Factors influencing moving costs from Missoula to Columbustoggle

The cost of Missoula 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 Missoula to Columbus can be as low as $1,726 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 14,669.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Missoula, 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 $1,388 to $3,316. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Missoula to Columbus

Moving from Missoula to Columbus comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Columbus is generally more expensive than Missoula, itโ€™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:

Missoula Columbus
Average rent cost $1,322 $1,441
Average home value $544,475 $238,832
Average income (per capita) $59,180 $65,075
Cost of living (single person) $2,011 $2,784
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,832 $7,249
Unemployment rate 4.4% 5.7%
Sales tax 0.0% 7.5%
State income tax 6.75% 3.5%
  • Rent prices in Columbus are 9% higher than in Missoula, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Columbus.
    Home prices in Columbus are 56.1% lower than in Missoula.
  • Income in Columbus is 10.0% higher than in Missoula, 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.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Columbus, since the cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 38.4% higher than in Missoula. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™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 24.3% higher than in Missoula.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbus is 29.55% higher than in Missoula.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Columbus, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Columbus are 7.50% higher than in Missoula.
  • One perk of moving to Columbus is paying less in state income taxes, which are 48.15% lower than in Missoula.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,153.16 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Missoula.

How life is different in Missoula vs. Columbus

Columbus Missoula
Population 905,748 77,757
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 5
Walkability score 41 45
Bike friendliness score 48 60
Crime Index 49.65 33.27
Safety Index 50.35 66.73
Air Quality Good Good
  • Columbus's population is about 1,065% greater than Missoula.
  • Columbus's public transportation has a similar score to Missoula.
  • Columbus is less walkable than Missoula with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Missoula's 45 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 Missoula, which has a score of 60 out of 100.
  • Columbus's crime rate is higher than Missoula with a score of 49.65 compared to Missoula's 33.27. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Missoula neighborhoods are safer than 33.27%.
  • Columbus is considered to be less safe than Missoula with a score of 50.35 vs Missoula's 66.73.
  • Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Missoula it's good.

Other things to consider for your Missoula 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

  • Short North
  • Victorian Village
  • Clintonville
  • Ashville
  • Dublin

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Bexley
  • Clintonville
  • Gahanna
  • Hilliard
  • Upper Arlington

Things to do in Columbus

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Ohio, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Columbus has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Columbus features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during 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 Missoula to Columbus?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Missoula to Columbus?

Because most people are moving from Missoula 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 Missoula to Columbus take?

The 1,945-mile move from Missoula, MT, to Columbus, OH, takes five to 16 days. Some Missoula 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