Factors influencing moving costs from Overland Park to Columbustoggle

The cost of Overland Park 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 Overland Park to Columbus can be as low as $1,442 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,131.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Overland Park, 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 $582 to $1,363. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Overland Park to Columbus

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

Overland Park Columbus
Average rent cost $1,554 $1,441
Average home value $432,656 $238,832
Average income (per capita) $64,446 $65,075
Cost of living (single person) $2,433 $2,784
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,813 $7,249
Unemployment rate 3.0% 5.7%
Sales tax 9.61% 7.5%
State income tax 5.7% 3.5%
  • Rent prices in Columbus are 7% lower than in Overland Park, 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 44.8% lower than in Overland Park.
  • Income is the same in Columbus and Overland Park. 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 14.4% higher than in Overland Park. 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 50.6% higher than in Overland Park.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbus is 90.00% higher than in Overland Park.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Columbus, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Columbus are 21.96% lower than in Overland Park.
  • One perk of moving to Columbus is paying less in state income taxes, which are 38.60% lower than in Overland Park.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,432.80 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Overland Park.

How life is different in Overland Park vs. Columbus

Columbus Overland Park
Population 905,748 197,238
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 2
Walkability score 41 35
Bike friendliness score 48 46
Crime Index 49.65 24.73
Safety Index 50.35 75.27
Air Quality Good Good
  • Columbus's population is about 359% greater than Overland Park.
  • Columbus's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Overland Park's lower score of 2.
  • Columbus is more walkable than Overland Park with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Overland Park's 35 out of 100.
  • Both Columbus and Overland Park have the same bike-friendliness score of 46 out of 100, meaning Columbus is about as safe for cyclists as Overland Park. 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 Overland Park with a score of 49.65 compared to Overland Park's 24.73. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Overland Park neighborhoods are safer than 24.73%.
  • Columbus is considered to be less safe than Overland Park with a score of 50.35 vs Overland Park's 75.27.
  • Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Overland Park it's good.

Other things to consider for your Overland Park 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Ohio moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Ohio doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Columbus. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Columbus

Ready to relocate to "Arch City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Columbus.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown
  • Short North
  • Victorian Village
  • Grandview Heights
  • Ashville

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 Overland Park to Columbus?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Overland Park to Columbus?

Because most people are moving from Overland Park 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 Overland Park to Columbus take?

The 667-mile move from Overland Park, KS, to Columbus, OH, takes one to six days. Some Overland Park 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