Factors influencing moving costs from Riverside to Columbustoggle

The cost of Riverside 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 Riverside to Columbus can be as low as $1,506 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 13,463.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Riverside, 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 $1,496 to $4,001. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Riverside to Columbus

Moving from Riverside to Columbus comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Columbus is generally more expensive than Riverside, itโ€™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:

Riverside Columbus
Average rent cost $2,295 $1,441
Average home value $642,297 $238,832
Average income (per capita) $76,755 $65,075
Cost of living (single person) $2,573 $2,784
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,604 $7,249
Unemployment rate 7.1% 5.7%
Sales tax 8.75% 7.5%
State income tax 13.3% 3.5%
  • Rent prices in Columbus are 37% lower than in Riverside, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Columbus.
    Home prices in Columbus are 62.8% lower than in Riverside.
  • Income in Columbus is 15.2% lower than in Riverside, so you could earn less 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 8.2% higher than in Riverside. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™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 29.4% higher than in Riverside.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbus is 19.72% lower than in Riverside.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Columbus, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Columbus are 14.29% lower than in Riverside.
  • One perk of moving to Columbus is paying less in state income taxes, which are 73.68% lower than in Riverside.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,246.02 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Riverside.

How life is different in Riverside vs. Columbus

Columbus Riverside
Population 905,748 317,261
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 5
Walkability score 41 43
Bike friendliness score 48 49
Crime Index 49.65 40.24
Safety Index 50.35 59.76
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Columbus's population is about 185% greater than Riverside.
  • Columbus's public transportation has a similar score to Riverside.
  • Columbus and Riverside are similarily walkable.
  • Both Columbus and Riverside have the same bike-friendliness score of 49 out of 100, meaning Columbus is about as safe for cyclists as Riverside. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
  • Columbus's crime rate is higher than Riverside with a score of 49.65 compared to Riverside's 40.24. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Riverside neighborhoods are safer than 40.24%.
  • Columbus is considered to be less safe than Riverside with a score of 50.35 vs Riverside's 59.76.
  • Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Riverside it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Riverside 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 youโ€™ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโ€™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
  • Clintonville
  • Ashville
  • Dublin

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Bexley
  • Clintonville
  • Gahanna
  • Hilliard
  • Upper Arlington

Things to do in Columbus

Now that you've made the move to Ohio, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Columbus. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Columbus, such as the Beeler Gallery, Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, Central Ohio Fire Museum, Columbus Historical Society, and Columbus Museum of Art.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Scioto Mile, Topiary Garden, and Schiller Park โ€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Columbus Crew (MLS), Ohio State Buckeyes (NCAA), Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL), or Columbus Clippers (AAAE) game.

FAQ

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

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

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

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

The 2,206-mile move from Riverside, CA, to Columbus, OH, takes six to 17 days. Some Riverside 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