Best Ohio to California Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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OH to CA Moving Specialists

Moving from state to state heralds an adventure that promises new beginnings and fresh opportunities. Leaving behind Ohio's rugged charm and spirited Buckeye spirit for California's sun-kissed beaches and dynamic lifestyle can feel like stepping into a whole new world. To ensure this pivotal journey unfolds smoothly, trusting your move to professional, reliable movers is crucial—something we at Great Guys Moving take pride in facilitating with our unbiased ranking algorithm to connect you with the best in the business.

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Best Ohio to California 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
Blue Men Moving LLC9.57A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Eyring Movers9.52NRAuthorized For Property, HHGContact
Blue Men Moving LLC9.50A+Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from California to Ohio guide.

6 Best OH to CA 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 12/5/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2860641 / 26853

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans11
Registered Drivers12
Total Annual Miles Moved372,445 (2023)
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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 12/5/2024)

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 12/5/2024)

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
Blue Men Moving LLC Logo
Exceptional9.57/10
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 12/5/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3544037 / 1184394

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved78,500 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Eyring Movers Logo
Exceptional9.52/10
based on 1,186+ data points

About Eyring Movers

Eyring Movers has been moving Cleveland residents for five generations, since 1897. This moving company's extremely long history as a reliab...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Residential Moving
  • Long Distance Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/2/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

120489 / 87872

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans11
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved85,000 (2024)
View Full Review
5
Blue Men Moving LLC Logo
Exceptional9.50/10
based on 1,024+ data points

About Blue Men Moving LLC

Blue Men LLC strives to treat its clients with the golden rule in order to reduce the stress of relocation. This moving company is a locally...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential moving services
  • Commercial moving services
  • Cheap moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/5/2024)

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
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 Ohio to California

Making the move from Ohio to California is a significant life change that brings both opportunities and challenges. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation , offering insights that can help you make an informed decision. The following charts compare the cons and pros, helping to illustrate the transition between Ohio and California .

CONs
PROs
Ohio iconOhio
  • Colder winters
  • Less diverse landscapes
  • Lower job salaries
  • Fewer tech opportunities
California iconCalifornia
  • Milder winters
  • Diverse natural scenery
  • Higher job salaries
  • Thriving tech industry
California iconCalifornia
  • High cost of living
  • More impersonal
  • Expensive real estate
  • Heavy traffic
Ohio iconOhio
  • Affordable living
  • Close-knit communities
  • Lower housing prices
  • Low traffic density

When considering a move from Ohio to California, it's pivotal to weigh factors such as climate, job market, and lifestyle. California's mild winters and diverse landscapes, including the iconic beaches of California and the tech hotspot of Silicon Valley, offer significant allure. However, the high cost of living and bustling traffic in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco can be a considerable adjustment from Ohio's more laid-back and affordable lifestyle. While Ohio boasts affordable living, close-knit communities, and lower housing prices, the economic and natural scenery opportunities in California often tip the balance for many. Exploring neighborhoods, parks, and restaurants in both states can provide a taste of what life has to offer, from the quiet streets of Columbus, Ohio, to the bustling boardwalks of Venice Beach, California.

Ohio vs. California Food Guide

Comparing the local cuisine between Ohio & California highlights just how vital food is to understanding a region's culture and lifestyle. This side-by-side look at what fills the plates in these two states will help you acclimate to your new food scene.

OhioCalifornia
Most iconic local food itemBuckeye CandyCalifornia Roll
Most popular meat dishCincinnati ChiliTri-tip BBQ
Most popular street food itemPolish BoyFish Tacos
Most popular vegan foodVegetarian Cincinnati ChiliAvocado Toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Slyman's Restaurant
  • Skyline Chili
  • Schmidt’s Sausage Haus
  • Chez Panisse
  • In-N-Out Burger
  • The French Laundry
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Moving to California, you'll find a diverse and health-conscious food scene that caters to various dietary preferences, especially if you're a vegan. Neighborhoods like San Francisco's Mission District or Los Angeles's Venice offer an eclectic mix of restaurants, from the pioneering farm-to-table cuisine at Chez Panisse in Berkeley to the quintessential California experience of grabbing a burger at In-N-Out. Additionally, the abundance of food trucks throughout California cities means you're never far from discovering your next favorite meal, be it fresh fish tacos near the beach or innovative vegan dishes in downtown LA.

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Ohio vs. California Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, comparing real estate between Ohio and California is crucial for understanding your new living environment. This comparison sheds light on crucial housing aspects such as cost, style, and lifestyle to aid in your relocation decision.

ComparisonOhioCalifornia
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanSpanish, Modern
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious backyards, garage storageEco-friendly features, outdoor living spaces

Moving from Ohio to California brings stark contrasts in both housing costs and lifestyle expectations. In California, the higher cost of living is reflected in significantly higher median home prices and monthly rents. However, this cost comes with benefits such as more walkable communities and a stronger emphasis on outdoor and urban lifestyles, indicated by the higher scores in walkability, bikeability, and urban lifestyle. California homes often highlight eco-friendly features and outdoor living spaces, catering to a lifestyle that values the environment and outdoor activities. In contrast, Ohio offers more affordable housing options with features like spacious backyards and ample garage storage, appealing to those who prioritize space and affordability.

Ohio vs. California Weather Considerations

Moving from one state to another can significantly affect your daily life, especially when it comes to weather. Understanding how the climate shifts from Ohio to California is crucial for your adaptation and comfort. This comparison aims to highlight the key weather differences you should be aware of.

Summer icon
83/63

Ohio

85/60

California

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
36/20

Ohio

68/48

California

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
39

Ohio

22 (Varies greatly regionally)

California

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
28

Ohio

5 (Mostly mountain areas)

California

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonOhioCalifornia
Air QualityGoodVaries, poor in urban areas
Natural DisastersThunderstorms, TornadoesEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When moving from Ohio to California, you'll notice a stark contrast in weather conditions. California boasts a significantly higher number of sunny days and milder winters compared to Ohio. However, regional variations within California mean weather can dramatically differ from the coast to inland areas. Summer temperatures are somewhat similar, though Ohio experiences higher humidity levels. Adjusting to California also means getting accustomed to its unique natural disaster risks, such as earthquakes and wildfires, which are less common in Ohio. Additionally, air quality can be a concern in some of California's urban and industrial areas, contrasting with Ohio's generally good air quality.

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

If you're considering a move, understanding how the cost of living will compare between your current and new location is crucial. This comparison between Ohio and California offers insights into various financial aspects to help you plan your move effectively.

ComparisonOhioCalifornia
Avg. Household Income$65,720$91,551
Cost of Living Index92.85136.4
State Income Tax1.98 - 4.981 - 13.3
Avg. Property Tax1.560.77
Avg. Sales Tax7.178.66
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Health care, RetailTechnology, Agriculture, Entertainment
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessModerateHigh

While planning your move from Ohio to California, it's important to note the significant differences in economic conditions. California offers higher average household incomes, but this benefit may be offset by its significantly higher cost of living and state income tax rates. Interestingly, despite its reputation for wealth, California contends with a higher level of homelessness compared to Ohio. The contrasting top industries between the two states highlight the diverse economic landscapes, potentially requiring a shift in career focus or opportunities. Lastly, the difference in sales and property taxes can impact your long-term financial planning. These insights should help you prepare for the financial adjustments required when making the transition.

Ohio vs. California Political & Religious Comparison

As you consider making the move from Ohio to California, it’s insightful to take a moment to compare the two states' residents in terms of politics between Ohio & California, and their religious outlooks. This quick snapshot aims to provide you with a clearer picture of the communities you might soon call home.

OhioCalifornia
Political Make-upSwing State, mixed with a leaning towards conservative in rural areasLiberal, especially in urban areas such as San Francisco and Los Angeles
Local PoliticsLocal governments may lean more conservativeLocal governments often lean liberal, with strong environmental and social policies
ReligionChristianity is predominant, with a significant evangelical presenceMore religiously diverse, with higher numbers of non-religious residents

When comparing Ohio to California, the political landscape shows a stark contrast. Ohio is known for its swing state status, with rural areas tending to lean conservative, while California is predominantly liberal, particularly in its expansive urban centers such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, where local politics reflect progressive values, including environmental and social justice initiatives. On the religious front, Ohio has a strong Christian majority with a noteworthy evangelical community, in contrast to California's more diverse religious environment which includes a larger percentage of non-religious individuals. This diversity in belief systems in California leads to a mosaic of cultural practices and celebrations.

Education Guide When Moving from Ohio to California

Moving from Ohio to California brings a lot of changes, especially when it comes to education. This comparison will help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Ohio and California, enabling you to make informed decisions for your family.

OhioCalifornia

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

Ohio State University
University of Cincinnati
Miami University
University of California
Los Angeles
University of California
Berkeley
Stanford University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Indian Hill Elementary
Cincinnati
Ottawa Hills Elementary
Ottawa Hills
Granville Elementary
Granville
Point Vicente Elementary
Rancho Palos Verdes
Marsh (Harry) Elementary
San Francisco
Mission San Jose Elementary
Fremont

Top 3 Middle Schools

Bexley Middle School
Bexley
Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High
Ottawa Hills
Granville Middle School
Granville
Preuss School UCSD
La Jolla
William Hopkins Junior High
Fremont
Miller (Joaquin) Middle
San Jose

Top 3 High Schools

Walnut Hills High School
Cincinnati
Ottawa Hills High School
Ottawa Hills
Bexley High School
Bexley
California Academy of Mathematics and Science
Carson
Pacific Collegiate School
Santa Cruz
Preuss School UCSD
La Jolla

Top 3 private high schools

Hawken School
Gates Mills
Laurel School
Shaker Heights
Western Reserve Academy
Hudson
Harvard-Westlake School
Studio City
The Thacher School
Ojai
Phillips Academy Andover
Andover

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Columbus Academy
Gahanna
University School
Chagrin Falls
Hawken School
Gates Mills
Harvard-Westlake School
Studio City
The Thacher School
Ojai
The Bishop's School
La Jolla

Top 3 School Districts

Indian Hill Exempted Village School District
Ottawa Hills Local School District
Granville Exempted Village School District
Palo Alto Unified School District
La Cañada Unified School District
Santa Clara Unified School District

When comparing the educational landscape of Ohio and California, several profound differences emerge. For instance, California boasts prestigious universities like the University of California, Los Angeles, and Stanford University, which are world-renowned for their academic excellence. Additionally, California's top elementary and middle schools, such as Point Vicente Elementary in Rancho Palos Verdes and Preuss School UCSD in La Jolla, indicate a strong emphasis on foundational education. In contrast, Ohio's schools like Walnut Hills High School and Hawken School offer exceptional educational programs but in a different context. The diversity in academic offerings between Ohio and California suggests that moving families have a broad spectrum of choices, depending on their specific educational goals and preferences.

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