Factors influencing moving costs from Wilmington to Columbus
What to know before moving from Wilmington to Columbus
Moving from Wilmington to Columbus means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Wilmington than in Columbus, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Wilmington compares to Columbus so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Wilmington | Columbus | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,812 | $1,441 |
Average home value | $307,799 | $238,832 |
Average income (per capita) | $49,354 | $65,075 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,533 | $2,784 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,350 | $7,249 |
Unemployment rate | 10.3% | 5.7% |
Sales tax | 0.0% | 7.5% |
State income tax | 6.6% | 3.5% |
- Rent prices in Columbus are 21% lower than in Wilmington, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Columbus.
Home prices in Columbus are 22.4% lower than in Wilmington. - Income in Columbus is 31.9% higher than in Wilmington, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Columbus include Ohio State University, The State of Ohio, and JPMorgan Chase.
- The cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 21.2% lower than in Wilmington. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Columbus, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 66.6% higher than in Wilmington.
- The unemployment rate in Columbus is 44.66% lower than in Wilmington.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Columbus, since the cityโs sales taxes in Columbus are 7.50% higher than in Wilmington.
- One perk of moving to Columbus is paying less in state income taxes, which are 46.97% lower than in Wilmington.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,364.00 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Wilmington.
How life is different in Wilmington vs. Columbus
Columbus | Wilmington | |
---|---|---|
Population | 905,748 | 70,898 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 6 |
Walkability score | 41 | 74 |
Bike friendliness score | 48 | 52 |
Crime Index | 49.65 | 67.32 |
Safety Index | 50.35 | 32.68 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Columbus's population is about 1,178% greater than Wilmington.
- Columbus's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Wilmington's higher score of 6.
- Columbus is less walkable than Wilmington with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Wilmington's 74 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 Wilmington, which has a score of 52 out of 100.
- Columbus's crime rate is lower than Wilmington with a score of 49.65 compared to Wilmington's 67.32. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Wilmington neighborhoods are safer than 67.32%.
- Columbus is considered to be safer than Wilmington with a safety index of 50.35 vs Wilmington's 32.68.
- Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Wilmington it's good.
Other things to consider for your Wilmington 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 youโll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโre 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
- Short North
- Victorian Village
- Clintonville
- Grandview Heights
- Dublin
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bexley
- Clintonville
- Gahanna
- Hilliard
- Upper Arlington
Things to do in Columbus
After getting comfortable in your new Ohio home, itโs time to see what Columbus is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ thereโs plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Columbus include museums and art 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 cityโs Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Scioto Mile, Topiary Garden, and Schiller Park โ and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on 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 Wilmington to Columbus?
The best time to move from Wilmington to Columbus is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Wilmington.
When is the cheapest time to move from Wilmington to Columbus?
Because most people are moving from Wilmington 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 Wilmington to Columbus take?
The 462-mile move from Wilmington, DE, to Columbus, OH, takes one to four days. Some Wilmington movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbus.