($1,078+) Tempe, AZ to Columbus, OH Movers
Moving from Tempe, AZ, to Columbus, OH, runs anywhere from $1,168 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,509 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,862 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 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 $2,518, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,509 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,603 - $5,831, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,168 - $3,309.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tempe, AZ, to Columbus, OH. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,424 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 Tempe, AZ to Columbus, OH
Moving options from Tempe to Columbus fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,424 - $7,385 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,862-mile route typically takes 5 to 16 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,862-mile route from Tempe to Columbus, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,518 - $5,436 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,603 - $3,156), rental truck ($1,168 - $2,229), or freight trailer ($1,472 - $2,676). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,424 - $7,385 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $11,509.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Tempe, AZ to Columbus, OH
For the 1,862-mile move from Tempe, Arizona, to Columbus, Ohio, full-service movers cost between $2,518 and $11,509. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $313 - $2,084 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Tempe generally start around $200 plus $85 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tempe to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,518 - $5,436
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,424 - $7,385
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,259 - $11,509
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 Tempe to Columbus.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Arizona to Ohio. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Tempe, AZ to Columbus, OH
Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Tempe movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Columbus, 87% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing98% of local movers | $521 - $5,210 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready85% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $208 - $1,250/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $313 - $2,501 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage38% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,042 - $3,126 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,605 - $10,420 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $780 - $1,483 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $1,042 - $2,605 |
| Piano | Any piano type77% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $834 - $3,647 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling30% of local movers | $313 - $1,563 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect30% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $677 - $2,084 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $313 - $15,630+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $313 - $3,647+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Tempe to Columbus?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Ohio Association of Movers is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Tempe, AZ, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Tempe, AZ to Columbus, OH
Moving containers from Tempe, Arizona, to Columbus, Ohio, cost between $1,603 and $5,831. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Tempe runs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tempe to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,603 - $3,156
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,011 - $4,376
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,778 - $5,831
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 $729 in Tempe, AZ. 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 $78 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $156 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.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Arizona to Ohio move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
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 $1,603. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,011 - $4,376, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Tempe 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 Tempe 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 Tempe:
- Mentors Moving & Storage (4.7/5), 9 years in business
- Gilbert Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 9 years in business
- Camelback Moving (4.8/5), 21 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Tempe, AZ to Columbus, OH
A rental truck for this 1,862-mile move from Tempe, Arizona, to Columbus, Ohio, costs between $1,168 and $3,309. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $617 - $706
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Tempe daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $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 Tempe to Columbus based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,168 - $2,229
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,203 - $2,626
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,611 - $3,309
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,168 - $3,309 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Tempe to Columbus. Fuel ($617 - $706) , lodging at around $156/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $156 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Tempe, Arizona, usually costs about $729 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,862-mile drive falls between $617 and $706, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $52 and $313 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Tempe 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 Tempe, AZ to Columbus, OH
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Tempe, Arizona, to Columbus, Ohio. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $938 and $3,501.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tempe to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,472 - $2,676
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,592 - $3,501
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,268 - $4,802
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $78 - $156 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Tempe, Arizona, typically costs $729.
What are the best freight companies from Tempe to Columbus?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Empire Transport (4.84/5 stars): Empire Transport is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Tempe to Columbus. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Tempe, AZ vs Columbus, OH
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Columbus, side by side with Tempe on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Tempe, AZ | Columbus, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 91 |
| Average rent | $1,834/mo | $1,441/mo |
| Median home value | $421,086 | $233,368 |
| Average income | $77,643/yr | $65,327/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 5.7% |
| State income tax | Up to 2.5% | Up to 3.5% |
| Walkability score | 54/100 | 41/100 |
| Safety index | 57.64/100 | 50.35/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Columbus, OH to Tempe, AZ guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Arizona to Ohio, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 97 movers licensed in Arizona, useful context for sizing up this 1,862-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,862-mile route from Tempe, AZ, to Columbus, OH, run $2,518 - $11,509 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,603 - $5,831, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,168 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,424, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
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 Tempe, AZ, to Columbus, OH
What is the cheapest way to move from Tempe, AZ to Columbus, OH?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,203 - $2,626. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Columbus?
For families, Bexley, Clintonville, and Gahanna are worth a look in Columbus. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown, Short North, and Victorian Village tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Tempe, AZ to Columbus, OH take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What do local movers charge in Tempe?
Local movers based in Tempe typically start around $200 as a base rate, plus $85/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Columbus run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Tempe, AZ to Columbus, OH?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What percentage of Tempe movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 77% of movers in Tempe handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
