The best local movers for Los Angeles to Columbus moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Los Angeles that also handles long-distance moves to Columbus. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 102 local movers in Los Angeles who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Los Angeles to Columbus.
- Seka Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Rigo’s Moving Company Inc: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Sterling Van Lines: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Excalibur Movers Los Angeles: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0192497
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3014539
Alternate Names: Seka Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0191663
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3075110
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0189566
Years in Business: 33
DOT #: 568254
Alternate Names: Sterling Van Lines, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 019128
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1383790
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 1836576
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Los Angeles to Columbus?
The average hourly rate for movers in California is $128. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,263 – $4,880 | $1,253 – $2,869 | $1,203 – $2,325 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,340 – $7,041 | $2,078 – $4,343 | $1,384 – $3,028 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,531 – $11,073 | $2,824 – $6,365 | $1,645 – $3,711 |
Cost to hire movers from Los Angeles to Columbus
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Los Angeles to Columbus will cost between $1,263 and $4,880. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Los Angeles to Los Angeles will range from $3,340 to $7,041, and a large move from Los Angeles to Columbus will cost from $6,531 to $11,073.
Cost of moving containers from Los Angeles to Columbus
If you’re moving from Los Angeles to Columbus, expect to pay between $1,253 and $2,869 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,078 up to $4,343. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,824 and $6,365. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Los Angeles to Columbus
Renting a moving truck from Los Angeles to Columbus is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,203 and $2,325. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,384 and $3,028. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,645 up to $3,711 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Los Angeles to Columbus
The cost of Los Angeles movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,670, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $10,679.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Los Angeles, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,203–$3,161) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Los Angeles to Columbus
Many movers find Columbus easier on the wallet than Los Angeles – roughly 52% less for singles and 43% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,784 for one person in Columbus versus $5,833 in Los Angeles. For a family of four, it’s $7,249 compared with $12,720.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Los Angeles | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,603 | $1,567 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,443 | $2,957 |
| Average home value | $2,368,088 | $238,832 |
| Average income (per capita) | $74,993 | $65,075 |
| Cost of living (single) | $5,833 | $2,784 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $12,720 | $7,249 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 5.7% |
| Sales tax | 9.5% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 3.5% |
- If you’re heading to Columbus from Los Angeles, you’ll find that rent is roughly 51% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 90% less in Columbus than in Los Angeles.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 13% lower in Columbus compared to Los Angeles.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Columbus. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 52% lower than in Los Angeles.
- Choosing to move to Columbus can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 43% less than in Los Angeles.
- Columbus enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 46% lower compared to Los Angeles, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 21% in Columbus compared to Los Angeles, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 74% less in Ohio than in California. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Los Angeles and Columbus:
| Living Expense | Los Angeles | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $192.54 | $263.89 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.50 | $60.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $7.02 | $3.21 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.58 | $2.98 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $47.76 | $46.25 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Los Angeles than in Columbus, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Los Angeles than in Columbus.
- Eggs cost more in Los Angeles than in Columbus.
- Bread is more expensive in Los Angeles than in Columbus.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Los Angeles than in Columbus.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Los Angeles than in Columbus.
- Gym memberships cost more in Los Angeles than in Columbus.
How life is different in Los Angeles vs. Columbus
| Los Angeles | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,820,914 | 905,748 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 69 | 41 |
| Bike friendliness score | 59 | 48 |
| Crime index | 53.81 | 49.65 |
| Safety index | 46.19 | 50.35 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Columbus’s population is about 76% less than Los Angeles.
- Columbus’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Los Angeles’s score of 8.
- Columbus is less walkable than Los Angeles with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Los Angeles’s 69 out of 100.
- Columbus has a bike-friendliness score of 48 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Los Angeles, which has a score of 59.
- Columbus’s crime rate is lower than Los Angeles with a score of 49.65 compared to Los Angeles’s 53.81. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 53.81%.
- Columbus is considered to be safer than Los Angeles with a safety index of 50.35 vs Los Angeles’s 46.19.
- Air quality in Columbus is Good, and in Los Angeles it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Los Angeles to Columbus move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Ohio doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Columbus. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Columbus
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to The 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
Once you’re settled into your new home in Ohio, it’s time to get out and discover what Columbus has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Columbus, such as the Beeler Gallery, Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, Central Ohio Fire Museum, and Columbus Historical Society.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Scioto Mile, Topiary Garden, and Schiller Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites 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 Los Angeles to Columbus?
The best time to move from Los Angeles to Columbus is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Los Angeles.
When is the cheapest time to move from Los Angeles to Columbus?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Los Angeles to Columbus, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Los Angeles to Columbus take?
Moving from Los Angeles, CA to Columbus, covers 2,240 miles and usually takes six to 17 days. Need to move faster? Some Los Angeles movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Columbus.
Which movers in Los Angeles give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers here honor AAA discounts. 2 movers give special rates to military members. 2 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Los Angeles?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 82 movers in Los Angeles advertise piano moving expertise. 71 movers in Los Angeles provide antique moving services. State totals show 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Los Angeles moving services
Popular California routes
- California to Ohio car shippers
- California to Florida movers
- California to Georgia movers
- California to Illinois movers
- California to Michigan movers
- California to New York movers
- California to North Carolina movers
- California to Ohio movers
- California to Pennsylvania movers
- California 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!