($1,303+) Los Angeles, CA to Columbus, OH Movers
The cost to move from Los Angeles, CA to Columbus, OH ranges from $1,314 to $10,959, with an average cost of $4,250. Moves can be as low as $1,303 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,240 miles and usually takes 6 to 17 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Los Angeles, CA to Columbus, OH
Moving options from Los Angeles to Columbus fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,314 - $10,959 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,250, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 36% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 63% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 2,240 miles and typically takes 6 to 17 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,240-mile route from Los Angeles to Columbus, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,314 - $5,376 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,688 - $3,285), rental truck ($1,303 - $2,446), or freight trailer ($1,475 - $2,756). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,548 - $7,115 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $10,959.
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 Los Angeles, CA to Columbus, OH
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 2,240-mile move from Los Angeles, California, to Columbus, Ohio, with prices running from $1,314 - $10,959. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $401 - $2,672 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Los Angeles and Columbus are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Los Angeles movers tend to run around $200 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Los Angeles to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,314 - $5,376
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,548 - $7,115
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,661 - $10,959
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 Los Angeles to Columbus.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Los Angeles, CA to Columbus, OH
Specialty needs vary by market: 56% of Los Angeles movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Columbus, 65% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $668 - $6,680 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready56% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $267 - $1,603/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $401 - $3,206 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage14% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,336 - $4,008 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,340 - $13,360 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,001 - $1,901 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,336 - $3,340 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,069 - $4,676 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $401 - $2,004 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $868 - $2,672 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $401 - $20,040+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $401 - $4,676+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Los Angeles to Columbus?
Look for Ohio Association of Movers membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Ohio 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Los Angeles, CA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Los Angeles, CA to Columbus, OH
Moving containers from Los Angeles, California, to Columbus, Ohio, cost between $1,688 and $5,940. 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 Los Angeles typically runs around $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Los Angeles to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,688 - $3,285
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,273 - $4,298
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,002 - $5,940
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $100 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $200 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Columbus, OH, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $935 in Los Angeles, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California 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 $1,688. 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 $2,273 - $4,298.
What are the best moving containers Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles:
- Box-N-Go, LLC (4.8/5), 19 years in business
- Rigo's Moving Company Inc (4.3/5), 12 years in business
- Best California Movers (5.0/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Los Angeles, CA to Columbus, OH
A rental truck for this 2,240-mile move from Los Angeles, California, to Columbus, Ohio, costs between $1,303 and $3,499. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $952 - $1,088
- Daily insurance: $40/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- Los Angeles daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| 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 Los Angeles to Columbus based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,303 - $2,446
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,316 - $2,912
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,783 - $3,499
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Los Angeles to Columbus starts at $1,303 - $3,499, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($952 - $1,088), overnight lodging ($200/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $100 and $468.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $200.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $952 and $1,088 for the 2,240-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $935 for 2 movers in Los Angeles, California, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles, CA to Columbus, OH
For larger DIY moves from Los Angeles, California, 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 $1,732 and $3,760.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Los Angeles to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,475 - $2,756
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,732 - $3,760
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,378 - $4,655
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $100 and $200.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Los Angeles, California, for roughly five hours typically average $935.
What are the best freight companies from Los Angeles to Columbus?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Los Angeles, CA 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 Los Angeles on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Los Angeles, CA | Columbus, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 162 | 91 |
| Average rent | $2,960/mo | $1,441/mo |
| Median home value | $878,142 | $233,368 |
| Average income | $80,366/yr | $65,327/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 5.7% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 3.5% |
| Walkability score | 69/100 | 41/100 |
| Safety index | 46.19/100 | 50.35/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 Los Angeles, CA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California 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 1,154 movers based in California, handy for sizing up options on this 2,240-mile route.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Los Angeles, CA, to Columbus, OH, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,314 - $10,959 on the 2,240-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,688 - $5,940 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,303 - $3,499 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,548 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 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 Los Angeles, CA, to Columbus, OH
What is the best time of year to move from Los Angeles, CA 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Los Angeles, CA to Columbus, OH?
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.
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 46.19 and 53.81 in Los Angeles. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is Columbus?
Columbus has a walkability score of 41 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 48, compared to 69 and 59 in Los Angeles. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in Columbus?
For families, Bexley, Clintonville, and Gahanna are worth a look in Columbus. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown, Short North, and Victorian Village tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Los Angeles movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 40% of movers in Los Angeles handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.