How we chose the best moving companies for your MI to OH move
After studying pricing from 84 Michigan movers, the moveBuddha team identified the highest-rated options by weighing customer feedback, reviews, and affordability.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Consistent punctuality, clear updates, and costs that align with the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Admits faults and prioritizes fair, practical fixes for customers.
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Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Keeps an accurate site and responds promptly and professionally to inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Covers everything from full packing to storage, special handling, and rush delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Michigan to Ohio?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Michigan to Ohio.
You’ll find prices organized by home size and type of moving service, making it easy to compare your options.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$940 – $3,077 |
$626 – $1,382 |
$328 – $617 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$1,687 – $4,731 |
$1,145 – $2,102 |
$367 – $711 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$2,651 – $6,599 |
$1,443 – $2,702 |
$459 – $851 |
*Estimated costs for a 364-mile move from MI to
OH are shown here, calculated from moveBuddha’s
dataset as of Dec 11, 2025. We compile thousands of verified price points from movers nationwide
and update them monthly to reflect seasonal variability and market dynamics. Actual charges can vary
with shipment size, extra services, parking/access limitations, fuel prices, and scheduling.
For the most accurate pricing, compare quotes from several moving companies.
Cost to hire movers from Michigan to Ohio
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Michigan to Ohio will cost between
$940 and
$3,077.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from MI to OH will
range from $1,687 to
$4,731, and a large move from Michigan
to Ohio will cost from $2,651
to $6,599.
Cost of moving containers from Michigan to Ohio
If you’re moving from Michigan to Ohio,
expect to pay between $626
and $1,382 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,145 up to
$2,102.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,443 and
$2,702. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from Michigan.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Michigan to Ohio
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading,
unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between
$328 and
$617.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $367
and $711. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $459 up to
$851 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from MI to OH
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from Michigan to Ohio. Here’s what might influence your total price:
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Everything you’re taking with you: More stuff to transport means a bigger bill compared to a lighter load.
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Time of year: The peak moving season in Michigan is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
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DIY or full-service help: Handling the move yourself costs less, but hiring pros saves you the heavy lifting.
What to know before moving from MI to OH
A relocation from Michigan to Ohio comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: Michigan vs. Ohio
Comparing expenses in Michigan and Ohio shows how much everyday living can vary. This side-by-side view of income, unemployment, taxes, and housing sheds light on where your money may go further:
|
Michigan |
Ohio |
| Average rent |
$1,037 |
$945 |
| Average home cost |
$245,716 |
$230,798 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$68,505 |
$66,990 |
| Cost of living index |
92 |
94 |
| Unemployment rate |
4.7% |
3.6% |
| Average sales tax |
6.0% |
7.23% |
| State income tax |
4.25% |
3.5% |
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Expect to pay around 9% less in rent in Ohio than in Michigan, which means more savings in your wallet every month.
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Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 6% lower in Ohio than in Michigan.
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Good news — you won’t need to stress about your finances since average incomes are similar in both Ohio and Michigan.
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Since the cost of living is about the same in Ohio and Michigan, you don’t have to stress about your budget. Just focus on choosing the lifestyle and environment that suit you best.
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With an unemployment rate about 23% lower than Michigan, Ohio boasts a stronger job market and a vibrant economy, which is encouraging if you’re thinking about making a move.
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Sales taxes are 21% higher in Ohio than in Michigan, so you’ll pay extra for everyday purchases like clothes, electronics, dining out, and household items.
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Income taxes are 18% lower in Ohio than in Michigan. Lower income tax rates mean less money withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
How life is different in Ohio vs. Michigan
Relocating to a new state is about more than finding a job or a place to live.
