Tempe, AZ to Columbus, OH Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Tempe to Columbus typically costs $3,900–$8,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,862 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Tempe to Columbus
Moving from Tempe, AZ to Columbus, OH typically costs $3,900–$8,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,862-mile move from Tempe to Columbus, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $3,175 for a 5+ bedroom using a moving container.
- AB Moving recently quoted $2,995 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $3,630 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 25, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 17, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 13, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 10, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 21, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 21, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 20, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 13, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 26, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 15, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Tempe to Columbus
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Tempe to Columbus may only cost $2,800, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $11,900.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Tempe.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,200–$3,600), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Columbus, OH to Tempe, AZ guide.
Best Tempe to Columbus movers by type
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Tempe to Columbus
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Tempe to Columbus. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best AZ→OH movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 99 Arizona moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Tempe to Columbus
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Columbus runs about -49% higher for singles and 6% higher for families than Tempe.
Singles spend around $2,784 in Columbus versus $5,433 in Tempe; families pay $7,249 compared with $6,810.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Tempe | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,900 | $1,567 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,450 | $2,957 |
| Average home value | $471,494 | $238,832 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,080 | $65,075 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,433 | $2,784 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,810 | $7,249 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 5.7% |
| Sales tax | 8.1% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 2.5% | 3.5% |
- Rent is about 21% less expensive in Columbus than in Tempe, 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 49% cheaper in Columbus than in Tempe.
- There's good news: the average income differences between Columbus and Tempe are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Columbus. The cost of living for a single person there is 49% below that of Tempe.
- When considering a family move to Columbus, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 6% higher than in Tempe.
- Columbus has a higher unemployment rate than Tempe by about 6%. 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 7% cheaper in Columbus compared to Tempe. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 40% more in Ohio than in Arizona. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Tempe versus Columbus:
| Living Expense | Tempe | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $256.54 | $263.89 |
| Cell phone plan | $70.53 | $60.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.75 | $3.21 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.18 | $2.98 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.17 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $30.00 | $46.25 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Tempe than in Columbus, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Tempe than in Columbus.
- Eggs cost more in Tempe than in Columbus.
- Bread is more expensive in Tempe than in Columbus.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Tempe than in Columbus.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Tempe than in Columbus.
How life is different in Tempe vs. Columbus
| Tempe | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 180,587 | 905,748 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 54 | 41 |
| Bike friendliness score | 75 | 48 |
| Crime index | 42.36 | 49.65 |
| Safety index | 57.64 | 50.35 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbus's population is about 402% greater than Tempe.
- Columbus's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Tempe's score of 8.
- Columbus is less walkable than Tempe with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Tempe's 54 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 Tempe, which has a score of 75.
- Columbus's crime rate is higher than Tempe with a score of 49.65 compared to Tempe's 42.36. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tempe neighborhoods are safer than 42.36%.
- Columbus is considered to be less safe than Tempe with a score of 50.35 vs Tempe's 57.64.
- Air quality in Columbus is Good, and in Tempe it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Tempe to Columbus move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- 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 Tempe to Columbus?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Tempe to Columbus. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Tempe.
When is the cheapest time to move from Tempe to Columbus?
Want to save on your move from Tempe 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 Tempe to Columbus take?
The 1,862-mile move from Tempe, AZ, to Columbus, OH, takes five to 16 days. Some Tempe 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 Tempe movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In Tempe, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts. 2 movers offer special pricing for military members. 5 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 Tempe?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 54 movers in Tempe provide piano moving services. 37 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 73 piano movers and 49 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,294 and 1,462.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
