Quick answer: For a 416-mile move from St. Louis to Columbus, expect to spend around $462–$5,204 and one to four days in transit. Cost and time vary by move size, date, and whether you're going DIY or using a moving company.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Columbus to St. Louis guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
Choosing an interstate mover from St. Louis, MO, to Columbus, OH, isn’t as simple as picking the first name you find. In St. Louis, there are 9 companies that can handle that route, each with their own approach, pricing, and service style.
Our team took a close look at every interstate mover in St. Louis, examining service options, costs, and what customers are actually saying in reviews. The result is a carefully curated list of the best long-distance movers in St. Louis you can trust with your St. Louis to Columbus relocation.
Professional
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Labor only
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Best professional movers from St. Louis to Columbus
A full-service mover can make your interstate relocation from St. Louis to Columbus far less complicated. From wrapping and packing your belongings to transporting them safely, these companies cover the entire process so you can spend your time on what matters most.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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What moving services are available in St. Louis?
How we chose the best moving companies for your MO to OH move
Local moving companies servicing St. Louis to Columbus moves
When planning a move from St. Louis to Columbus, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. There are plenty of companies, but which ones are actually worth it?
We've taken care of the research for you — reviewing local movers in St. Louis who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from St. Louis to Columbus.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Arch Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- McGuire Moving and Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- ABC Quality Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 714664
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2969512
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 2969512
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2256609
Years in Business: 45
DOT #: 2256609
Alternate Names: McGuire Moving Co.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Company Info
State license #: 1803212
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 902281
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 987335
Years in Business: 36
DOT #: 987335
Alternate Names: ABC Quality Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from St. Louis to Columbus?
St. Louis movers charge $145 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,157 - $3,346 | $746 - $1,770 | $409 - $759 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,060 - $5,204 | $1,259 - $2,612 | $462 - $909 |
4+ bedrooms | $3,256 - $7,438 | $1,685 - $3,336 | $557 - $1,036 |
Cost to hire movers from Missouri to Ohio
If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Missouri to Ohio, you can expect to spend between $1,157 and $3,346. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,060 to $5,204 on the same route (MO to OH). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Missouri to Ohio typically runs between $3,256 and $7,438.
Cost of moving containers from Missouri to Ohio
If you're relocating from Missouri to Ohio, you'll typically spend between $746 and $1,770 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,259 up to $2,612. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $1,685 and $3,336. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Missouri.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Missouri to Ohio
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you'll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you're moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $409 and $759. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $462 and $909. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $557 and $1,036.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that influence moving costs from St. Louis to Columbus
What to know before moving from St. Louis to Columbus
Moving to Columbus typically means higher monthly totals — roughly 8% more for singles and 10% more for families compared with St. Louis.
Singles spend around $2,784 in Columbus vs. $2,589 in St. Louis, and families see $7,249 vs. $6,573.
Use the breakdown below to plan your budget:
- You may want to budget more for rent in Columbus, since prices are typically 15% higher than in St. Louis.
- The home prices in Columbus are 39.3% higher than in St. Louis, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- 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 — including Ohio State University, The State of Ohio, and JPMorgan Chase — may pay more.
- 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.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between St. Louis and Columbus, from monthly bills to routine purchases.
St. Louis | Columbus | |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $ | $263.89 |
Cell phone plan | $ | $60.77 |
Dozen eggs | $ | $3.21 |
Loaf of bread | $ | $2.98 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $ | $20 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $ | $80 |
Gym membership | $ | $46.25 |
How life is different in St. Louis vs. Columbus
Columbus | St. Louis | |
---|---|---|
Population | 905,748 | 293,310 |
Transportation Score | 5 | 8 |
Walkability score | 41 | 66 |
Bike friendliness score | 48 | 58 |
Crime Index | 49.65 | 69.65 |
Safety Index | 50.35 | 30.35 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- 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: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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 booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Ohio, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Ohio doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Columbus without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
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
- Clintonville
- Grandview Heights
- Dublin
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bexley
- Clintonville
- Gahanna
- Hilliard
- Upper Arlington
Things to do in Columbus
Once you're settled into your new home in Ohio, it's time to get out and discover what Columbus has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'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 city's Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Scioto Mile, Topiary Garden, and Schiller Park — 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 St. Louis to Columbus?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from St. Louis to Columbus. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in St. Louis.
When is the cheapest time to move from St. Louis to Columbus?
Because spring and fall moves from St. Louis to Columbus are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from St. Louis to Columbus take?
The 416-mile journey from St. Louis, MO to Columbus, OH, typically takes one to four days. Some movers in St. Louis offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Columbus.
Do movers in St. Louis offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in St. Louis can handle specialty items for my move to Columbus?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In St. Louis, 9 movers can handle pianos. 5 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of MO, there are 30 piano movers and 18 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2176 and 1401 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.