It’s about how your day-to-day life will feel. Things like weather, safety, local culture,
and the size of your community will all play a part in your overall experience. Here’s a side-by-side look
at how life in Ohio stacks up against Michigan across important lifestyle factors:
|
Ohio |
Michigan |
| Population |
11,785,935 |
10,037,261 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 55-45 |
Republican 49.7-48.3 |
| Summer high |
84ºF |
81ºF |
| Winter low |
20ºF |
14ºF |
| Annual rain |
40″ |
34″ |
| Annual snow |
28″ |
64″ |
| Crime index |
20.76 |
19.98 |
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Ohio is about 17% more populous than Michigan.
With a larger population, you can usually expect upgraded infrastructure — better hospitals, schools, public transit, and more entertainment options.
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During the last presidential election, both Michigan and Ohio supported the Republican candidate.
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In Ohio, summer highs hover around 84°F, while Michigan sits at 81°F.
Since they’re nearly the same, you shouldn’t notice a big difference, though seasonal patterns could still vary.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Ohio bottoms out around 20°F, compared to 14°F in Michigan.
A move to Ohio with milder winters offers easier living, lower bills, and more outdoor freedom.
-
Expect about 40 inches of rain each year in Ohio, a noticeable difference from the 34 inches you’re used to in Michigan.
With a little preparation and good waterproof gear, you can adjust and enjoy your new home in no time.
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In Ohio, you can expect about 28 inches of snow each year, much less than the 64 inches you’d deal with in Michigan.
So, if you’re moving to Ohio, get ready for milder winters, less shoveling, and fewer extreme winter weather events.
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Ohio and Michigan have similar crime rates (20.76 vs. 19.98).
Even with similar state-level crime rates, the distribution of crime can vary widely, so it’s important to research at the city or neighborhood level, as well.
Comparing the pros of Michigan vs. Ohio
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Ohio versus Michigan:
| Pros of living in Michigan |
Pros of living in Ohio |
| Scenic beauty |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Good higher education |
Low cost of living |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Low cost of living |
Famously delicious beer |
| Beautiful lakes |
Amazing food |
Comparing the cons of living in Michigan vs. Ohio
Moving from Michigan to Ohio comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in Michigan |
Cons of living in Ohio |
| Cold snowy winters |
Low happiness |
| Spotty economic opportunity |
Limited diversity |
| Poor transportation infrastructure |
Political division |
| Expensive education |
Harsh weather |
| Thick accents |
Weird laws |
Other things to consider for your Michigan to Ohio move
-
HOA rules:
Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
-
Elevator reservation:
Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
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Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
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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. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
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State regulator:
Easily verify a Ohio moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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Moving permits:
You won’t need a moving permit in Ohio, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
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Change of address:
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. That way, once you’ve locked in your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Ohio without a hitch. Get started here.
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Mover’s insurance:
Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance, also called “released value protection,” free of charge to all moving customers. 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.
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Moving checklist:
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in Ohio
Get ready to discover all that Ohio has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new state:
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
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Michigan to Ohio?
Do movers transport your car from Michigan to Ohio?
What are the benefits of moving from Michigan to Ohio?
The main reasons people are moving from Michigan to Ohio are the amazing upsides of living in Ohio, such as ample economic opportunity and low cost of living.
Is it cheaper to live in Michigan or Ohio?
Living in Michigan usually costs less than in Ohio.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is much more affordable in Ohio,
with average rent about 9% less and home prices 6% lower than in Michigan.
Taxes are also
lower in Ohio, most notably income taxes, which are more than 10% less than those paid by Michigan residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Ohio?
You should make approximately $65,241 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Ohio.
The cost of living in Ohio is about $2,580 per month for an individual and $6,799 for a family of four.
Exact expenses will vary depending on your city. Larger cities like Columbus and Cleveland tend to be more expensive than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Michigan?
Some movers in Michigan provide budget-friendly deals.
In Michigan, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Special pricing for military members is available from 6 moving companies.
Discounts for seniors are offered by 7 movers.
Student savings are available through 1 moving providers.
Discount details vary, so confirm terms with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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When moving from Michigan to Ohio, expect to spend between
$1,687–$4,731 if using professional movers, about
$1,623 for a moving container, and around
$539
for a rental truck.
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