Moving from Toledo to Columbus, OH
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Quick answer: Moving from Toledo to Columbus costs between $183 to $5,743 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 140-mile route within Ohio take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Toledo to Columbus
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Toledo to Columbus are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Toledo 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 140 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,477 - $4,169 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,115 - $2,105 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $188 - $380 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | A.B.C. Movers Inc. | $120/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 Toledo to Columbus?
It costs between $183 to $5,743 to move from Toledo to Columbus. The prices below break down your 140-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $854 - $5,743
- Moving containers: $843 - $2,489
- Rental trucks: $183 - $401
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $854 - $3,641 | $843 - $1,455 | $183 - $304 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,477 - $4,169 | $1,115 - $2,105 | $188 - $380 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,051 - $5,743 | $1,478 - $2,489 | $244 - $401 |
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 | $231 - $1,925+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $120/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $60/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $154 - $616 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $39 - $154 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Toledo to Columbus
At 140 miles, your Toledo 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 Toledo to Columbus. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Ohio, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 140 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
MVM Moving & Storage is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Toledo to Columbus. They've been in business since 2005 (21 years of experience) and 93.8% of their 256 verified reviews are positive.
More Ohio moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Columbus to Toledo guide.
Considerations when moving from Toledo to Columbus
Cost of living: Toledo vs. Columbus
Comparing life in Toledo and Columbus goes beyond just looking at housing prices. We’ll break down key financial factors, like rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends, so you can get a clear picture of how living in Columbus stacks up against Toledo.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Toledo | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $900 | $1,441 |
| Average home cost | $103,771 | $233,368 |
| Average income (per capita) | $47,532 | $65,327 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,830 | $2,784 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,938 | $7,249 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.7% | 5.7% |
| Average Sales Tax | 7.3% | 7.5% |
- Rent prices in Columbus are 60% higher than in Toledo. You can expect to pay more for housing, which could leave you with less money for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Columbus are 125% higher than in Toledo. That means you might face a steeper down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- Income in Columbus is 37% higher than in Toledo, which could mean greater earning potential and improved financial stability, especially if your salary aligns with the local average.
- Cost of living for one person is 52% higher in Columbus compared to Toledo. Make sure to adjust your budget to account for these higher expenses.
- If you’re moving your family to Columbus, expect living costs to be about 47% higher than in Toledo. Expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will probably go up, making Columbus a pricier choice for families.
- The unemployment rate in Columbus is 15% lower than in Toledo, which suggests a stronger job market with more employment opportunities and greater economic stability.
- Sales taxes match in Columbus and Toledo, so your day-to-day spending on taxable goods shouldn’t be affected by the move.
If you’re used to living on $3,000 a month in Toledo, you’d need roughly $4,560 to maintain the same lifestyle in Columbus.
How life is different in Toledo vs. Columbus
Before you move, see how life stacks up in Columbus compared to Toledo. You should compare everything from weather and cost of living to politics, safety, and population. This side-by-side breakdown will help you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.
| Toledo | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 270,871 | 905,748 |
| Political leaning | Republican 55-45 | Republican 55-14 |
| Summer high | 85ºF | 85ºF |
| Winter low | 19ºF | 21ºF |
| Annual rain | 34" | 40" |
| Annual snow | 31" | 22" |
| Crime index | 67.44 | 49.65 |
Columbus sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Columbus is approximately 234% greater than the population of Toledo. Moving to a larger city means more of everything: people, opportunity, noise, cost, culture, and complexity. Whether that’s exciting or overwhelming depends on your preferences and goals.
- Toledo and Columbus both voted Republican in the last election.
- Moving between Toledo and Columbus won’t bring major summer surprises. With highs near 85°F in both cities, your summer lifestyle should stay consistent.
- During the chilliest months, both Toledo and Columbus experience similar lows—expect 19°F in Toledo and 21°F in Columbus.
- Columbus sees more rain each year than Toledo, averaging about 40 inches annually, while Toledo gets only 34 inches.
- Toledo sees more annual snowfall than Columbus, averaging 31 inches compared to Columbus’s 22.
- You’ll feel safer in Columbus, thanks to its lower crime index (49.65) compared to Toledo (67.44).
Things to do in Columbus
Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in Columbus.
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 Toledo to Columbus?
Shipping furniture from Toledo to Columbus with a mover will cost between $800 and $2,984. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,477–$4,169, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Toledo to Columbus will cost from $2,051–$5,743.
How much are moving container companies from Toledo to Columbus?
If you're moving from Toledo to Columbus and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $623 to $1,463. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $1,115 and $2,105. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $1,478 up to $2,489.
How much is a moving truck from Toledo to Columbus?
If you want to keep costs down, renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just remember, you’ll be responsible for driving and all the heavy lifting. We’ve included estimated fuel costs in our pricing, so there are no surprises.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, you’ll usually spend between $185 and $307. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $188 to $380. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Toledo to Columbus, truck rental prices typically range from $244 up to $401.
How far in advance should I book Toledo-to-Columbus movers?
For a smooth move from Toledo to Columbus, book your movers at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, try to secure your moving reservation three months ahead. Early booking not only increases your chances of getting your preferred date but can also help you snag lower rates. Some companies even throw in early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Columbus?
To score the best moving deals to Columbus, plan your move between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means you’ll spend less and have an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
