($956+) Billings, MT to Columbus, OH Movers
Moving from Billings, MT, to Columbus, OH, runs anywhere from $956 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,885 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,584 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 4 to 15 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 $2,644, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,885 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,426 - $5,059, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $956 - $2,643.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Billings, MT, to Columbus, OH. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,490 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Billings, MT to Columbus, OH
There are 3 main ways to move from Billings to Columbus: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,490 - $8,190. Containers cost roughly 46% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 71% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,584 miles, expect 4 to 15 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,584-mile route from Billings to Columbus, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,644 - $5,835 | $1,426 - $2,600 | $956 - $1,854 | $1,295 - $2,292 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,490 - $8,190 | $1,877 - $3,893 | $1,015 - $2,097 | $1,517 - $2,877 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,569 - $11,885 | $2,434 - $5,059 | $1,291 - $2,643 | $1,907 - $3,770 |
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 Billings, MT to Columbus, OH
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,584-mile move from Billings, Montana, to Columbus, Ohio, with costs ranging from $2,644 - $11,885. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $280 - $1,868. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Billings and Columbus. Local movers in Billings typically start around $259 as a base rate plus $105/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Billings to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,644 - $5,835
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,490 - $8,190
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,569 - $11,885
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 Billings to Columbus.
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.
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Specialty moving services from Billings, MT to Columbus, OH
Specialty needs vary by market: 67% of Billings 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 packing50% of local movers | $467 - $4,670 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready67% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Baker Transfer & Storage | $187 - $1,121/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $280 - $2,242 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs | $934 - $2,802 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,335 - $9,340 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $700 - $1,329 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% nationally | $934 - $2,335 |
| Piano | Any piano type17% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Aaron's Back Company | $747 - $3,269 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $280 - $1,401 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationally | $607 - $1,868 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $280 - $14,010+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $280 - $3,269+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Billings to Columbus?
Ohio Association of Movers membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Ohio, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Billings, MT. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Billings, MT to Columbus, OH
Moving containers from Billings, Montana, to Columbus, Ohio, cost between $1,426 and $5,059. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Billings typically costs about $55/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Billings to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,426 - $2,600
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,877 - $3,893
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,434 - $5,059
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $654 in Billings, MT. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $70 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $140 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Columbus, OH, destination before booking.
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 $1,426. 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 $1,877 - $3,893.
What are the best moving containers Billings 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 Billings 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 Billings:
Moving truck rental costs from Billings, MT to Columbus, OH
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,584 miles from Billings, Montana, to Columbus, Ohio, running $956 - $2,643. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $471 - $538
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Billings daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $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 Billings to Columbus based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $956 - $1,854
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,015 - $2,097
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,291 - $2,643
Pro tip: A rental truck from Billings to Columbus looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $956 - $2,643. But once you factor in fuel ($471 - $538), overnight lodging ($140/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 $140 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 $61 and $304 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $471 - $538 in fuel for the 1,584-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $654 in Billings, Montana, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Billings 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 Billings, MT to Columbus, OH
If you're moving a larger household from Billings, Montana, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Columbus, Ohio.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,517 and $2,877.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Billings to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,295 - $2,292
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,517 - $2,877
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,907 - $3,770
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 Billings, Montana, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $654.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $70 and $140 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Billings to Columbus?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Billings to Columbus, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Billings, MT vs Columbus, OH
Billings and Columbus land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 95 in Billings and 91 in Columbus, and average rent is $1,300/mo vs. $1,441/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 35 vs 41 and safety scores are 50.37 vs 50.35.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Columbus, OH to Billings, MT guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 1 quote from Montana to Ohio, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 19 movers in Montana, so you have real options to compare for this 1,584-mile move.
Our take
A move from Billings, MT, 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 $2,644 - $11,885 on the 1,584-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,426 - $5,059, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $956 - $2,643. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,490 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 Billings, MT, to Columbus, OH
How walkable is Columbus?
Columbus has a walkability score of 41 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 48, compared to 35 and 47 in Billings. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($471 - $538), daily insurance ($28/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $140/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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 Billings, MT 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.
What percentage of Billings movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 17% of movers in Billings handle piano moves, compared to 40% nationally.