Best San Francisco to Columbus Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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San Francisco to Columbus Movers

Moving from the tech-savvy hills of San Francisco to the heartland charm of Columbus represents an exciting leap into a brand new chapter of your life. You're trading the Golden Gate for Buckeye vibes, leaving behind the fog for seasons that truly change. Considering the distance and what's at stake, it's critical you partner with movers you can trust; that's where we come in, making sure your journey is in the safest hands.

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Best San Francisco to Columbus Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
OCD Moving Services LLC9.66A+Authorized For HHGContact
Blue Men Moving LLC9.56A+Authorized For HHGContact
Bay - L.A. Express Moving9.32DAuthorized For HHGContact
Careful Movers9.31A+Authorized For HHGContact
Manifest Shipping Llc9.19A+Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Columbus to San Francisco guide.

5 Best San Francisco to Columbus Moving Companies

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

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
1
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
2
B
Exceptional9.32/10
based on 634+ data points

About Bay - L.A. Express Moving

Bay-L.A. Express Moving is a professional moving company that serves Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the entire Bay Area. Specializing in mo...Read More >>

Services

  • Long-distance moving
  • Small relocation
  • Full packing services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1396171 / 530464

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved60,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Careful Movers Logo
Exceptional9.31/10
based on 4,655+ data points

About Careful Movers

With almost two decades of expertise and experience in the moving industry, Menlo Park-based Careful Movers promises stress-free, on-time, a...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Office Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1464935 / 553377

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans14
Registered Drivers14
Total Annual Miles Moved90,000 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Manifest Shipping Llc Logo
Exceptional9.19/10
based on 452+ data points

About Manifest Shipping Llc

Manifest Shipping LLC, based in Trenton, Ohio, is a trusted residential and commercial moving company founded in 2017. Serving central and s...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Long Distance Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3050908 / 49758

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved46,740 (2022)
View Full Review
5
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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.

San Francisco vs. Columbus Neighborhood Comparison

Understanding the essence of your current neighborhood can greatly ease the transition to a new city. This guide aims to familiarize you with the unknown by comparing popular neighborhoods in San Francisco, CA & Columbus, OH . Find out which Columbus neighborhood mirrors your San Francisco favorite, taking into consideration local culture, vibe, and amenities.

San FranciscoColumbusHow They're Similar
Marina DistrictShort NorthVibrant arts scene
Mission DistrictGerman VillageHistorical charm, great food
Nob HillVictorian VillageElegant homes, peaceful
Richmond DistrictClintonvilleFamily-friendly, community-focused
SOMA (South of Market)FranklintonEdgy, art and tech hub
North BeachItalian VillageCulturally rich, excellent dining
Pacific HeightsUpper ArlingtonUpscale, exclusive living
Haight-AshburyOld North ColumbusBohemian, eclectic shops
Sunset DistrictBexleyQuiet, family-oriented
Financial DistrictDowntown ColumbusBusiness heart, modern

If you're drawn to the Marina District for its vibrant arts scene and waterfront beauty, you'll find a kindred spirit in Short North. This Columbus neighborhood thrives with galleries, boutiques, and eateries much like Chestnut Street in the Marina. Fans of the historic and eclectic Mission District in San Francisco will appreciate German Village's cobblestone streets and restored brick houses, teeming with coffee shops and quaint bookstores similar to those in the Mission. If the upscale, serene vibe of Nob Hill is more your speed, Victorian Village in Columbus mirrors this with its well-preserved, elegant homes and quiet streets. Lastly, for those who have enjoyed the tech and modern art energy of SOMA, Franklinton offers an emerging tech scene alongside innovative art spaces like COSI and the 400 West Rich studios, making it a burgeoning hub for creatives and professionals alike.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from San Francisco to Columbus

Moving cities is a big leap that involves weighing the balance between what you'll miss and what you'll gain. This guide is aimed to offer a clear comparison between leaving San Francisco, CA and embracing life in Columbus, OH , demonstrating the good and the bad attributes of this relocation decision and helping you to envision your life in a new locale.

