($1,498) Movers From Mobile, AL to Columbus, OH

What to know before moving from Mobile to Columbus

Moving from Mobile to Columbus comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Columbus is generally more expensive than Mobile, it’s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Columbus are 11% higher than in Mobile, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Mobile.
  Home prices in Columbus are 28.3% higher than in Mobile.
• Income in Columbus is 5.0% higher than in Mobile, 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.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Columbus, since the cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 52.5% higher than in Mobile. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’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 76.6% higher than in Mobile.
• The unemployment rate in Columbus is 8.06% lower than in Mobile.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Columbus, since the city’s sales taxes in Columbus are 25.00% lower than in Mobile.
• One perk of moving to Columbus is paying less in state income taxes, which are 30.00% lower than in Mobile.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,576.44 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Mobile.

How life is different in Mobile vs. Columbus

• Columbus's population is about 384% greater than Mobile.
• Columbus's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Mobile's lower 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 they are 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 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 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 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.

Helpful moving resources