The best local movers for Columbus to Austin moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Columbus that also handles long-distance moves to Austin. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 29 local movers in Columbus who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Columbus to Austin.
- MVM Moving & Storage: 4.92 out of 5 stars
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
- Integrity Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Black Tie Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- E.E. Ward Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 156647
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1444491
Alternate Names: MVM Columbus , MVM Columbus Incorporated.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00136562
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1237577
Alternate Names: Leaders Moving , Leaders Moving & Storage Co. , L.E.A.D.E.R.S Moving & Storage Co. , Leaders Moving And Storage Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00151315
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1343775
Alternate Names: Integrity Moving, LLC , Integrity Moving , Columbus Piano Moving , Integrity Moving & Mobile Storage LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 604141
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2407712
Alternate Names: Black Tie Moving Columbus LLC , Black Tie Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 11470
Years in Business: 143
DOT #: 1222904
Alternate Names: E E Ward Moving & Storage Co LLC , E.E.Ward Moving & Storage Co., LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Columbus to Austin?
The average hourly rate for movers in Ohio is $153. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,292 – $4,993 | $923 – $2,108 | $771 – $1,458 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,822 – $6,531 | $1,589 – $3,194 | $834 – $1,821 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,717 – $9,044 | $2,175 – $4,362 | $1,029 – $2,051 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbus to Austin
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Columbus to Austin will cost between $1,292 and $4,993. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Columbus to Columbus will range from $2,822 to $6,531, and a large move from Columbus to Austin will cost from $4,717 to $9,044.
Cost of moving containers from Columbus to Austin
If you’re moving from Columbus to Austin, expect to pay between $923 and $2,108 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,589 up to $3,194. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,175 and $4,362. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Ohio.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Columbus to Austin
Renting a moving truck from Columbus to Austin is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $771 and $1,458. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $834 and $1,821. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,029 up to $2,051 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Columbus to Austin
The cost of Columbus movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,565, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $7,956.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Columbus, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($771–$1,934) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Columbus to Austin
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Austin runs about 20% higher for singles and 8% higher for families than Columbus.
Singles spend around $3,345 in Columbus versus $2,784 in Columbus; families pay $7,815 compared with $7,249.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Columbus | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,567 | $2,208 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,957 | $3,827 |
| Average home value | $238,832 | $508,841 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,075 | $68,258 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,784 | $3,345 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,249 | $7,815 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.7% | 3.5% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 0.0% |
- Rent is estimated to be 22% higher in Austin compared to Columbus; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 113% greater in Austin than in Columbus.
- Fortunately, the average income in Austin and Columbus is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Austin, since the cost of living for a single person in Austin is 20% higher than in Columbus. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- When relocating to Austin, it’s important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Austin is 8% greater than in Columbus.
- Austin enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 39% lower compared to Columbus, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes rise by 10% in Austin over Columbus, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Texas has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Columbus and Austin:
| Living Expense | Columbus | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $263.89 | $181.48 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.77 | $61.16 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.21 | $4.35 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.98 | $3.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $46.25 | $62.38 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Columbus than in Austin.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Columbus than in Austin.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbus than in Austin.
- Bread costs less in Columbus than in Austin.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Columbus than in Austin.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Columbus than in Austin.
How life is different in Columbus vs. Austin
| Columbus | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 905,748 | 974,447 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 42 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 54 |
| Crime index | 49.65 | 42.91 |
| Safety index | 50.35 | 59.87 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Austin’s population is about 8% greater than Columbus.
- Austin’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Columbus, making them very similar.
- Austin and Columbus are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 54 out of 100, Austin is more bike-friendly than Columbus, which has a score of 48 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Austin’s crime rate is lower than Columbus with a score of 42.91 compared to Columbus’s 49.65. This means that Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65%.
- Austin is considered to be safer than Columbus with a safety index of 59.87 vs Columbus’s 50.35.
- Air quality in Austin is Good, and in Columbus it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbus to Austin move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Texas doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Austin. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It’s crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Austin
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to ATX, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Austin.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cherrywood
- North University
- Old West Austin
- South Lamar
- Zilker
Best neighborhoods for families
- Rollingwood
- West Lake
- Brushy Creek
- Cedar Park
- Shady Hollow
Things to do in Austin
Once you’re settled into your new home in Texas, it’s time to get out and discover what Austin has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Austin, such as the Texas Memorial Museum, George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, Thinkery, and Blanton Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Pease Park, Butler Metro Park, Zilker Park, and Sculpture Falls — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Round Rock ExpressAustin SpursTexas StarsAustin OutlawsAustin HunsAustin GilgronisAustin Bold FCAustin FC game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbus to Austin?
The best time to move from Columbus to Austin is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Columbus.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbus to Austin?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Columbus to Austin, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Columbus to Austin take?
Moving from Columbus, OH to Austin, covers 1,235 miles and usually takes two to eight days. Need to move faster? Some Columbus movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Austin.
Which movers in Columbus give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 2 movers here honor AAA discounts. 4 movers give special rates to military members. 6 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Columbus?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 16 movers in Columbus advertise piano moving expertise. 11 movers in Columbus provide antique moving services. State totals show 59 piano movers and 37 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Columbus moving services
Popular Ohio routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!