Factors influencing moving costs from Huntsville to Columbustoggle

The cost of Huntsville movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Huntsville to Columbus can be as low as $1,393 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,282.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Huntsville, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $469 to $1,116. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Huntsville to Columbus

Moving from Huntsville to Columbus means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Huntsville than in Columbus, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Huntsville compares to Columbus so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Huntsville Columbus
Average rent cost $1,409 $1,441
Average home value $266,736 $238,832
Average income (per capita) $60,959 $65,075
Cost of living (single person) $3,133 $2,784
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,140 $7,249
Unemployment rate 3.1% 5.7%
Sales tax 9.0% 7.5%
State income tax 5.0% 3.5%
  • Rent prices in Columbus are 2% higher than in Huntsville, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Columbus.
    Home prices in Columbus are 10.5% lower than in Huntsville.
  • Income in Columbus is 6.8% higher than in Huntsville, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Columbus include Ohio State University, The State of Ohio, and JPMorgan Chase.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 11.1% lower than in Huntsville. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Columbus, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 75.1% higher than in Huntsville.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbus is 83.87% higher than in Huntsville.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Columbus, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Columbus are 16.67% lower than in Huntsville.
  • One perk of moving to Columbus is paying less in state income taxes, which are 30.00% lower than in Huntsville.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,665.82 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Huntsville.

How life is different in Huntsville vs. Columbus

Columbus Huntsville
Population 905,748 241,114
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 2
Walkability score 41 24
Bike friendliness score 48 40
Crime Index 49.65 42.55
Safety Index 50.35 57.45
Air Quality Good Good
  • Columbus's population is about 276% greater than Huntsville.
  • Columbus's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Huntsville's lower score of 2.
  • Columbus is more walkable than Huntsville with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Huntsville's 24 out of 100.
  • With a score of 48 out of 100, Columbus is more bike-friendly than Huntsville, which has a score of 40 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Columbus's crime rate is higher than Huntsville with a score of 49.65 compared to Huntsville's 42.55. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Huntsville neighborhoods are safer than 42.55%.
  • Columbus is considered to be less safe than Huntsville with a score of 50.35 vs Huntsville's 57.45.
  • Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Huntsville it's good.

Other things to consider for your Huntsville vs. Columbus move

  • Weather: Columbus doesn't get the snowfall that more northern Ohio gets but it does have some of the severe weather that's common in the midwest such as strong lightning storms and hail. In general, you can expect all 4 seasons in Columbus so take that into account when choosing the time of the year that you move.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company youโ€™ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโ€™re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Ohio does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. 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: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Columbus

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Arch City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Columbus.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown
  • Short North
  • Grandview Heights
  • Ashville
  • Dublin

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Bexley
  • Clintonville
  • Gahanna
  • Hilliard
  • Upper Arlington

Things to do in Columbus

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Ohio, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Columbus has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Columbus features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Beeler Gallery, Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, Central Ohio Fire Museum, Columbus Historical Society, and Columbus Museum of Art.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Scioto Mile, Topiary Garden, and Schiller Park โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Columbus Crew (MLS), Ohio State Buckeyes (NCAA), Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL), or Columbus Clippers (AAAE) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Huntsville to Columbus?

The best time to move from Huntsville to Columbus is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Huntsville.

When is the cheapest time to move from Huntsville to Columbus?

Because most people are moving from Huntsville to Columbus in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Huntsville to Columbus take?

The 488-mile move from Huntsville, AL, to Columbus, OH, takes one to four days. Some Huntsville movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbus.

Helpful moving resources