($1,115+) Scottsdale, AZ to Columbus, OH Movers
Moving from Scottsdale, AZ, to Columbus, OH, runs anywhere from $1,115 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,352 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,859 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 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 $2,333, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,352 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,515 - $5,620, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,115 - $3,159.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Scottsdale, AZ, to Columbus, OH. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,269 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Scottsdale, AZ to Columbus, OH
There are 3 main ways to move from Scottsdale to Columbus: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $3,269 - $7,552. Moving containers run about 42% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 63% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 5 to 16 days for this 1,859-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,859-mile route from Scottsdale to Columbus, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,333 - $4,979 with full-service movers, $1,515 - $2,983 with a container, $1,115 - $2,190 with a rental truck, or $1,336 - $2,476 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,269 - $7,552 full-service, $1,880 - $4,096 by container, $1,195 - $2,556 by rental truck, or $1,504 - $3,148 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $6,095 - $10,352 full-service, $2,787 - $5,620 by container, $1,538 - $3,159 by rental truck, or $2,251 - $4,322 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Scottsdale, AZ to Columbus, OH
Full-service movers for the 1,859-mile relocation from Scottsdale, Arizona, to Columbus, Ohio, cost between $2,333 and $10,352. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $313 - $2,084, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Scottsdale typically charge a base rate around $155 plus $85 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Scottsdale to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,333 - $4,979
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,269 - $7,552
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,095 - $10,352
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 Scottsdale to Columbus.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Arizona to Ohio. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Scottsdale, AZ to Columbus, OH
Specialty needs vary by market: 66% of Scottsdale movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Columbus, 70% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $521 - $5,210 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready66% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Camelback Moving | $208 - $1,250/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $313 - $2,501 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,042 - $3,126 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,605 - $10,420 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $780 - $1,483 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving Team Six LLC | $1,042 - $2,605 |
| Piano | Any piano type35% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc. (AZ) | $834 - $3,647 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $313 - $1,563 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc. (AZ) | $677 - $2,084 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $313 - $15,630+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $313 - $3,647+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Scottsdale to Columbus?
Movers licensed to operate in Ohio are typically members of the Ohio Association of Movers, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Scottsdale, AZ. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Scottsdale, AZ to Columbus, OH
Moving containers from Scottsdale, Arizona, to Columbus, Ohio, cost between $1,515 and $5,620. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Scottsdale typically runs around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Scottsdale to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,515 - $2,983
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,880 - $4,096
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,787 - $5,620
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 Scottsdale, AZ, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $729, 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 $78 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $156 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Scottsdale, AZ, and Columbus, OH, 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 Arizona to Ohio 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 $1,515. 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 $1,880 - $4,096.
What are the best moving containers Scottsdale to Columbus?
- 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 Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale:
- B Line Movers (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.2/5), 15 years in business
- Aardvark Movers Inc (4.5/5), 23 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Scottsdale, AZ to Columbus, OH
Truck rentals from Scottsdale, Arizona, to Columbus, Ohio, range from $1,115 - $3,159 for the 1,859-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $616 - $704
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Scottsdale daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 Scottsdale to Columbus based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,115 - $2,190
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,195 - $2,556
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,538 - $3,159
Pro tip: A rental truck from Scottsdale to Columbus looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,115 - $3,159. But once you factor in fuel ($616 - $704), overnight lodging ($156/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $156 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $68 and $339 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $616 - $704 in fuel for the 1,859-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $729 in Scottsdale, Arizona, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Scottsdale to Columbus?
- 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 Scottsdale, AZ to Columbus, OH
For larger DIY moves from Scottsdale, Arizona, 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 Columbus, Ohio.
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 $1,504 and $3,148.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Scottsdale to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,336 - $2,476
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,504 - $3,148
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,251 - $4,322
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
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 Scottsdale, Arizona, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $729.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $78 and $156 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Scottsdale to Columbus?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Scottsdale to Columbus. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Columbus, OH
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Columbus, side by side with Scottsdale on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Scottsdale, AZ | Columbus, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 91 |
| Average rent | $3,300/mo | $1,441/mo |
| Median home value | $709,486 | $233,368 |
| Average income | $107,372/yr | $65,327/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 5.7% |
| State income tax | Up to 2.5% | Up to 3.5% |
| Walkability score | 32/100 | 41/100 |
| Safety index | 74.2/100 | 50.35/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
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 Columbus, OH to Scottsdale, AZ guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Arizona to Ohio in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 228 movers based in Arizona, handy for sizing up options on this 1,859-mile route.
Our take
A move from Scottsdale, AZ, to Columbus, OH, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,333 - $10,352 on the 1,859-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,515 - $5,620, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,115 - $3,159. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,269 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Columbus tend to point to low cost of living and delicious food, though bad drivers and terrible traffic come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Ohio State University and The State of Ohio.
FAQs: Moving from Scottsdale, AZ, to Columbus, OH
How do I know a mover is licensed in Ohio?
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Scottsdale, AZ to Columbus, OH?
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.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Columbus a safe place to live?
Columbus has a safety index of 50.35 out of 100 and a crime index of 49.65, compared to 74.2 and 25.8 in Scottsdale. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Scottsdale, AZ to Columbus, OH?
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 $1,195 - $2,556. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Scottsdale movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 35% of movers in Scottsdale handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.