Quick answer: The cost to move from Mobile to Columbus ranges from $636 – $6,131, with a timeframe of two to seven days. Factors affecting the estimate include volume, timing, and whether you handle the 824-mile move yourself or use professionals.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our guide to moving from Columbus to Mobile.
Our track record
Best movers by type
Professional
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Mobile to Columbus
If you’d rather let the professionals handle every part of your interstate move from Mobile to Columbus, a full-service mover is the way to go. These companies can manage everything, so you can focus on the big picture instead of the heavy lifting.
There are 9 interstate moving companies in Mobile, here are our top picks that can get you to Columbus with less stress and more peace of mind.
What moving services are available in Mobile?
How we chose the best movers AL→OH movers
Top local movers for Mobile to Columbus moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Mobile that also provides long-distance services to Columbus can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed local movers in Mobile who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Mobile to Columbus.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Coleman Worldwide Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Griner Moving Services: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Motivated Movers, Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- RS Moving & Warehousing: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 4053
Years in Business: 40
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: SWS Investments & Holdings LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: C457
Years in Business: 111
DOT #: 2897746
Alternate Names: Covan World-Wide Moving, Inc. , Coleman American Moving Services , Coleman World Group, LLC , Coleman Worldwide Moving , Covan Worldwide Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3558541
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 18
Alternate Names: STACK Corp.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 3000204
Alternate Names: RS Moving & Warehousing
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Mobile to Columbus?
Movers in Alabama generally charge an average of per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,241 – $4,313 | $799 – $1,898 | $601 – $1,123 |
2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,463 – $6,131 | $1,480 – $2,972 | $636 – $1,387 |
4+ bedrooms | $4,236 – $9,047 | $1,928 – $3,580 | $789 – $1,682 |
Cost to hire movers from Mobile to Columbus
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Mobile to Columbus typically costs between $1,241 and $4,313. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,463 and $6,131 when moving from Mobile to Columbus. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Mobile to Columbus, you’re looking at costs ranging from $4,236 up to $9,047.
Cost of moving containers from Mobile to Columbus
If you’re relocating from Mobile to Columbus, you’ll typically spend between $799 and $1,898 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,480 up to $2,972. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,928 and $3,580. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Alabama.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Mobile to Columbus
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Mobile to Columbus move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $601 and $1,123. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $636 to $1,387. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $789 and $1,682.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Mobile to Columbus

What to know before moving from Mobile to Columbus
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Columbus runs about 53% higher for singles and 77% higher for families than Mobile.
Singles spend around $2,784 in Mobile versus $1,825 in Mobile; families pay $7,249 compared with $4,104.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
Mobile | Columbus | |
---|---|---|
Average 1 BR rent | $1,083 | $1,567 |
Average 3 BR rent | $1,833 | $2,957 |
Average home value | $186,159 | $238,832 |
Average income (per capita) | $61,962 | $65,075 |
Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 5.7% |
Sales tax | 10.0% | 7.5% |
State income tax | 5.0% | 3.5% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 11% higher in Columbus than in Mobile, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 28% higher in Columbus than in Mobile.
- Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Columbus and Mobile, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Columbus, as the cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 53% greater than in Mobile. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- As you plan your move to Columbus, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 77% more than it is in Mobile.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 8% lower than Mobile, Columbus boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are 25% lower in Columbus than Mobile, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Income taxes are 30% lower in Ohio than in Alabama. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Mobile and Columbus, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
Living Expense | Mobile | Columbus |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $165.58 | $263.89 |
Cell phone plan | $68.33 | $60.77 |
Dozen eggs | $3.50 | $3.21 |
Loaf of bread | $3.31 | $2.98 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $20.00 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $80.00 |
Gym membership | $36.13 | $46.25 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Mobile than in Columbus, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Mobile than in Columbus.
- Eggs cost more in Mobile than in Columbus.
- Bread is more expensive in Mobile than in Columbus.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Mobile than in Columbus.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Mobile than in Columbus.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Mobile than in Columbus.
How life is different in Mobile vs. Columbus
Mobile | Columbus | |
---|---|---|
Population | 187,041 | 905,748 |
Transportation score | 3 | 5 |
Walkability score | 32 | 41 |
Bike friendliness score | 34 | 48 |
Crime index | 64.95 | 49.65 |
Safety index | 35.05 | 50.35 |
Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbus’s population is about 384% greater than Mobile.
- Columbus’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Mobile’s score of 3.
- Columbus is more walkable than Mobile with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Mobile’s 32 out of 100.
- With a score of 48 out of 100, Columbus is more bike-friendly than Mobile, which has a score of 34 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Columbus’s crime rate is lower than Mobile with a score of 49.65 compared to Mobile’s 64.95. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Mobile neighborhoods are safer than 64.95%.
- Columbus is considered to be safer than Mobile with a safety index of 50.35 vs Mobile’s 35.05.
- Air quality in Columbus is Good, and in Mobile it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Mobile to Columbus move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Ohio moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Ohio, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Columbus without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover 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
Ready to relocate to The Arch City? Here are some of the top 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
Now that you’ve made the move to Ohio, it’s the perfect time to explore Columbus. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Columbus include museums and art centers like the Beeler Gallery, Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, Central Ohio Fire Museum, and Columbus Historical Society.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Scioto Mile, Topiary Garden, and Schiller Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on 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 Mobile to Columbus?
When is the cheapest time to move from Mobile to Columbus?
How long does a move from Mobile to Columbus take?
Do movers in Mobile offer any discounts?
How many movers in Mobile can handle specialty items for my move to Columbus?
Helpful moving resources
Mobile moving services
Popular Alabama routes
- Alabama to Ohio car shippers
- Alabama to California movers
- Alabama to Florida movers
- Alabama to Georgia movers
- Alabama to Illinois movers
- Alabama to Michigan movers
- Alabama to New York movers
- Alabama to North Carolina movers
- Alabama to Ohio movers
- Alabama to Pennsylvania movers
- Alabama to Texas movers
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!