($1,355+) Los Angeles, CA to Columbus, OH Movers
The cost to move from Los Angeles, CA to Columbus, OH ranges from $1,379 to $12,708, with an average cost of $4,400. Moves can be as low as $1,355 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,240 miles and usually takes 6 to 17 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Los Angeles, CA to Columbus, OH
Moving options from Los Angeles to Columbus fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,379 - $12,708 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,400, and movers handle 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 particular route covers 2,240 miles and typically takes 6 to 17 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,240-mile route from Los Angeles to Columbus, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,379 for a studio up to $12,708 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,737 - $6,298 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,395 - $3,785, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,643 - $4,987, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Los Angeles, CA to Columbus, OH
For the 2,240-mile move from Los Angeles, California, to Columbus, Ohio, full-service movers cost between $1,379 and $12,708. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $401 - $2,672 (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 Los Angeles generally start around $200 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Los Angeles to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,379 - $5,877
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,614 - $8,172
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,201 - $12,708
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 Los Angeles to Columbus.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California 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 Los Angeles, CA to Columbus, OH
Specialty needs vary by market — 88% of Los Angeles 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 packing100% of local movers | $668 - $6,680 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready88% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Sterling Van Lines | $267 - $1,603/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $401 - $3,206 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage41% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers | $1,336 - $4,008 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,340 - $13,360 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,001 - $1,901 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items68% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Sterling Van Lines | $1,336 - $3,340 |
| Piano | Any piano type79% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Sterling Van Lines | $1,069 - $4,676 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling43% of local movers | $401 - $2,004 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect30% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Sterling Van Lines | $868 - $2,672 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $401 - $20,040+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $401 - $4,676+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles, CA, 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 Los Angeles, CA to Columbus, OH
Moving containers from Los Angeles, California, to Columbus, Ohio, cost between $1,737 and $6,298. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Columbus. If you go over that window, storage in Los Angeles adds around $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Los Angeles to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,737 - $3,280
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,249 - $4,747
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,151 - $6,298
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 $935 in Los Angeles, CA. 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 $100 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $200 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 California 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 $1,737. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,249 - $4,747, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles:
- Sterling Van Lines (4.6/5), 35 years in business
- Rigo's Moving Company Inc (4.3/5), 12 years in business
- Box-N-Go, LLC (4.8/5), 19 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Los Angeles, CA to Columbus, OH
Plan on $1,395 - $3,785 for a rental moving truck on the 2,240-mile route from Los Angeles, California, to Columbus, Ohio. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $952 - $1,088
- Daily insurance: $40/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- Los Angeles daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| 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 Los Angeles to Columbus based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,395 - $2,619
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,410 - $2,904
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,872 - $3,785
Pro tip: A rental truck from Los Angeles to Columbus looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,395 - $3,785. But once you factor in fuel ($952 - $1,088) , overnight lodging ($200/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $952 - $1,088 for the 2,240-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Los Angeles, California, for about 5 hours typically costs around $935.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 2,240-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $200 per night, adding $401 - $601 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $67 and $401.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles, CA to Columbus, OH
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Los Angeles, California, to Columbus, Ohio, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,745 and $3,986.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Los Angeles to Columbus:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,643 - $3,013
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,745 - $3,986
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,420 - $4,987
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $100 and $200.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Los Angeles, California, for roughly five hours typically average $935.
What are the best freight companies from Los Angeles to Columbus?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Sea-Logix, LLC (4.76/5 stars): Sea-Logix, LLC is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Los Angeles, CA 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 Los Angeles on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Los Angeles, CA | Columbus, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 162 | 91 |
| Average rent | $2,960/mo | $1,441/mo |
| Median home value | $878,142 | $233,368 |
| Average income | $80,366/yr | $65,327/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 5.7% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 3.5% |
| Walkability score | 69/100 | 41/100 |
| Safety index | 46.19/100 | 50.35/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 Los Angeles, CA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from California 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 374 movers licensed in California, useful context for sizing up this 2,240-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Los Angeles, CA, to Columbus, OH, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,379 for a studio to $12,708 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 2,240-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,737 - $6,298. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,395 - $3,785, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,614 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
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 Los Angeles, CA, to Columbus, OH
How walkable is Columbus?
Columbus has a walkability score of 41 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 48, compared to 69 and 59 in Los Angeles. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($952 - $1,088), daily insurance ($40/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $27) on top. Overnight stops can add another $200/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Ohio?
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Los Angeles, CA to Columbus, OH?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Los Angeles movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 79% of movers in Los Angeles handle piano moves, and 68% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
