When planning a move from Massachusetts to Ohio, professional movers typically run between
$2,031 and $5,164, a moving container averages about
$1,884, and a rental truck is around
$825.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Massachusetts to Ohio?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,073 – $3,703 | $683 – $1,724 | $517 – $924 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,031 – $5,164 | $1,230 – $2,539 | $542 – $1,108 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,621 – $7,698 | $1,804 – $3,269 | $684 – $1,357 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,073 – $3,703
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,031 – $5,164
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,621 – $7,698
How much do moving containers cost from Massachusetts to Ohio?
- Small move: $683 – $1,724
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,230 – $2,539
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,804 – $3,269
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $517 – $924
- 2–3 bedrooms: $542 – $1,108
- 4+ bedrooms: $684 – $1,357
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 738-mile move from MA to OH using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from MA to OH?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Massachusetts | Ohio | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,588 | $945 |
| Average home cost | $623,131 | $230,798 |
| Average income (per capita) | $96,505 | $66,990 |
| Cost of living index | 100 | 94 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.9% | 3.6% |
| Average sales tax | 6.25% | 7.23% |
| State income tax | 9.0% | 3.5% |
Will rent be more expensive in Ohio?
Rent is about 40% lower in Ohio than in Massachusetts.
Avg rent: $1,588 vs. $945
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 63% lower in Ohio than in Massachusetts.
Avg home value: $623,131 vs. $230,798
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 31% lower in Ohio than in Massachusetts.
Avg income (per capita): $96,505 vs. $66,990
Is the overall cost of living higher in Ohio?
The cost of living is 6% lower in Ohio than in Massachusetts.
Cost of living index: 100 vs. 94
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 16% higher in Ohio than in Massachusetts.
Avg sales tax: 6.25% vs. 7.23%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 61% lower in Ohio than in Massachusetts.
State income tax: 9.0% vs. 3.5%
How is daily life different in Ohio compared to Massachusetts?
Starting fresh means adjusting to more than logistics — climate, crime, and culture shape the experience.
| Ohio | Massachusetts | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 11,785,935 | 7,001,399 |
| Political leaning | Republican 55-45 | Democratic 61.5-36.3 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 20ºF | 16ºF |
| Annual rain | 40″ | 49″ |
| Annual snow | 28″ | 47″ |
| Crime index | 20.76 | 13.92 |
Will Ohio feel more crowded than Massachusetts?
Ohio is about 68% more populous than Massachusetts — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Ohio voted Republican while Massachusetts voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (84°F vs. 82°F).
Winter: Lows are very similar (20°F vs. 16°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Ohio?
Rain: Ohio gets less rain (40″ vs. 49″).
Snow: Ohio gets less snow (28 inches vs. 47 inches).
Is Ohio safer than Massachusetts?
Ohio has a higher crime index than Massachusetts (20.76 vs. 13.92). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in Ohio?
Museums in Ohio
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
- Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- A Christmas Story House
- National Museum of the US Air Force
Parks in Ohio
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
- Wayne National Forest
- Upper Falls at Old Man’s Cave
- Maumee Bay State Park
Sports teams in Ohio
- Cincinnati Reds (MLB)
- Cleveland Guardians (MLB)
- Cincinnati Bengals (NFL)
- Cleveland Browns (NFL)
- Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)
Universities in Ohio
- The Ohio State University
- University of Cincinnati
- Case Western Reserve University
- Kent State University
- Bowling Green State University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Massachusetts to Ohio move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
- 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. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
- State regulator: Easily verify the status of a Ohio moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- 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: Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Just set your official move date, and your mail will be forwarded to Ohio right on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” for free. 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: Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Ohio?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Ohio?
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.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Ohio moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Ohio?
Ohio does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires interstate movers to include basic insurance (“released value protection”) for free. 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.
Some movers in Massachusetts offer discounts: 1 military discounts; 3 senior discounts; 6 student discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Helpful moving resources
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Popular Massachusetts routes
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