Moving from Dayton to Columbus, OH
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Quick answer: Moving from Dayton to Columbus costs between $80 to $4,311 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 70-mile route within Ohio take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Dayton to Columbus
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Dayton to Columbus are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Dayton to driving and unloading in Columbus, 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 70 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,250 - $3,511 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $787 - $1,651 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $104 - $155 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $140/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 Dayton to Columbus?
It costs between $80 to $4,311 to move from Dayton to Columbus. The prices below break down your 70-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $655 - $4,311
- Moving containers: $584 - $1,893
- Rental trucks: $80 - $166
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $655 - $2,931 | $584 - $1,040 | $80 - $132 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,250 - $3,511 | $787 - $1,651 | $104 - $155 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,681 - $4,311 | $1,100 - $1,893 | $119 - $166 |
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 | $240 - $2,000+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $140/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $60/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $160 - $640 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $40 - $160 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Dayton to Columbus
At 70 miles, your Dayton to Columbus 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 Dayton to Columbus. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Ohio, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 70 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
American Way Van & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Dayton to Columbus. They've been in business since 1991 (35 years of experience) and 77.2% of their 145 verified reviews are positive.
More Ohio moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Columbus to Dayton guide.
Considerations when moving from Dayton to Columbus
Cost of living: Dayton vs. Columbus
When comparing the cost of living between Dayton and Columbus, you need to look beyond housing prices. This section breaks down some key financial factors, including rent, home values, income, day-to-day expenses, and employment rates, to help you understand how life in Columbus stacks up against Dayton.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Dayton | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $925 | $1,441 |
| Average home cost | $94,536 | $233,368 |
| Average income (per capita) | $43,454 | $65,327 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,593 | $2,784 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $3,788 | $7,249 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.8% | 5.7% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.5% | 7.5% |
- Rent prices in Columbus are 56% higher than in Dayton. So, you’ll likely need to set aside more for housing, which could shrink your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Columbus are 147% higher than in Dayton, which could make buying a home more challenging. It might require a larger upfront investment and could increase your monthly mortgage payments.
- Salaries here average 50% higher than in Dayton. If your pay matches local rates, you could see a real boost to your financial well-being.
- Living expenses for one person in Columbus are 75% higher than in Dayton, so you'll probably need to tweak your budget to cover the extra expenses.
- Living costs here run about 91% higher than in Dayton. Essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare all come with a steeper price tag, making Columbus one of the more expensive cities for families.
- Unemployment in Columbus is 16% lower than in Dayton. That means you’ll enjoy a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- Since sales taxes are the same in Columbus and Dayton, you won’t see a difference in how much you pay for everyday taxable expenses.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,250 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Dayton.
How life is different in Dayton vs. Columbus
Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in Columbus vs. Dayton. Everything from weather and the population to cost of living, politics, and safety can shape your day-to-day experience. Check out this side-by-side comparison to decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Dayton | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 137,644 | 905,748 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 50-48 | Republican 55-14 |
| Summer high | 85ºF | 85ºF |
| Winter low | 21ºF | 21ºF |
| Annual rain | 40" | 40" |
| Annual snow | 17" | 22" |
| Crime index | 4.0 | 49.65 |
Columbus sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Columbus is around 558% bigger than Dayton. A move to a larger city brings more people, fresh opportunities, and richer cultural experiences, but also comes with higher living costs and a busier lifestyle. Whether that sounds thrilling or daunting really depends on what you’re looking for in your next home.
- In the last presidential election, Columbus leaned Republican, while Dayton went Democratic.
- Both Columbus and Dayton average summer highs close to 85°F. That means your daily rhythm in summer should feel familiar after the move.
- During the coldest part of the year, both Dayton and Columbus experience similar winter lows, with Dayton reaching 21°F and Columbus getting down to 21°F.
- Both Dayton and Columbus see about the same yearly rainfall—Dayton averages 40 inches, while Columbus gets 40 inches each year.
- Both Dayton and Columbus get about the same amount of snow annually—Dayton averages 17 inches, while Columbus gets 22 inches.
- Columbus has a higher crime rate than Dayton, with a crime index of 49.65 vs 4.0.
Things to do in Columbus
Craving adventure, unique culture, or live sports? Columbus has you covered.
Museums in Columbus
- Beeler Gallery
- Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum
- Central Ohio Fire Museum
- Columbus Historical Society
- Columbus Museum of Art
Parks in Columbus
- Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
- Scioto Mile
- Topiary Garden
- Schiller Park
- Whetstone Park / Park of Roses
Sports teams in Columbus
- Columbus Crew (MLS)
- Ohio State Buckeyes (NCAA)
- Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)
- Columbus Clippers (AAAE)
Universities in Columbus
- Ohio State University
- Columbus State Community College
- Capital University Law School
- Columbus College of Art
- Design, Fortis College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Dayton to Columbus?
If you’re hiring a professional moving company to get your stuff from Dayton to Columbus, expect to pay between $548 and $2,496 to move just a few items or a small bedroom. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually run between $1,250 and $3,511. Moving a home with four or more bedrooms? You’re looking at anywhere from $1,681 up to $4,311 for the trip.
How much are moving container companies from Dayton to Columbus?
If you’re moving from Dayton to Columbus and thinking about using moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually start around $455 and go up to $1,100. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs typically fall between $787 and $1,651. For larger moves—think four or five bedrooms—expect to spend somewhere between $1,100 and $1,893.
How much is a moving truck from Dayton to Columbus?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $86 to $137. A larger move will cost $104 to $155, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Dayton to Columbus costs from $119 to $166.
How far in advance should I book Dayton-to-Columbus movers?
For the smoothest experience, try to book your move from Dayton to Columbus at least two months before your moving date. Planning a summer move? Aim for at least three months in advance, since that’s the busiest season. Locking in your Dayton-to-Columbus movers early not only helps you snag your preferred date, but it can also score you the best prices. Some moving companies even sweeten the deal with early-bird discounts when you book ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Columbus?
To save money on your move to Columbus, plan it between early October and late April. Moving outside the busy May-to-September season means less competition and better rates, helping you avoid peak prices and busy schedules.
