($1,292) Movers From St. Louis, MO to Columbus, OH

What to know before moving from St. Louis to Columbus

Moving from St. Louis to Columbus comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Columbus is generally more expensive than St. Louis, it’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:

• Rent prices in Columbus are 15% higher than in St. Louis, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in St. Louis.
  Home prices in Columbus are 39.3% higher than in St. Louis.
• Income in Columbus is 1.5% lower than in St. Louis, so you could earn less for doing the same job. 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 7.5% higher than in St. Louis. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’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 10.3% higher than in St. Louis.
• The unemployment rate in Columbus is 9.52% lower than in St. Louis.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Columbus, since the city’s sales taxes in Columbus are 22.52% lower than in St. Louis.
• One perk of moving to Columbus is paying less in state income taxes, which are 27.08% lower than in St. Louis.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,225.96 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in St. Louis.

How life is different in St. Louis vs. Columbus

• Columbus's population is about 209% greater than St. Louis.
• Columbus's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus St. Louis's higher score of 8.
• Columbus is less walkable than St. Louis with a score of 41 out of 100 vs St. Louis's 66 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 St. Louis, which has a score of 58 out of 100.
• Columbus's crime rate is lower than St. Louis with a score of 49.65 compared to St. Louis's 69.65. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and St. Louis neighborhoods are safer than 69.65%.
• Columbus is considered to be safer than St. Louis with a safety index of 50.35 vs St. Louis's 30.35.
• Air quality in Columbus is good, and in St. Louis it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your St. Louis 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 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.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\’t require moving permits, but it\’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. You’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.

Helpful moving resources