Top-rated movers to make your Madison to Columbus move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Madison that offers long-distance services to Columbus can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed five top local movers in Madison who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Madison to Columbus.
- Above Average Moving LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Top Notch Moving and Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.28 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 26753
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2595339
Alternate Names: Above Average Moving LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Armstrong Transfer & Storage Co., Inc. , Armstrong Relocation & Commercial Services , The Armstrong Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Lightner & Lightner, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3322160
Alternate Names: TopNotchMovers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Madison to Columbus?
In Wisconsin, moving services typically cost around per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,115 – $3,309 | $677 – $1,551 | $421 – $797 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,021 – $5,534 | $1,249 – $2,320 | $428 – $865 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,751 – $8,179 | $1,566 – $3,072 | $522 – $1,041 |
Cost to hire movers from Madison to Columbus
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Columbus from Madison, you can expect prices to land between $1,115 and $3,309. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,021 to $5,534 for the trip from Madison to Columbus. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,751 and $8,179.
Cost of moving containers from Madison to Columbus
Moving containers from Madison to Columbus will cost you $677 to $1,551 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,249 to $2,320. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,566 to $3,072. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Wisconsin.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Madison to Columbus
Renting a moving truck from Madison to Columbus typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $421 and $797 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $428 to $865. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $522 to $1,041.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Madison to Columbus move
The cost of Madison movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,661 for a one-bedroom, or up to $6,918 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Madison.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $421 to $998, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Madison to Columbus
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Columbus runs about 21% higher for singles and 33% higher for families than Madison.
Singles spend around $2,784 in Madison versus $2,292 in Madison; families pay $7,249 compared with $5,457.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Madison | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,693 | $1,567 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,100 | $2,957 |
| Average home value | $367,934 | $238,832 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $65,075 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,292 | $2,784 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,457 | $7,249 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 5.7% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 3.5% |
- When relocating from Madison to Columbus, expect to find rent about 10% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 35% more affordable in Columbus compared to Madison.
- In terms of average income, Columbus and Madison are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Columbus, as living costs for a single person are 21% higher than in Madison. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you’re moving your family to Columbus, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 33% higher than in Madison.
- Columbus shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Madison by around 73%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes in Columbus are 36% more than in Madison, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in Ohio are 54% below those in Wisconsin. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Madison and Columbus:
| Living Expense | Madison | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $215.88 | $263.89 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.44 | $60.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.04 | $3.21 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.75 | $2.98 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $64.29 | $46.25 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Madison than in Columbus, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Madison than in Columbus.
- Eggs cost more in Madison than in Columbus.
- Bread is more expensive in Madison than in Columbus.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Madison than in Columbus.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Madison than in Columbus.
- Gym memberships cost more in Madison than in Columbus.
How life is different in Madison vs. Columbus
| Madison | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 269,840 | 905,748 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 50 | 41 |
| Bike friendliness score | 66 | 48 |
| Crime index | 34.57 | 49.65 |
| Safety index | 65.43 | 50.35 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbus’s population is about 236% greater than Madison.
- Columbus’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Madison’s score of 6.
- Columbus is less walkable than Madison with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Madison’s 50 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 Madison, which has a score of 66.
- Columbus’s crime rate is higher than Madison with a score of 49.65 compared to Madison’s 34.57. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
- Columbus is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 50.35 vs Madison’s 65.43.
- Air quality in Columbus is Good, and in Madison it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Madison to Columbus move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Ohio’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Ohio does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Columbus. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Columbus
Planning your move to The Arch City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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
After settling into your new Ohio home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Columbus has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Columbus features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on 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 Madison to Columbus?
Planning your move from Madison to Columbus? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Madison.
When is the cheapest time to move from Madison to Columbus?
Because most people are moving from Madison to Columbus in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Madison to Columbus take?
The 505-mile journey from Madison, WI to Columbus, , typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Madison offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Columbus.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Madison?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Madison, 3 movers can manage piano relocations. 1 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Wisconsin has 25 piano movers and 13 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
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