Best Oakland to Columbus Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Oakland to Columbus and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,411 mile move from California to Ohio go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 31 Oakland to Columbus moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is OCD Moving Services LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $9,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Oakland compared to Columbus. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best Oakland to Columbus Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1OCD Moving Services LLC9.669.47Authorized For HHGContact
2Blue Men Moving LLC9.569.71Authorized For Property, HHGContact
3Manifest Shipping Llc9.189.35Authorized For HHGContact
4Fairprice Movers8.879.12Authorized For HHGContact
5Upline Moving8.608.62Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Oakland to Columbus

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,411 miles from Oakland, CA to Columbus, OH will cost on average $3,832 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Oakland to Columbus move is roughly $9,256. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,569300 ft³8.56
1 Bedroom$3,832450 ft³8.51
2 Bedrooms$6,348750 ft³8.46
3 Bedrooms$9,2561100 ft³8.41
4 Bedrooms$13,3831600 ft³8.36
5+ Bedrooms$14,9661800 ft³8.31
*Please note: These California to Ohio moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & Ohio. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed CA to OH mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Columbus to Oakland guide.

Compare the 5 Best Oakland to Columbus Movers

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

OCD Moving Services LLC Logo

OCD Moving Services LLC

Exceptional9.66/10
based on 3,273+ data points

5914 Cobblestone Ct

El Sobrante, CA, 94803

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

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

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

Blue Men Moving LLC

Exceptional9.56/10
based on 1,226+ data points

10445 Blacklick-Eastern Rd NW

Pickerington, OH, 43147

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...

Services

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3544037 / 1184394

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved78,500 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Manifest Shipping Llc Logo

Manifest Shipping Llc

Exceptional9.18/10
based on 452+ data points

501 Southwick Pl

Trenton, OH, 45067

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...

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
3
Fairprice Movers Logo

Fairprice Movers

Superb8.87/10
based on 325+ data points

Berkeley, CA, 94720

About Fairprice Movers

Established in 2012, Fairprice Movers is a moving company headquartered in San Jose, California. The company offers a highly personalized moving...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial and Office Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2192738 / 768242

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved89,000 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Upline Moving Logo

Upline Moving

Fabulous8.60/10
based on 3,350+ data points

30956 San Clemente St

Hayward, CA, 94544

About Upline Moving

For smooth local, statewide, and nationwide residential relocations, Upline Moving is your trusted partner. Based in Hayward, it serves the community...

Services

  • Residential movers
  • Long distance movers
  • Local movers

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1881933 / 678648

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved150,000 (2012)
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.

Oakland vs. Columbus Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the local neighborhoods. That's why we've created a guide to help you find a little piece of home in a new place. Through a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Oakland, CA & Columbus, OH , we'll help you familiarize yourself with an unknown city using your existing city as a baseline. Let's take a closer look!

OaklandColumbusHow They're Similar
RockridgeClintonvilleLaid-back, artsy vibe
Piedmont AvenueShort NorthEclectic, vibrant shops
MontclairGerman VillageQuaint, historic charm
TemescalItalian VillageTrendy, foodie paradise
Jack London SquareBrewery DistrictWaterfront dining, entertainment
Grand LakeVictorian VillagePicturesque, near parks
West OaklandFranklintonUp-and-coming, arts scene
Lake MerrittDiscovery DistrictCultural hub, green spaces
North OaklandUniversity DistrictYouthful, academic atmosphere
Uptown OaklandDowntown ColumbusUrban, lively nightlife

Each of these neighborhoods offers something unique. If you're moving from Oakland and love the eclectic, vibrant atmosphere of Piedmont Avenue, you'll find a similar buzz in Columbus's Short North area, known for its diverse arts scene and monthly Gallery Hop. Temescal's affinity for top-notch eateries and indie shops has a counterpart in Columbus's Italian Village, where food enthusiasts gather for innovative dining experiences at establishments like Fox in the Snow Cafe. For those who enjoy spending time outdoors, the picturesque views and recreational activities around Lake Merritt are mirrored by Columbus's Victorian Village, offering access to parks such as Goodale Park, along with a mix of historic charm and modern conveniences. This guide will ease your transition and maybe even help you find your new favorite spot.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Oakland to Columbus

Moving from one city to another offers a unique opportunity to weigh the benefits against the drawbacks of each location. This guide aims to present an honest reflection of the good and bad aspects of relocating from Oakland, CA, to Columbus, OH , helping you make an informed decision. By comparing critical factors side by side, you'll gain insights into how your life might change for better or worse.

CONs
PROs
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Earthquake risk
Columbus, OH iconColumbus, OH
  • More affordable housing
  • Less congestion
  • Lower natural disaster risk
Columbus, OH iconColumbus, OH
  • Colder winters
  • Smaller cultural scene
  • No ocean nearby
Oakland, CA iconOakland, CA
  • Mild winters
  • Vibrant culture
  • Coastal access

When moving from Oakland to Columbus, you're trading the beautiful Bay Area beaches for the charm of Midwest life. You might miss weekend trips to Jack London Square or dining at world-renowned Brown Sugar Kitchen, but Columbus has its own gems like the Scioto Mile for picturesque walks and the North Market for diverse culinary exploration. Columbus' vibrant Short North neighborhood is a burgeoning hub for arts, dining, and nightlife, somewhat akin to Oakland's Uptown district but with a distinct Midwestern flair. While you may have to bid farewell to the mild winters of Northern California, Columbus welcomes you with a strong sense of community and seasons that truly change, offering snow-covered winters that transform into vivid, green springs.

Oakland vs. Columbus Food Guide

Food reflects the soul of a city and plays a significant role in experiencing local culture. That's why we're diving into a comparison of the local cuisine between Oakland & Columbus . This comparison will give you a taste (pun intended!) of what to expect in terms of culinary delights as you transition from the vibrant Bay Area to the heart of the Midwest.

OaklandColumbus
Most iconic local food itemSourdough BreadBuckeye Candy
Most popular meat dishKorean BBQBratwurst
Most popular street food itemTacosFood Truck Philly Cheesesteak
Most popular vegan foodTempeh ReubenJackfruit BBQ Sandwich
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Commis
  • Shakewell
  • Millennium
  • The Thurman Café
  • Schmidt’s Sausage Haus
  • Wolf's Ridge Brewing
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Exploring the culinary landscapes of Oakland and Columbus reveals distinctive local flavors and community favorites. In Oakland, the Temescal neighborhood is the breeding ground for innovative street food and avant-garde dining experiences, with a noticeable emphasis on sustainable and vegan-friendly options. Commis and Millennium are not just dining destinations but are central to Oakland's foodie narrative, offering dishes that are as visually appealing as they are delicious. Meanwhile, in Columbus, the Short North and German Village offer a deep dive into Midwest cuisine, where establishments like The Thurman Café and Schmidt’s Sausage Haus pay homage to the city's rich culinary heritage with locally sourced ingredients. Whether it’s the artisanal sourdough of Oakland or the handmade Buckeye Candy of Columbus, each city offers a unique gastronomic journey reflective of its culture.

Oakland vs. Columbus Restaurant Comparison

Finding comfort in a new city often starts with discovering your go-to places to eat. This comparison of top restaurants from Oakland to Columbus is designed to ease your transition, helping you find new favorite spots that echo the flavor and ambiance of your old haunts. Whether you're craving fine dining or a casual bite, we've got you covered.

OaklandColumbusWhat You'll Love
CommisVeritasContemporary American cuisine with a focus on innovation and finesse
ShakewellBarcelona RestaurantVibrant Spanish tapas that capture the essence of Mediterranean flavors
Brown Sugar KitchenHot Chicken TakeoverHomestyle and heartwarming, known for comfort food with a kick
MillenniumEden BurgerPlant-based dining that doesn't compromise on flavor or creativity
Laurel HardwareThe Guild HouseArtisanal eats in a chic setting, promoting local ingredients
The Fat LadyThe PearlGastropub fare with a twist, emphasizing craft cocktails and a cozy atmosphere
Ramen ShopFukuryu RamenAuthentic Japanese flavors with a modern approach to ramen
PizzaioloHarvest PizzeriaGourmet pizzas with a focus on local, sustainable ingredients
Donut SavantDuck DonutsCustomizable, made-to-order donuts, celebrated for their freshness and variety
HomeroomMac's Proper PubA comfort-food haven specializing in elevated mac and cheese dishes

When venturing into Columbus's culinary scene, you'll discover unique flavors that mirror the diversity and quality of Oakland's restaurants. For instance, Veritas stands out not just for its contemporary American dishes but for its artistic approach to cuisine, reminiscent of the experience at Commis. If it's the homely yet infused flavors of Mediterranean cuisine you miss from Shakewell, Barcelona Restaurant in Columbus offers an ambrosial escape with its Spanish tapas. And for those who relish the innovative plant-based dishes of Millennium, Eden Burger provides a compelling reason to become your new favorite with its imaginative and eco-conscious menu. In moving from Oakland to Columbus, you'll find that each meal opens a door to exploring vibrant local ingredients, artisanal meals, and the communal joy of dining, ensuring that the spirit of your old haunts is never too far away.

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Oakland vs. Columbus Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, evaluating real estate in Oakland, CA versus Columbus, OH is vital. This comparison explores housing characteristics crucial for making an informed decision.

ComparisonOaklandColumbus
Typical Architecture StyleVictorian, CraftsmanColonial, Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingViews, Hardwood FloorsOpen Spaces, Modern Appliances

The differences in housing costs between Oakland and Columbus are stark, with median home prices and rent significantly higher in Oakland. This reflects the broader cost of living and the demand for housing in each city. Oakland's urban lifestyle scores higher, likely due to its density, diversity, and proximity to San Francisco. However, Columbus is catching up, with thriving Short North and German Village neighborhoods offering a vibrant urban experience. Both cities showcase a mix of architectural styles, but the prevalence of views and hardwood floors in Oakland listings underscores the city's hilly terrain and historic housing stock.

Oakland vs. Columbus Weather Considerations

Understanding how the weather compares between your current and future homes is vital for a smooth transition. This comparison between Oakland, CA, and Columbus, OH, emphasizes the weather differences you'll encounter, from annual sunshine days to annual snowfall. Knowing these variations will help you prepare adequately for your move.

Summer icon
72°F / 56°F

Oakland, CA

85°F / 65°F

Columbus, OH

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
58°F / 44°F

Oakland, CA

36°F / 22°F

Columbus, OH

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
23"

Oakland, CA

39"

Columbus, OH

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0"

Oakland, CA

28"

Columbus, OH

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonOaklandColumbus
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakesTornadoes, Floods
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Oakland to Columbus will introduce you to a more varied climate, particularly in terms of winter weather and annual sunshine. Columbus experiences significantly colder winters with substantial snowfall, unlike Oakland's mild, wet winters and virtually no snow. Additionally, while Oakland enjoys more sunny days, Columbus offers a distinct four-season experience, which may require adjustments in your outdoor activities and wardrobe. The difference in air quality and prevalent seasonal allergies might also necessitate some health considerations post-move.

Ready to start your move?

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

When moving from Oakland, CA to Columbus, OH, it's pivotal to understand the differences in financial aspects you'll encounter. This includes income, taxes, and cost of living. Recognizing these contrasts is key to a smooth transition and can help manage your expectations and budget effectively.

ComparisonOaklandColumbus
Avg. Household Income$82,236$58,202
Cost of Living Index139.192
State Income Tax9.34.797
Avg. Property Tax0.791.56
Avg. Sales Tax9.257.50
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Healthcare, TradeEducational services, Healthcare, Retail trade
AffluenceModerately AffluentEmerging Affluence
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessHighLow

Moving from Oakland, CA to Columbus, OH, you'll note the substantial change in the Cost of Living Index with Oakland being significantly higher. This means your money could go further in Columbus, especially in housing and daily expenses. However, this is balanced by a lower Average Household Income in Columbus. While state income and sales taxes are lower in Ohio, property tax rates are higher, which could affect homeowners. Both cities boast diverse industry sectors, but the shift from technology in Oakland to education and healthcare in Columbus may influence job opportunities relevant to your career. Understanding these financial nuances will help you navigate the economic landscape of your new city.

Oakland vs. Columbus Political & Religious Comparison

Moving from one city to another involves not only a change of scenery but also a shift in the cultural, political, and religious landscape. This quick snapshot provides a glance at the comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Oakland & Columbus, helping you understand the community you're about to join.

OaklandColumbus
Political Make-upHeavily DemocraticDemocratic-leaning
Local PoliticsStrong focus on social justice and community engagementEmphasizes economic development and sustainability
ReligionDiverse, with a significant number of non-religious residentsMix of religious beliefs, with Christianity being predominant

While both cities tilt towards Democratic political views, Oakland has a more pronounced emphasis on social justice issues, reflecting its historically strong activism scene. Columbus, while also Democratic-leaning, tends to prioritize economic growth and environmental sustainability initiatives. Religion plays a different role in social life in each city. In Oakland, a broad spectrum of beliefs reflects the city's diversity, including a considerable portion of residents identifying as non-religious. In contrast, Columbus hosts a more traditional religious landscape dominated by Christian values but still boasts a variety of faiths and beliefs within its community.

Oakland vs. Columbus Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from one city to another can significantly impact your daily commute and how you navigate your new surroundings. To help you better understand what to expect, this guide offers a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Oakland & Columbus . Whether you're driving or relying on public transportation, knowing the differences can assist in a smoother transition.

ComparisonOaklandColumbus
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)29.223.4
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?Yes, with some planningYes, but it’s challenging

When relocating from Oakland to Columbus, you'll notice significant differences in your daily commute. Oakland, with its higher traffic congestion score, relies heavily on a well-established public transit system, including options like BART and buses, making it feasible to live without a car if you plan accordingly. In contrast, Columbus offers a more car-dependent environment, albeit with less traffic congestion. However, the city is working to improve its public transit system, COTA, although it currently doesn't match Oakland's coverage or frequency. Keep this in mind as you prepare for your move, especially if you're used to not needing a car for your daily activities.

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