Family owned
Things to know before moving from Kentucky to Columbus, OH
Cost of living: Kentucky vs Columbus, OH
| Kentucky | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $902 | $1,441 |
| Average home value | $212,088 | $238,832 |
| Average income (per capita) | $60,183 | $65,075 |
| Unemployment rate | 5% | 6% |
| State income tax | 4% | 4% |
Columbus sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 60% more expensive in Columbus than in Kentucky.
- Home prices are about 13% higher in Columbus than in Kentucky.
- The average income is about 8% higher in Columbus than in Kentucky.
- Columbus has a higher unemployment rate than Kentucky by about 14%.
- Income taxes are 13% lower in Columbus than in Kentucky.
How life is different in Columbus from Kentucky
| Columbus | Kentucky | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 905,748 | 4,526,154 |
| Political leaning | Republican 55-14 | Republican 64.6-33.9 |
| Summer high | 85ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 21ºF | 24ºF |
| Annual rain | 40" | 48" |
| Annual snow | 22" | 11" |
| Crime index | 49.65 | 16.63 |
Columbus sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Columbus is approximately 80% lower than the population of Kentucky.
- In the last presidential election, Columbus voted Republican and Kentucky voted Republican.
- The average high in the summertime in Columbus is 85ºF and in Kentucky, it’s 87ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Columbus reaches the temperature of 21ºF and Kentucky gets down to 24ºF.
- You can expect about 40 inches of annual rainfall in Columbus vs 48 inches of rainfall in Kentucky.
- In Columbus, it snows about 22 inches annually vs 11 inches of snow in Kentucky.
- Columbus has a higher crime rate than Kentucky with a crime index of 49.65 vs 16.63.
Things to do in Columbus
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Columbus.
Museums in Columbus
Parks in Columbus
Sports Teams in Columbus
Universities in Columbus
Other considerations when moving to Columbus, OH
- 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: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- 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 Ohio. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Compare the pros and cons of Kentucky vs. Columbus, OH
Comparing the pros of Kentucky vs. Columbus, OH:
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Kentucky vs Columbus side-by-side.
| Pros of living in Kentucky | Pros of living in Columbus, OH |
|---|---|
| Low cost of living | Low cost of living |
| Abundant outdoor adventures | Delicious food |
| Delicious food and drink | Bountiful arts and recreational activities |
| Horse racing | Friendly people |
| Four season weather | Ample economic opportunity |
Comparing the cons of living in Kentucky vs. Columbus, OH:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Kentucky for Columbus.
| Cons of living in Kentucky | Cons of living in Columbus, OH |
|---|---|
| Extreme weather | Bad drivers |
| Low diversity | Terrible traffic |
| Poor air quality | Bad weather |
| Poor infrastructure | High taxes |
| Poor education system | Limited public transportation |
FAQ
How long does a move from Kentucky to Columbus take?
The time frame for a move from Kentucky to Columbus, OH, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.
Obviously, the further upstate you are in Kentucky, the longer the drive time to Columbus will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.
With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Columbus from Kentucky can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Kentucky to Columbus?
Because of the 209-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Kentucky to Columbus as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Columbus, OH?
With the summer highs of 85ºF and the winter lows of 21ºF, most people move to Columbus from Kentucky during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Columbus during summer or winter.
