Factors influencing moving costs from Fresno to Columbus

The cost of Fresno 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 Fresno to Columbus can be as low as $1,498 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $12,743.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Fresno, 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 $1,648 to $4,284. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Fresno to Columbus

Fresno Columbus
Average rent cost $1,650 $1,441
Average home value $381,180 $238,832
Average income (per capita) $63,001 $65,075
Cost of living (single person) $2,277 $1,217
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,358 $4,292
Unemployment rate 7.09% 5.7%
Sales tax 7.98% 7.5%
State income tax 13.3% 3.5%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Columbus are 13% lower than in Fresno.
  • Home prices in Columbus are 37.3% lower than in Fresno.
  • Income in Columbus is 3.3% higher than in Fresno.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 46.6% lower than in Fresno.
  • The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 19.9% lower than in Fresno.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbus is 19.61% lower than in Fresno.
  • Sales taxes in Columbus are 6.02% lower than in Fresno.
  • State income taxes in Columbus are 73.68% lower than in Fresno.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,603.43 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Fresno.

How life is different in Fresno vs. Columbus

Columbus Fresno
Population 905,748 542,107
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 5
Walkability score 41 47
Bike friendliness score 48 58
Crime Index 49.65 56.85
Safety Index 50.35 43.15
Air Quality Good Moderate
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Columbus's population is about 67% greater than Fresno.
  • Columbus's public transportation has a similar score to Fresno.
  • Columbus is less walkable than Fresno with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Fresno's 47 out of 100.
  • Columbus has a bike-friendliness score 48 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Fresno, which has a score of 58 out of 100.
  • Columbus's crime rate is lower than Fresno with a score of 49.65 compared to Fresno's 56.85. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Fresno neighborhoods are safer than 56.85%.
  • Columbus is considered to be safer than Fresno with a safety index of 50.35 vs Fresno's 43.15.
  • Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Fresno it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Fresno 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.

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

After settling into your new Ohio home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Columbus has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Columbus is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Beeler Gallery, Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, Central Ohio Fire Museum, Columbus Historical Society, and Columbus Museum of Art.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city’s Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Scioto Mile, Topiary Garden, and Schiller Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Columbus Crew (MLS), Ohio State Buckeyes (NCAA), Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL), or Columbus Clippers (AAAE) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

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

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

Because most people are moving from Fresno 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 Fresno to Columbus take?

The 2,367-mile move from Fresno, CA, to Columbus, OH, takes seven to 18 days. Some Fresno 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

Fresno moving services

Popular California routes

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