($422+) Columbus, OH to Jersey City, NJ Movers
Moving from Columbus, OH, to Jersey City, NJ, runs anywhere from $422 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,340 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 532 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,255, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,340 or more.
- Moving containers run $957 - $3,118, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $422 - $1,131.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Columbus, OH, to Jersey City, NJ. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,191 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Columbus, OH to Jersey City, NJ
Moving options from Columbus to Jersey City fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,191 - $5,574 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 43% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 80% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 532 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 532-mile route from Columbus to Jersey City, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,255 - $3,884 | $957 - $1,616 | $422 - $776 | $853 - $1,609 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,191 - $5,574 | $1,239 - $2,351 | $432 - $975 | $952 - $1,956 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,808 - $8,340 | $1,569 - $3,118 | $584 - $1,131 | $1,242 - $2,324 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Columbus, OH to Jersey City, NJ
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 532-mile move from Columbus, Ohio, to Jersey City, New Jersey, with costs ranging from $1,255 - $8,340. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $332 - $2,212. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Columbus and Jersey City. Local movers in Columbus typically start around $325 as a base rate plus $145/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Columbus to Jersey City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,255 - $3,884
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,191 - $5,574
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,808 - $8,340
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Columbus to Jersey City.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Columbus, OH to Jersey City, NJ
Specialty needs vary by market: 65% of Columbus movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Jersey City, 61% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $553 - $5,530 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready65% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All American Moving and Storage | $221 - $1,327/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $332 - $2,654 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage17% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs54% of local movers | $1,106 - $3,318 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,765 - $11,060 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $828 - $1,574 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items11% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: E.E. Ward Moving & Storage | $1,106 - $2,765 |
| Piano | Any piano type46% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: MVM Moving & Storage | $885 - $3,871 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $332 - $1,659 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Integrity Moving & Storage | $719 - $2,212 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $332 - $16,590+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $332 - $3,871+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Columbus to Jersey City?
Look for New Jersey Warehouse & Movers Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in New Jersey beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Columbus, OH. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Columbus, OH to Jersey City, NJ
Moving containers from Columbus, Ohio, to Jersey City, New Jersey, cost between $957 and $3,118. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Jersey City. If you go over that window, storage in Columbus adds around $65/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Columbus to Jersey City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $957 - $1,616
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,239 - $2,351
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,569 - $3,118
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Columbus, OH, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $774, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $83 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $166 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Columbus, OH, and Jersey City, NJ, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Ohio to New Jersey move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $957. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,239 - $2,351.
What are the best moving containers Columbus to Jersey City?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Columbus to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Columbus:
- MVM Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 21 years in business
- All American Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 23 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 32 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Columbus, OH to Jersey City, NJ
Truck rentals from Columbus, Ohio, to Jersey City, New Jersey, range from $422 - $1,131 for the 532-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $187 - $214
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Columbus daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Columbus to Jersey City based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $422 - $776
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $432 - $975
- 4+ bedrooms: $584 - $1,131
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $422 - $1,131 when pricing out a rental truck from Columbus to Jersey City. Fuel alone runs $187 - $214, and overnight lodging ($166/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $166 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Columbus, Ohio, usually costs about $774 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 532-mile drive falls between $187 and $214, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $55 and $332 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Columbus to Jersey City?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Columbus, OH to Jersey City, NJ
For larger DIY moves from Columbus, Ohio, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Jersey City, New Jersey.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $952 and $1,956.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Columbus to Jersey City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $853 - $1,609
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $952 - $1,956
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,242 - $2,324
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Columbus, Ohio, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $774.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $83 and $166 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Columbus to Jersey City?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Jersey City fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Columbus, OH vs Jersey City, NJ
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Jersey City, side by side with Columbus on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Columbus, OH | Jersey City, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 91 | 140 |
| Average rent | $1,441/mo | $2,975/mo |
| Median home value | $233,368 | $538,163 |
| Average income | $65,327/yr | $94,813/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.7% | 8.3% |
| State income tax | Up to 3.5% | Up to 10.7% |
| Walkability score | 41/100 | 87/100 |
| Safety index | 50.35/100 | 56.79/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Jersey City, NJ to Columbus, OH guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Ohio to New Jersey, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 282 movers in Ohio, so you have real options to compare for this 532-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Columbus, OH, to Jersey City, NJ, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,255 for a studio to $8,340 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 532-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $957 - $3,118. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $422 - $1,131, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,191 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Kuehne + Nagel International AG and Tokio Marine Management.
FAQs: Moving from Columbus, OH, to Jersey City, NJ
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Columbus, OH to Jersey City, NJ?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What is the best time of year to move from Columbus, OH to Jersey City, NJ?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from Columbus, OH to Jersey City, NJ take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 6 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($187 - $214), daily insurance ($33/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $22) on top. Overnight stops can add another $166/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Columbus, OH to Jersey City, NJ?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $432 - $975. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Columbus movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 46% of movers in Columbus handle piano moves, and 11% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.