Factors influencing moving costs from New Orleans to Columbustoggle

The cost of New Orleans 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 New Orleans to Columbus can be as low as $1,366 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 7,787.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in New Orleans, 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 $722 to $1,861. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from New Orleans to Columbus

Moving from New Orleans 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 New Orleans than in Columbus, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how New Orleans compares to Columbus so you know what to expect before you relocate:

New Orleans Columbus
Average rent cost $1,755 $1,441
Average home value $231,649 $238,832
Average income (per capita) $51,116 $65,075
Cost of living (single person) $3,134 $2,784
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,905 $7,249
Unemployment rate 11.0% 5.7%
Sales tax 10.0% 7.5%
State income tax 4.25% 3.5%
  • Rent prices in Columbus are 18% lower than in New Orleans, 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 New Orleans.
    Home prices in Columbus are 3.1% higher than in New Orleans.
  • Income in Columbus is 27.3% higher than in New Orleans, 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 11.2% lower than in New Orleans. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 8.3% lower than in New Orleans.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbus is 48.18% lower than in New Orleans.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Columbus, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Columbus are 25.00% lower than in New Orleans.
  • One perk of moving to Columbus is paying less in state income taxes, which are 17.65% lower than in New Orleans.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,664.96 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in New Orleans.

How life is different in New Orleans vs. Columbus

Columbus New Orleans
Population 905,748 383,997
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 7
Walkability score 41 58
Bike friendliness score 48 66
Crime Index 49.65 67.31
Safety Index 50.35 32.69
Air Quality Good Good
  • Columbus's population is about 136% greater than New Orleans.
  • Columbus's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus New Orleans's higher score of 7.
  • Columbus is less walkable than New Orleans with a score of 41 out of 100 vs New Orleans's 58 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 New Orleans, which has a score of 66 out of 100.
  • Columbus's crime rate is lower than New Orleans with a score of 49.65 compared to New Orleans's 67.31. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and New Orleans neighborhoods are safer than 67.31%.
  • Columbus is considered to be safer than New Orleans with a safety index of 50.35 vs New Orleans's 32.69.
  • Air quality in Columbus is good, and in New Orleans it's good.

Other things to consider for your New Orleans 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
  • 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 New Orleans to Columbus?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from New Orleans to Columbus?

Because most people are moving from New Orleans 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 New Orleans to Columbus take?

The 909-mile move from New Orleans, LA, to Columbus, OH, takes two to seven days. Some New Orleans 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