Best California to Ohio Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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CA to OH Moving Specialists

Moving from state to state represents not just a change of scenery, but a bold step into a new chapter of your life. Leaving behind California’s sun-soaked beaches and the hustle of the Golden State for Ohio’s vibrant seasons and the welcoming heart of the Midwest can feel like a bittersweet adventure. That's why it's crucial to ensure that you embark on this journey with trusted and reliable professional movers, and we at Great Guys Moving pride ourselves on connecting you with the best, making your long-distance move seamless and stress-free.

California iconArrow iconOhio icon

Best California to Ohio Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC9.81A+Authorized For HHGContact
OCD Moving Services LLC9.66A+Authorized For HHGContact
Pure Moving9.64A+Authorized For HHGContact
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.9.63NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Blue Men Moving LLC9.56A+Authorized For HHGContact
Best California Movers9.52A+Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Ohio to California guide.

6 Best CA to OH Moving Companies

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC Logo
Exceptional9.81/10
based on 4,505+ data points

About Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC

This locally owned and operated independent moving company has been serving residents of the Toledo area since 2015. With two convenient loc...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Interstate Moving
  • Office & Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2860641 / 26853

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans11
Registered Drivers12
Total Annual Miles Moved372,445 (2023)
View Full Review
1
OCD Moving Services LLC Logo
Exceptional9.66/10
based on 3,273+ data points

About OCD Moving Services LLC

For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation services...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2597230 / 911812

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved153,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Pure Moving Logo
Exceptional9.64/10
based on 8,688+ data points

About Pure Moving

Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 client...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3207734 / 1115049

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. Logo
Exceptional9.63/10
based on 1,645+ data points

About Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.

Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. makes it a point to go above and beyond in every moving job. This includes giving back to the community....Read More >>

Services

  • Local & Long Distance Moving
  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3421940 / 1416634

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers9
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2024)
View Full Review
4
Blue Men Moving LLC Logo
Exceptional9.56/10
based on 1,226+ data points

About Blue Men Moving LLC

With locations in Seville and Akron, Blue Men Moving started its operations in 2011 with a mission of providing a superior moving experience...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Cross-country moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2462290 / 863664

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans15
Registered Drivers15
Total Annual Miles Moved300,000 (2023)
View Full Review
5
Best California Movers Logo
Exceptional9.52/10
based on 3,003+ data points

About Best California Movers

Best California Movers is a family-owned moving company based in Southern California, with over six years of experience in the industry. Th...Read More >>

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3489907 / 1173381

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans12
Registered Drivers12
Total Annual Miles Moved157,000 (2023)
View Full Review
6
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Ohio

Moving across states can be a seismic shift in one's life, especially when the journey spans from coast to Midwest. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of California to Ohio relocation , meticulously balancing the positives against the negatives. By comparing specific aspects of life in both states, this guide will help you weigh your options carefully.

CONs
PROs
California iconCalifornia
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Limited water resources
  • Wildfire risks
  • Dense population
Ohio iconOhio
  • Lower living costs
  • Less traffic congestion
  • Abundant water sources
  • Lower natural disaster risk
  • More spacious living
Ohio iconOhio
  • No coastal access
  • Quieter nightlife
  • Less diversity
  • Smaller educational hubs
  • More traditional industries
California iconCalifornia
  • Warm beaches
  • Vibrant city life
  • Diverse cultures
  • Renowned universities
  • Innovative tech scene

Moving from California's sun-soaked coast to Ohio's verdant landscapes presents a blend of challenges and opportunities. While you might miss California's iconic beaches like Santa Monica and its bustling cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, Ohio offers its unique charm with the serene beauty of Hocking Hills State Park and the vibrant city life in Columbus. Furthermore, Columbus is home to celebrated establishments like North Market, a food lover's paradise, and Columbus Museum of Art, signifying Ohio's burgeoning cultural scene. Despite Ohio not having California's vast diversity, cities like Cincinnati and Cleveland are melting pots of culture with a rich array of dining options, like Findlay Market in Cincinnati, and cultural sights. This evolving landscape in Ohio shows that while it may offer a quieter life, it does not lack in quality, community, or opportunity.

California vs. Ohio Food Guide

When considering a big move, it's essential to think about how local cuisine reflects the area's culture and lifestyle. In this guide, we'll explore how the food scenes in California & Ohio compare, helping you get a taste of what each has to offer and make a more informed decision about your new home.

CaliforniaOhio
Most iconic local food itemAvocado ToastBuckeye Candy
Most popular meat dishTri-tip BBQCincinnati Chili
Most popular street food itemFish TacosPolish Boy
Most popular vegan foodSmoothie BowlsVegan Pierogi
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In California, the food scene is noticeably diverse, representing a wide array of international cuisines with a strong emphasis on fresh, local ingredients—think fish tacos from a beachside shack in San Diego or a high-end meal at The French Laundry in the Napa Valley. Ohio's cuisine, while perhaps less lauded nationally, boasts a hearty and comforting character with unique contributions like Cincinnati chili and Buckeye candy. Notably, places like Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams in Columbus and Schmidt's Sausage Haus in the German Village offer a taste of the locally inspired meals and treats that make Ohio's food scene deeply personal and inviting.

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California vs. Ohio Real Estate & Living Facts

When considering a move, understanding the real estate market and living environment in California versus Ohio is crucial. Real estate encapsulates not just the cost of living but also the lifestyle you can expect in each state. This comparison aims to highlight the differences and similarities to aid in your decision-making process.

ComparisonCaliforniaOhio
Typical Architecture StyleModern, SpanishColonial, Ranch
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingOpen floor plans, Outdoor livingFamily-friendly, Spacious yards

The stark contrast in median home prices and rent between California and Ohio highlights the more affordable nature of the Ohio real estate market. This affordability extends to the cost of living, making Ohio an attractive option for those seeking a balance between urban accessibility and suburban comfort. In California, the high cost of living is offset by the state's rich cultural amenities and outdoor lifestyle, with many homes boasting modern amenities and open floor plans designed for entertainment. Meanwhile, Ohio's real estate market often highlights traditional homes with spacious yards, catering to families looking for space and comfort. Each state offers a distinct lifestyle choice based on your priorities, urban convenience and lifestyle in California or affordability and family-friendly environments in Ohio.

California vs. Ohio Weather Considerations

When moving from California to Ohio, understanding the weather differences between these two states is crucial for a smooth transition. This comparison will help you adjust to your new home by knowing what to expect weather-wise.

Summer icon
85°F/55°F

California

85°F/64°F

Ohio

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
60°F/45°F

California

36°F/22°F

Ohio

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
22"

California

39"

Ohio

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0" (in most areas)

California

28"

Ohio

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonCaliforniaOhio
Air QualityVaries, areas with poorGenerally moderate
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, wildfiresTornadoes, severe storms
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from the sunny, relatively dry climate of California to the more varied and seasonally diverse weather of Ohio is a significant change. In Ohio, you'll experience more pronounced seasons, including chilly winters with snow - a stark contrast to California's milder winters. The higher humidity in Ohio might also take some adjustment, especially during the summer months. Additionally, the significant decrease in sunny days could affect your daily activities and mood, so finding indoor hobbies or taking up winter sports could be beneficial.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from California to Ohio

When considering the big move from one state to another, it's crucial to understand how your finances might be impacted. This comparison aims to elucidate the cost of living, average income, and tax differences between California and Ohio, helping you to make an informed decision.

ComparisonCaliforniaOhio
Avg. Household Income$91,551$65,720
Cost of Living Index136.492.85
State Income Tax1 - 13.30 - 4.797
Avg. Property Tax0.731.56
Avg. Sales Tax8.567.17
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Agriculture, EntertainmentManufacturing, Healthcare, Education
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessHighLow

Moving from California to Ohio, you're likely to experience a significant cost of living reduction, which is reflected in the lower cost of living index in Ohio. Despite the average household income being lower in Ohio, the reduced costs for housing, taxes, and essentials may extend your income further than in California. Ohio boasts a lower income tax rate, which might be beneficial depending on your income bracket. However, it’s important to factor in Ohio’s higher property tax when considering home ownership. The primary industries also vary significantly between the two states, which could influence your career opportunities. Understanding these financial nuances will be key to a smooth transition.

California vs. Ohio Political & Religious Comparison

This is a comparison of the politics between California & Ohio, offering a quick snapshot of the political and religious makeup of each state to give you an idea of the community vibe you're moving into.

CaliforniaOhio
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocraticSwing State
Local PoliticsProgressive policies in urban areasMix of conservative and liberal policies depending on the area
ReligionMulticultural and diverse religious practicesChristian majority with diverse religious practices in urban areas

When moving from California to Ohio, you'll find a significant shift in the political and religious landscape. California's politics are predominantly liberal, especially in urban centers like Los Angeles and San Francisco, where progressive policies are more common. On the other hand, Ohio is known as a swing state with a mix of conservative and liberal views depending on the area, mirroring its diverse population. Religion plays an essential role in both states; however, California's religious practices are as diverse as its population, reflecting its multiculturalism. In contrast, Ohio has a Christian majority, but like California, its urban areas offer a mosaic of religious beliefs.

Education Guide When Moving from California to Ohio

Moving from California to Ohio can be a big transition, especially when it comes to education for your children or for future college students in your family. This comparison is designed to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in California and Ohio, ensuring you make informed decisions for your family's educational needs.

CaliforniaOhio

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

UCLA
UC Berkeley
Stanford University
Ohio State University
University of Cincinnati
Miami University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Point Vicente Elementary (Rancho Palos Verdes)
Mill Valley (Mill Valley)
Granville Elementary (Granville)
Ottawa Hills (Ottawa Hills)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Joaquin Miller Middle (San Jose)
William Hopkins Jr. High (Fremont)
Bexley Middle (Bexley)

Top 3 High Schools

Henry M. Gunn High (Palo Alto)
Monta Vista High (Cupertino)
Ottawa Hills High (Ottawa Hills)
Walnut Hills High (Cincinnati)

Top 3 private high schools

Harvard-Westlake (Studio City)Hawken School (Gates Mills)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

The Nueva School (Hillsborough)
The Webb Schools (Claremont)
Laurel School (Shaker Heights)
Western Reserve Academy (Hudson)

Top 3 School Districts

San Marino Unified
Palo Alto Unified
Ottawa Hills Local Schools
Indian Hill Exempted Village School District

While California boasts high-profile universities and highly ranked public and private schools, particularly in affluent areas like Palo Alto and Rancho Palos Verdes, Ohio offers a compelling blend of quality education at all levels. Noteworthy is Ohio's strong performance in both public and private schooling sectors, with institutions like Ottawa Hills High consistently earning top marks. Ohio's colleges, including Ohio State University and Miami University, are recognized for their academic excellence, offering a diverse range of programs that cater to students with varied interests. This educational landscape in both states presents a rich array of opportunities, ensuring your family can find a suitable fit regardless of where you may move.

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