($1,238) Moving From California to Ohio

Quick answer: The average cost to move from California to Ohio ranges from $1,440 to $7,538 and takes seven–18 days. The top cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Professional
$1,238 – $3,104
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.85 / 5
read our full review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned
Container
$1,264 – $2,216
Pods
star star star star star 4.8 / 5
read our full review
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Freight
$1,138 – $1,919
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
read our full review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves
Rental Truck
$1,304 – $2,446
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
read our full review
Affordable pricing
Online pricing
Several discounts

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Ohio to California guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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  • Fact-checked for accuracy

The best California to Ohio full-service movers

Moving from California to Ohio? With thousands of moving companies in the U.S., hiring the right interstate moving company can be a challenge.

To simplify your search, we've selected the most reliable movers based on our detailed analysis of customer reviews, pricing, and service offerings.

Start with these top long-distance moving companies serving California for your Ohio relocation:

Best Overall Value
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best customer service
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
(855) 929-4120
At A Glance
  • 10% discount for veterans and seniors
  • Very competitive rates due to their national coverage
  • Services local, long-distance, and international moves
  • Can service most domestic moves within 48 hours
  • 24/7 customer service
read our full review
(855) 929-4120
Best for personalized service
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Best Nationwide Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
read our full review
Check prices
Most Experienced Mover
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
(866) 835-2392

The best California to Ohio moving container companies

Moving containers allow you to save money without having to go the full DIY route. While you’ll have to handle loading and unloading, the container company has you covered on transportation — they’ll pick up your pod in California and drop it off at your new home in Ohio.

Check out these highly rated moving container companies:

Best Nationwide Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
read our full review
Check prices
Best value container
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • Long distance moves only
  • Only pay for the space you use
  • No deposit or initial fees
  • Fast delivery time frames
read our full review
Check prices Check prices
best for large moves
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices (352) 322-2920
At A Glance
  • Combines affordability of DIY moving with convenience of a truck and driver
  • Only pay for the truck space you use
  • Offers vehicle shipping
read our full review
Check prices (352) 322-2920

The best California to Ohio moving truck rentals

Moving truck rentals are the most cost-effective way to move from California to Ohio, although they’re also the most labor-intensive. You’ll save big by doing all the heavy lifting and driving.

We like these rental moving trucks:

Best Value Rental
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
  • Round-trip and one-way moves available
  • User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
read our full review
Check prices Check prices
Best Availability
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Check prices (800) 468-4285
At A Glance
  • More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
  • Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
  • Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
  • U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
read our full review
Check prices (800) 468-4285

The best California to Ohio labor-only movers

If you need help moving some or all of your items into a container or rental truck, you can hire labor-only movers. They’ll send over a professional crew the right size for your move and you’ll pay only for the amount of time they work.

Consider one of these top-notch moving labor companies for your move from California to Ohio:

Best Labor Only
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
  • Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
  • $1,000 money-back service guarantee
  • Fast and accurate delivery times
  • Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
read our full review
Check prices Check prices
Best customer experience
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
(866) 774-5063
At A Glance
  • Quick and easy booking process
  • National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
  • Dedicated move concierge specialist
  • Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
  • The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
read our full review
(866) 774-5063

How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to OH movetoggle

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 280 California movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

How much does it cost to move from California to Ohio?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from California to Ohio for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,238 - $5,225 $1,264 - $3,079 $1,304 - $2,398
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,403 - $7,538 $2,159 - $4,390 $1,440 - $2,884
4+ bedrooms $6,525 - $11,775 $3,029 - $6,205 $1,801 - $3,500

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,404 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.

Cost to hire movers from California to Ohiotoggle

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Ohio will cost between $1,238 and $5,225. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from CA to OH will range from $3,403 to $7,538, and a large move from California to Ohio will cost from $6,525 to $11,775.

Cost of moving containers from California to Ohiotoggle

Moving containers from California to Ohio will cost you $1,264 to $3,079 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,159 to $4,390. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,029 to $6,205. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of California.

Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Ohiotoggle

A moving rental truck 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 $1,304 to $2,398. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,440 to $2,884, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from California to Ohio costs from $1,801 to $3,500.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from CA to OH

There are many factors that influence California moving costs. The cost to move from California to Ohio will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in California is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

What to know before moving from CA to OH

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

Cost of living: California vs. Ohio

California Ohio
Average rent cost $1,856 $945
Average home cost $771,057 $230,798
Average income (per capita) $91,905 $66,990
Cost of Living Index 134 94
Unemployment rate 5.4% 3.6%
Average Sales Tax 8.68% 7.23%
State Income Tax 13.3% 3.5%
  • Rent is about 49% less expensive in Ohio than in California.
  • Home prices are about 70% lower in Ohio than in California.
  • The average income is about 27% lower in Ohio than in California.
  • Cost of living is 30% lower in Ohio than in California.
  • Ohio has a lower unemployment rate than California by about 33%.
  • Sales taxes are 17% lower in Ohio than in California.
  • Income taxes are 74% lower in Ohio than in California.

How life is different in Ohio vs. California

Ohio California
Population 11,785,935 39,029,342
Political leaning Republican 55-45 Democratic 59-41
Summer high 84ºF 87ºF
Winter low 20ºF 59ºF
Annual rain 40" 22"
Annual snow 28" 7"
Crime index 20.76 28.43
  • The population of Ohio is approximately 70% lower than the population of California.
  • In the last presidential election, Ohio voted Republican and California voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Ohio is 84ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Ohio reaches the temperature of 20ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
  • You can expect about 40 inches of annual rainfall in Ohio versus 22 inches of rainfall in California.
  • In Ohio, it snows about 28 inches annually versus 7 inches of snow in California.
  • Ohio has a lower crime rate than California with a crime index of 20.76 vs. 28.43.

Comparing the pros of California vs. Ohio

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Ohio compared to California.

Pros of living in California Pros of living in Ohio
Ample economic opportunity Ample economic opportunity
Pleasant weather Low cost of living
Abundant recreational options Bountiful recreational opportunities
High quality of life Famously delicious beer
Fresh and healthy foods Amazing food

Comparing the cons of living in California vs. Ohio

Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving California for Ohio.

Cons of living in California Cons of living in Ohio
High cost of living Low happiness
Heavy tax burdens Limited diversity
Natural disasters Political division
Terrible traffic Harsh weather
Strange laws Weird laws

Other things to consider for your California to Ohio movetoggle

  • Weather: Ohio forms a part of what's considered both the snowbelt and the tornado alley which means your move may be affected if either of these are impacting the state on your move day.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Ohio 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 so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Ohio. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Ohiotoggle

While you’re in Ohio, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Cedar Point Amusement Park/Resort
  • Cleveland Museum of Art
  • Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
  • Hocking Hills State Park
  • National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
  • Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens
  • Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
  • Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
  • Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens
  • Toledo Museum of Art
  • Fountain Square
  • Cuyahoga Valley National Park
  • Wright Memorial – Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park
  • National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
  • Ohio State Reformatory
  • West Side Market
  • American Sign Museum
  • A Christmas Story House
  • German Village
  • Greater Cleveland Aquarium

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from California to Ohio?toggle

Hiring a full-service California moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from California to Ohio?toggle

Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from California to Ohio separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from California to Ohio?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from California to Ohio are the amazing upsides of living in Ohio such as ample economic opportunity and low cost of living.

Is it cheaper to live in California or Ohio?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Ohio than in California. Housing is much more affordable in Ohio, with average rent about 49% less and home prices 70.1% lower than in California. Taxes are also lower in Ohio, most notably income taxes, which are more than 70% less than those paid by California residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Ohio?toggle

You should make approximately $65,020 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Ohio. The cost of living in Ohio is approximately $1,185 per month for an individual and $4,144 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Ohio you live For example, larger cities like Columbus and Cleveland will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources