Ohio to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Ohio to California

ConsOhio

• Harsh winter snow
• Humid summer heat
• No ocean access
• Flat landscapes
• Fewer tech jobs
• Limited public transit
• Fewer nonstop flights
• Shorter growing season
• Smaller arts scene
• Fewer national parks

ProsCalifornia

• Mild coastal winters
• Cool ocean breezes
• Pacific Ocean beaches
• Mountains and coastline
• Silicon Valley jobs
• More transit options
• Major international hubs
• Year-round produce
• Major cultural hubs
• Iconic national parks

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California

• Expensive housing market
• Higher state taxes
• Heavy traffic congestion
• Longer commute times
• Drought and restrictions
• Wildfire season threats
• Scarce urban parking
• Higher insurance rates
• Higher utility rates
• Farther from Midwest

Ohio

• Lower home prices
• Lower taxes
• Less traffic congestion
• Shorter commutes
• Abundant freshwater
• Lower wildfire risk
• Easier parking
• Lower insurance costs
• Lower utility rates
• Central U.S. access

Pros of moving from Ohio to California

• Say goodbye to harsh winter snow and hello to mild coastal winters
• Look forward to moving away from humid summer heat and moving to California with cool ocean breezes
• Swap the lack of ocean access in Ohio for Pacific Ocean beaches in California
• Get ready for mountains and coastline in California

Cons of moving from Ohio to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from lower home prices in Ohio to live with an expensive housing market in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of lower taxes and have to settle for the con of higher state taxes
• Time to bid farewell to less traffic congestion and get used to heavy traffic congestion in California
• Swap shorter commutes for longer commute times

Ohio vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Ohio to California, you will be trading the iconic Buckeye Candy of Ohio for the equally delicious California Roll of California. And while the locals in Ohio rave about their flavorful Cincinnati Chili and sumptuous Polish Boy, California residents know they have tasty Tri-tip BBQ and Fish Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetarian Cincinnati Chili they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Avocado Toast of California. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Ohio eateries like Slyman's Restaurant, Skyline Chili, and Schmidt’s Sausage Haus. After the boxes are unpacked in California, don't wait too long before making your way to California's acclaimed eateries like Chez Panisse, In-N-Out Burger, and The French Laundry.

When comparing lifestyles, California shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Ohio. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in California compared to what you are used to in Ohio. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in California.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Ohio and California

• The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that Ohio is known for will be replaced with the Spanish and Modern architecture typical of California.
• Compared to Ohio's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards and garage storage, California real estate listings often highlight features like eco-friendly elements and outdoor living spaces.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; California is more walkable than Ohio.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; California is more bike-friendly than Ohio.
• California has more of an urban feel than Ohio.
• California housing costs are 251% more expensive than they are in Ohio, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to Ohio’s $223,135.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased by 42% compared to a 49% increase in Ohio.
• Rent in California is 88.34% more expensive than in Ohio.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Ohio and California

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Ohio to California. California gets 61% more sunshine days than Ohio.
• California has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Ohio.
• Say goodbye to the possible thunderstorms and tornadoes in Ohio, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and wildfires in California.
• The average summer high temperature in California is 2 degrees warmer than in Ohio.
• The average winter lows are 28 degrees warmer than they are in Ohio.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in California. California receives 17 fewer inches of rain compared to Ohio.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Ohio and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 39% more than those in Ohio
• The COLI in California will be 47% higher than what you are used to living in Ohio
• The state income tax in CA is 13.3% compared to 2.85% in OH
• The affluence in California is high compared to moderate affluence in Ohio
• The poverty level is significant in California compared to moderate poverty in Ohio
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Ohio and high in California

Political and Religious Climate in Ohio vs. California

• Ohio tends to lean swing state, mixed with a leaning towards conservative in rural areas in its political climate
• California, on the other hand, is often described as liberal, especially in urban areas such as San Francisco and Los Angeles
• California's religious environment can be described as more religiously diverse, with higher numbers of non-religious residents
• Ohio's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity being predominant, with a significant evangelical presence

How Much Do Ohio to California Movers Cost?

Moving 2,439 miles from Ohio to California will typically cost between $4,000 and $9,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.