San Jose, since its sales taxes are 25.07% higher than what you are paying in Columbus.
- State income taxes in San Jose are 280.00% higher than in Columbus.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Columbus and San Jose:
Columbus | San Jose | |
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Basic utilities | $263.89 | $293.08 |
Cell phone plan | $60.77 | $48.44 |
Dozen eggs | $3.21 | $4.8 |
Loaf of bread | $2.98 | $4.93 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20 | $20.5 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80 | $100 |
Gym membership | $46.25 | $123.75 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Columbus than in San Jose, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Columbus than in San Jose.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbus than in San Jose.
- Bread costs less in Columbus than in San Jose.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Columbus than in San Jose.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbus than in San Jose.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Columbus than in San Jose.
How life is different in Columbus vs. San Jose
San Jose | Columbus | |
---|---|---|
Population | 971,233 | 905,748 |
Transportation Score | 7 | 5 |
Walkability score | 51 | 41 |
Bike friendliness score | 62 | 48 |
Crime Index | 47.73 | 49.65 |
Safety Index | 52.27 | 50.35 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- The population of San Jose is about 7% 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 Jose offers better access to buses and trains than Columbus, based on public transportation ratings. San Jose has a transit score of 7 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 Jose means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Columbus. San Jose is considered more walkable than Columbus, with a score of 51 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.
- If cycling is your thing, San Jose is considered more bike-friendly than Columbus in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. San Jose has a bike-friendliness score of 62 out of 100, while Columbus is rated as 48 out of 100.
- You can anticipate the same crime rate in San Jose as Columbus. 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.
- San Jose is generally as safe as Columbus, 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.
- The air quality in San Jose 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 Jose 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 Jose move
- Weather: San Jose, like most of the Bay Area, has warm to hot, dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters. The city is somewhat more sheltered from rain, giving it a semi-arid feel
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: California doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to San Jose. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in San Jose
With your sights set on Man Jose, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in San Jose.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Burbank
- Downtown
- Evergreen
- West San Jose
- Willow Glen
Best neighborhoods for families
- Berryessa
- Cambrian Park
- Evergreen
- West San Jose
- Willow Glen
Things to do in San Jose
After getting comfortable in your new California home, it's time to see what San Jose is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in San Jose include museums and art centers like the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, Children's Discovery Museum, The Tech Interactive, San Jose Museum of Art, and New Almaden Mercury Mining Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Almaden Quicksilver County Park, Alum Rock Park, Emma Prusch Farm Park, and Plaza de Cesar Chavez 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 Jose Barracuda (AHL), San Jose Earthquakes (MLS), San Jose Giants (California League), or San Jose Sharks (NHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbus to San Jose?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Columbus to San Jose. 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 San Jose?
Because spring and fall moves from Columbus to San Jose 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 San Jose take?
The 2,464-mile journey from Columbus, OH to San Jose, 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 San Jose.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Columbus?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In Columbus, 2 movers provide AAA member discounts. 4 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 6 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
How many movers in Columbus can handle specialty items for my move to San Jose?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Columbus, 17 movers can handle pianos. 12 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of OH, there are 59 piano movers and 37 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2175 and 1400 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.