The best local movers for St. Louis to Columbus moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in St. Louis that also handles long-distance moves to Columbus. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 13 local movers in St. Louis who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from St. Louis to Columbus.
- Arch Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Simple Moves: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- McGuire Moving and Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- ABC Quality Moving & Storage: 4.56 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2969512
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 2969512
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 714664
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 1653733
Pricing: $145/hr
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 1653733
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2256609
Years in Business: 45
DOT #: 2256609
Alternate Names: McGuire Moving Co.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Company Info
State license #: 987335
Years in Business: 36
DOT #: 987335
Alternate Names: ABC Quality Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from St. Louis to Columbus?
The average hourly rate for movers in Missouri is $128. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,041 – $3,073 | $664 – $1,547 | $343 – $650 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,800 – $4,834 | $1,134 – $2,238 | $377 – $747 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,963 – $6,909 | $1,488 – $2,803 | $482 – $971 |
Cost to hire movers from St. Louis to Columbus
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from St. Louis to Columbus will cost between $1,041 and $3,073. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from St. Louis to St. Louis will range from $1,800 to $4,834, and a large move from St. Louis to Columbus will cost from $2,963 to $6,909.
Cost of moving containers from St. Louis to Columbus
If you’re moving from St. Louis to Columbus, expect to pay between $664 and $1,547 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,134 up to $2,238. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,488 and $2,803. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Missouri.
Cost of moving truck rentals from St. Louis to Columbus
Renting a moving truck from St. Louis to Columbus is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $343 and $650. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $377 and $747. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $482 up to $971 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from St. Louis to Columbus
The cost of St. Louis movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,360, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $5,514.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in St. Louis, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($343–$868) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from St. Louis to Columbus
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Columbus runs about 8% higher for singles and 10% higher for families than St. Louis.
Singles spend around $2,784 in St. Louis versus $2,589 in St. Louis; families pay $7,249 compared with $6,573.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| St. Louis | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,567 | |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,957 | |
| Average home value | $171,463 | $238,832 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,090 | $65,075 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,589 | $2,784 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,573 | $7,249 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.3% | 5.7% |
| Sales tax | 9.68% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 4.8% | 3.5% |
- Rent is estimated to be 15% higher in Columbus compared to St. Louis; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 39% greater in Columbus than in St. Louis.
- Fortunately, the average income in Columbus and St. Louis is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Columbus, since the cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 8% higher than in St. Louis. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- When relocating to Columbus, it’s important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 10% greater than in St. Louis.
- Columbus enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 10% lower compared to St. Louis, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 23% in Columbus compared to St. Louis, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 27% less in Ohio than in Missouri. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between St. Louis and Columbus:
| Living Expense | St. Louis | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $263.89 | |
| Cell phone plan | $60.77 | |
| Dozen eggs | $3.21 | |
| Loaf of bread | $2.98 | |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | |
| Gym membership | $46.25 |
How life is different in St. Louis vs. Columbus
| St. Louis | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 293,310 | 905,748 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 66 | 41 |
| Bike friendliness score | 58 | 48 |
| Crime index | 69.65 | 49.65 |
| Safety index | 30.35 | 50.35 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Columbus’s population is about 209% greater than St. Louis.
- Columbus’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than St. Louis’s score of 8.
- Columbus is less walkable than St. Louis with a score of 41 out of 100 vs St. Louis’s 66 out of 100.
- Columbus has a bike-friendliness score of 48 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as St. Louis, which has a score of 58.
- Columbus’s crime rate is lower than St. Louis with a score of 49.65 compared to St. Louis’s 69.65. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and St. Louis neighborhoods are safer than 69.65%.
- Columbus is considered to be safer than St. Louis with a safety index of 50.35 vs St. Louis’s 30.35.
- Air quality in Columbus is Good, and in St. Louis it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your St. Louis to Columbus move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Ohio doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Columbus. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Columbus
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to The Arch City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Columbus.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Short North
- Victorian Village
- Clintonville
- Grandview Heights
- Ashville
- Dublin
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bexley
- Clintonville
- Gahanna
- Hilliard
- Upper Arlington
Things to do in Columbus
Once you’re settled into your new home in Ohio, it’s time to get out and discover what Columbus has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Columbus, such as the Beeler Gallery, Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, Central Ohio Fire Museum, and Columbus Historical Society.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Scioto Mile, Topiary Garden, and Schiller Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Columbus Crew (MLS)Ohio State Buckeyes (NCAA)Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)Columbus Clippers (AAAE) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from St. Louis to Columbus?
The best time to move from St. Louis to Columbus is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in St. Louis.
When is the cheapest time to move from St. Louis to Columbus?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from St. Louis to Columbus, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from St. Louis to Columbus take?
Moving from St. Louis, MO to Columbus, covers 416 miles and usually takes one to four days. Need to move faster? Some St. Louis movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Columbus.
Which movers in St. Louis give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in St. Louis?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 9 movers in St. Louis advertise piano moving expertise. 5 movers in St. Louis provide antique moving services. State totals show 38 piano movers and 22 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
St. Louis moving services
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