CONs
PROs
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • High cost of living
  • Dense population
  • Foggy weather
  • Competitive job market
  • Steep hills
Columbus, OH iconColumbus, OH
  • More affordable
  • Less crowded
  • More seasonal variety
  • Emerging job opportunities
  • Flatter terrain
Columbus, OH iconColumbus, OH
  • Landlocked location
  • Less tech opportunities
  • Less diverse
  • Fewer landmarks
  • Colder winters
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • Coastal city
  • Tech hub
  • Cultural diversity
  • Iconic landmarks
  • Mild winters

Moving from San Francisco to Columbus brings with it a significant shift in lifestyle and environment. San Francisco is renowned for its steep hills and iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, places that daily define the city's landscape. In Columbus, the terrain flattens out, and while you may not find landmarks as famous as the Golden Gate, the city is home to vibrant districts such as the Short North, filled with art galleries like the Pizzuti Collection, and unique dining experiences, such as those at North Market. The climate in Columbus showcases a distinct seasonal variation, with frosty winters that introduce a fresh set of activities, including nearby skiing and snowboarding, contrasting with San Francisco's mild, fog-covered mornings. This relocation could thus offer not merely a change of scenery but a completely new way of experiencing the seasons and what each has to offer.

San Francisco vs. Columbus Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between San Francisco & Columbus, identifying the diverse culinary experiences each city offers. Food is a central aspect of area culture and lifestyle, giving you insight into where you're moving.

San FranciscoColumbus
Most iconic local food itemSourdough BreadBuckeye Candy
Most popular meat dishCioppinoColumbus-style pizza
Most popular street food itemMission BurritoFood truck tacos
Most popular vegan foodAvocado ToastVeggie Burger
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Thurman Café
  • Schmidt’s Sausage Haus
  • Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

San Francisco and Columbus both offer unique eating experiences that reflect their local cultures. In San Francisco, the iconic Tartine Bakery is a must-visit for any food lover, known for its sourdough bread - a staple of the Bay Area. Columbus, on the other hand, boasts a rich tradition showcased at Thurman Café, where you can dive into the heart of Ohio's culinary scene with local favorites like Columbus-style pizza. Both cities have a vibrant food truck culture, particularly in neighborhoods like San Francisco's Mission District and Columbus's North Market area, providing an array of street food options that cater to a variety of tastes, including an increasing focus on vegan and vegetarian options.

San Francisco vs. Columbus Restaurant Comparison

Finding your culinary comforts in a new city can turn a house into a home. This restaurant comparison between San Francisco and Columbus, OH is designed to help you discover your next top spots for dining based on your current favorites in San Francisco. From high-end to casual eats, explore places where your taste buds will feel right at home.

San FranciscoColumbusWhat You'll Love
Zuni CaféThe Guild HouseArtisanal dishes with a creative twist
Tartine BakeryFox in the Snow CaféRenowned for its bakery and casual charm
State Bird ProvisionsService BarQuirky, inventive small plates
Mission Chinese FoodNida’s Thai on HighBold flavors and inventive Asian cuisine
La TaqueriaLos Guachos TaqueriaAuthentic, highly rated tacos
Gary DankoVeritasHigh-end dining with a focus on seasonality
Swan Oyster DepotThe PearlExceptional seafood and oyster bar
Foreign CinemaThe Rossi Kitchen + BarUnique dining with a cinematic flair
Bi-Rite CreameryJeni’s Splendid Ice CreamsInnovative and beloved ice cream parlor
The Slanted DoorIndochine CaféExquisite fusion of flavors in an intimate setting

When you relocate from San Francisco to Columbus, OH, you won't have to leave your culinary preferences behind. Columbus offers a vibrant dining scene that mirrors the diversity and quality of San Francisco. For instance, The Guild House in Columbus stands out for its artistically presented dishes, much like the excellent fare you've come to expect from Zuni Café. Meanwhile, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams offers an inventive twist on traditional flavors, reminiscent of the creative scoops from Bi-Rite Creamery. Each Columbus establishment, from Los Guachos Taqueria’s authentic tacos, which rival those from La Taqueria, to the creative small plates at Service Bar, echoing the innovation at State Bird Provisions, represents the spirit and quality of San Francisco’s dining scene. This transition won’t feel like leaving old favorites behind; rather, it’s an opportunity to discover new ones.

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Ready to start your move?

San Francisco vs. Columbus Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is crucial when planning a move. Understanding how San Francisco and Columbus stand in this aspect helps make informed decisions, especially regarding housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle.

ComparisonSan FranciscoColumbus
Typical Architecture StyleVictorian and ModernColonial and Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingViews, proximity to tech hubsFamily-friendly, spacious yards

When comparing the distinct real estate landscapes of San Francisco and Columbus, it's evident that each city caters to different lifestyle preferences and budgets. The eye-watering median home price in San Francisco reflects its status as a tech hub with Victorian and modern architecture, appealing to those who prioritize urban and culturally rich environments. In contrast, Columbus, with its more accessible median home prices, showcases Colonial and Craftsman architectural styles, offering spacious yards perfect for families. Moreover, San Francisco's higher walkability score suggests a compact city where amenities are within walking distance, unlike Columbus, which might necessitate reliance on transportation for commuting and leisure, making it a crucial consideration for potential movers.

San Francisco vs. Columbus Weather Considerations

Moving from one location to another requires understanding changes you'll encounter, particularly in weather. Comparing San Francisco, CA to Columbus, OH in terms of climate will help you prepare for your new environment.

Summer icon
67°F / 53°F

San Francisco, CA

85°F / 64°F

Columbus, OH

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
57°F / 46°F

San Francisco, CA

36°F / 22°F

Columbus, OH

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
23.65

San Francisco, CA

39.09

Columbus, OH

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

San Francisco, CA

22

Columbus, OH

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSan FranciscoColumbus
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakesTornados, Severe Storms
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from the mild, temperate climate of San Francisco to the more variable weather in Columbus means preparing for hotter summers and significantly colder winters. In Columbus, you'll experience more cloud cover, resulting in fewer days of sunshine compared to San Francisco. This shift also comes with more humidity and a higher average annual UV index during summer months. An essential consideration for anyone with seasonal allergies, Columbus tends to have higher levels of pollen than San Francisco. Adjusting to these conditions will be crucial for making your new location feel like home.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from San Francisco to Columbus

When relocating from one city to another, it's pivotal to grasp how daily expenses and economic factors will differ. This comparison aims to illuminate the financial landscape you're departing and entering. Explore how San Francisco and Columbus contrast in terms of cost of living, taxation, and overarching economic health to better prepare for your move.

ComparisonSan FranciscoColumbus
Avg. Household Income$121,826$58,202
Cost of Living Index16492
State Income Tax9.34.797
Avg. Property Tax0.61.56
Avg. Sales Tax8.57.5
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Finance, TourismEducation, Government, Healthcare
AffluenceVery highModerate
PovertyModerateLower
HomelessnessHighLower

Considering a move from San Francisco to Columbus, you'll likely find a significant reduction in living costs awaiting you. Though your income might adjust, the drop in expenses from housing to taxes can lead to a similarly comfortable or even improved lifestyle. Columbus’s living index scores drastically lower, meaning your dollar stretches further, especially in real estate and daily expenses. Moreover, Ohio’s lower income and sales tax rates give your finances breathing room unbeknownst to Californians. Despite the economic disparities, both cities boast robust job markets, with San Francisco leading in tech and finance, and Columbus shining in education and healthcare—offering ample career opportunities regardless of location.

San Francisco vs. Columbus Political & Religious Comparison

This short guide provides a comparison of the politics between San Francisco & Columbus , offering a snapshot of the political and religious makeup of these cities. Understanding these aspects can help you feel more at home in your new city.

San FranciscoColumbus
Political Make-upHeavily DemocraticLeans Democratic
Local PoliticsLiberal policies and initiativesModerate, with an increasing progressive stance
ReligionLess religiously affiliatedMore religious diversity; stronger Christian presence

When you move from San Francisco to Columbus, you'll find some similarities but also notable differences in the political and religious landscapes. San Francisco is known for its heavily Democratic leanings and liberal policies, whereas Columbus, while also leaning Democratic, embraces a more moderate stance with an increasing number of progressive initiatives. On the religious front, San Francisco has a larger population of individuals who are not affiliated with a particular religion. Columbus offers more religious diversity, including a stronger presence of Christian communities. This variation can offer a refreshing new social environment for you.

San Francisco vs. Columbus Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from the bustling city of San Francisco, CA, to the more laid-back Columbus, OH, will bring significant changes to your daily commute and traffic experiences. This comparison of traffic and transportation options between San Francisco & Columbus is designed to help you better understand what to expect in terms of commuting times, congestion, and public transportation availability in your new city.

ComparisonSan FranciscoColumbus
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3423
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?YesChallenging

In San Francisco, the public transit system, including MUNI, BART, and various bus lines, is comprehensive enough that many residents find owning a car unnecessary. In fact, the city scores high for transit accessibility, making it easier for you to navigate to different parts of the city without a personal vehicle. On the other hand, Columbus offers a more limited public transit system, primarily through the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA). While it serves the central area well, you might find it more challenging to rely solely on public transportation for all your needs. Additionally, the average commute time in Columbus is significantly shorter than in San Francisco, reflecting less traffic congestion but also highlighting the city's reliance on personal vehicles for transportation.

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