Highly rated local moving companies for Houston to Columbus moves
Organizing a move from Houston to Columbus can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 49 local movers in Houston known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Houston to Columbus.
- A Better Tripp Moving & Storage: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Square Cow: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Johnnie T. Melia Moving & Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 005972633C
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 679167
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 000534796B
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1914113
Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 007018347C
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 006362543C
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1748594
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 0000005457
Years in Business: 56
DOT #: 436264
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Houston to Columbus?
On average, moving companies in Texas charge about $131 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,237 – $4,798 | $908 – $2,177 | $692 – $1,316 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,729 – $6,492 | $1,548 – $3,101 | $810 – $1,648 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,196 – $8,466 | $2,158 – $3,977 | $938 – $2,028 |
Cost to hire movers from Houston to Columbus
When planning a move to Columbus from Houston, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,237 and $4,798. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,729 and $6,492 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,196 to $8,466.
Cost of moving containers from Houston to Columbus
When you’re heading from Houston to Columbus, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $908 and $2,177. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,548 and $3,101. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,158 to $3,977. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Texas easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Houston to Columbus
A moving rental truck from Houston to Columbus is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $692 to $1,316. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $810 to $1,648, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Houston to Columbus costs around $938 to $2,028.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Houston to Columbus
The cost of Houston movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Houston to Columbus may only cost $2,441, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $7,303.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Houston.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($692–$1,837), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Houston to Columbus
Overall, Houston and Columbus land in a similar cost of living range, so your monthly outlay shouldn’t swing dramatically.
Singles average $2,784 in Columbus and $2,770 in Houston, while families in Columbus see $7,249 versus $7,157 in Columbus.
Here’s how the everyday expenses compare across both cities:
| Houston | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,658 | $1,567 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,195 | $2,957 |
| Average home value | $263,945 | $238,832 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,833 | $65,075 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,770 | $2,784 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,157 | $7,249 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 5.7% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 3.5% |
- Rent is about 7% less expensive in Columbus than in Houston, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 10% cheaper in Columbus than in Houston.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 7% less in Columbus than in Houston.
- As the cost of living for a single person differs by around 5% between Columbus and Houston, you likely won’t feel a significant change.
- The cost of living for a family between Columbus and Houston remains comparable, differing by roughly 5%, so your overall expenses won’t dramatically change.
- Columbus has a higher unemployment rate than Houston by about 39%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes are 9% cheaper in Columbus compared to Houston. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Ohio has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Houston versus Columbus:
| Living Expense | Houston | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.52 | $263.89 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.77 | $60.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.11 | $3.21 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.05 | $2.98 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $38.29 | $46.25 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Houston than in Columbus, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans have similar prices in both Houston and Columbus.
- Eggs cost more in Houston than in Columbus.
- Bread is more expensive in Houston than in Columbus.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Houston than in Columbus.
How life is different in Houston vs. Columbus
| Houston | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,301,572 | 905,748 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 47 | 41 |
| Bike friendliness score | 49 | 48 |
| Crime index | 63.5 | 49.65 |
| Safety index | 36.5 | 50.35 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbus’s population is about 61% less than Houston.
- Columbus’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Houston, making them very similar.
- Columbus is less walkable than Houston with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Houston’s 47 out of 100.
- Both Columbus and Houston have similar bike-friendliness scores (49 vs 48), meaning Columbus is about as safe for cyclists as Houston. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Columbus’s crime rate is lower than Houston with a score of 49.65 compared to Houston’s 63.5. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5%.
- Columbus is considered to be safer than Houston with a safety index of 50.35 vs Houston’s 36.5.
- Air quality in Columbus is Good, and in Houston it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Houston to Columbus move
- HOA rules: Costs across Houston and Columbus are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Ohio, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Ohio, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Columbus. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Columbus
With your sights set on The Arch City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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
With your move to Ohio complete, you can dive right into experiencing Columbus. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Columbus is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team 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 Houston to Columbus?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Houston to Columbus. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Houston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Houston to Columbus?
Want to save on your move from Houston to Columbus? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Houston to Columbus take?
The 1,155-mile move from Houston, TX, to Columbus, , takes two to eight days. Some Houston movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbus.
What kinds of discounts do Houston movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 2 movers offer special pricing for military members. 2 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Houston?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 27 movers in Houston provide piano moving services. 15 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 180 piano movers and 125 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Houston moving services
Popular Texas routes
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