Moving from Columbus to Cleveland, OH
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: Moving from Columbus to Cleveland costs between $190 to $5,798 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 143-mile route within Ohio take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Columbus to Cleveland
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Columbus to Cleveland are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Columbus to driving and unloading in Cleveland, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 143 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,463 - $4,169 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,159 - $2,004 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $188 - $344 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Herlihy Moving & Storage | $145/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Columbus to Cleveland?
It costs between $190 to $5,798 to move from Columbus to Cleveland. The prices below break down your 143-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $803 - $5,798
- Moving containers: $825 - $2,514
- Rental trucks: $190 - $397
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $803 - $3,605 | $825 - $1,410 | $190 - $298 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,463 - $4,169 | $1,159 - $2,004 | $188 - $344 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,970 - $5,798 | $1,363 - $2,514 | $249 - $397 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $273 - $2,275+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $145/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $65/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $182 - $728 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $46 - $182 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Columbus to Cleveland
At 143 miles, your Columbus to Cleveland move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Columbus to Cleveland. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Ohio, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 143 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
MVM Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Columbus to Cleveland. They've been in business since 2005 (21 years of experience) and 96.9% of their 257 verified reviews are positive.
More Ohio moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Cleveland to Columbus guide.
Considerations when moving from Columbus to Cleveland
Cost of living: Columbus vs. Cleveland
The cost of living in Columbus vs. Cleveland goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in Cleveland stacks up against Columbus.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Columbus | Cleveland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,441 | $1,295 |
| Average home cost | $233,368 | $96,509 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,327 | $39,187 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,784 | $2,490 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,249 | $6,729 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.7% | 6.8% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.5% | 8.0% |
- Rent in Cleveland is roughly 10% less expensive than in Columbus. That leaves you with extra cash for savings, entertainment, or anything else you want to spend money on.
- Home prices in Cleveland are 59% lower than in Columbus, which may make it easier to enter the housing market and get a more affordable mortgage, freeing up your budget for other priorities.
- Income in Cleveland is 40% lower than in Columbus. You may need to keep a closer eye on your budget, particularly if salaries don’t match the cost of living.
- Cost of living for a single person in Cleveland is 11% lower than in Columbus. That means you’ll probably have more room in your budget for saving, spending, or investing.
- The living costs for a family of four are 7% lower in Cleveland than in Columbus. That means your money stretches further, giving you extra room in your budget and the opportunity to enjoy an even better quality of life after your move.
- Unemployment in Cleveland is 19% higher than in Columbus. This means job hunting may be tougher and job security less certain, especially if you’re relocating without having a job lined up.
- In Cleveland, sales taxes are 7% higher than in Columbus. That means everyday buys — from groceries to gadgets — could end up costing you more.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Columbus, expect to budget around $2,670 to maintain the same lifestyle in Cleveland.
How life is different in Columbus vs. Cleveland
As you plan your move, comparing life in Columbus vs. Cleveland is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and needs. Factors like population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety can significantly impact your experience in a new place. Below is a side-by-side breakdown of key differences between Columbus and Cleveland to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Columbus | Cleveland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 905,748 | 372,624 |
| Political leaning | Republican 55-14 | Republican 55-43 |
| Summer high | 85ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 21ºF | 22ºF |
| Annual rain | 40" | 38" |
| Annual snow | 22" | 54" |
| Crime index | 49.65 | 63.41 |
Cleveland sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll find that Cleveland is about 59% less populated than Columbus. Living in a smaller city often means more peace, extra space, and lower costs, but you might miss some of the perks that come with big-city life.
- The last presidential election saw both Columbus and Cleveland siding with the Republican party.
- Summer highs in Cleveland and Columbus are nearly identical, with averages around 82°F. Moving won’t bring much climate adjustment.
- During the coldest months, both Columbus and Cleveland experience similar chilly lows, with temperatures near 21°F and 22°F.
- You won’t have to adjust to new weather conditions when you move from Columbus to Cleveland. Both spots see about the same amount of rain each year: 40 inches in Columbus and 38 inches in Cleveland.
- Cleveland sees more snow each year than Columbus, averaging about 54 inches annually, while Columbus gets 22.
- Crime rates are higher in Cleveland, with an index of 63.41, compared to Columbus at 49.65.
Things to do in Cleveland
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Cleveland has something for everyone.
Museums in Cleveland
- A Christmas Story House
- African American Museum
- ARTneo
- Artists Archives of the Western Reserve
- Baseball Heritage Museum
Parks in Cleveland
- Edgewater Park
- Cleveland Metroparks
- Cleveland Botanical Garden
- Rocky River Reservation
- Rockefeller Park & Greenhouse
Sports teams in Cleveland
- Cleveland Browns (NFL)
- Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)
- Cleveland Charge NBA G-League)
- Cleveland Crunch (MASL2)
- Cleveland Guardians (MLB)
Universities in Cleveland
- Case Western Reserve University (CWRU)
- Cleveland State University (CSU)
- Cuyahoga Community College
- Ohio Technical College
- Baldwin Wallace University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Columbus to Cleveland?
Moving your furniture from Columbus to Cleveland with a professional moving company usually ranges from $784 to $2,924. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $1,463 and $4,169. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $1,970 to $5,798 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Columbus to Cleveland?
If you’re moving from Columbus to Cleveland and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $617 to $1,448. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $1,159 and $2,004. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,363 to $2,514.
How much is a moving truck from Columbus to Cleveland?
Want to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest bet. Just remember, you’ll be in charge of both the driving and the heavy lifting. To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve included average fuel costs in our pricing so you’re not caught off guard.
Renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move will typically set you back between $194 and $301. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $188 to $344. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Columbus to Cleveland, rental prices generally fall between $249 and $397.
How far in advance should I book Columbus-to-Cleveland movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Columbus to Cleveland at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, it’s best to book your movers at least three months ahead. The sooner you reserve your Columbus-to-Cleveland movers, the better the chance you’ll get affordable rates and secure the exact moving date you need. Some movers even offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Cleveland?
If you want to save money on your move to Cleveland, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May to September), when most people relocate and prices soar. By steering clear of the busy summer months, you’ll take advantage of lower demand and lower rates.
