Factors influencing moving costs from Durham to Columbustoggle

The cost of Durham 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 Durham to Columbus can be as low as $1,243 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 7,378.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Durham, 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 $483 to $1,146. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Durham to Columbus

Moving from Durham to Columbus means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Durham than in Columbus, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Durham compares to Columbus so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Durham Columbus
Average rent cost $1,699 $1,441
Average home value $391,719 $238,832
Average income (per capita) $396,291 $65,075
Cost of living (single person) $2,803 $2,784
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,945 $7,249
Unemployment rate 4.1% 5.7%
Sales tax 7.5% 7.5%
State income tax 4.5% 3.5%
  • Rent prices in Columbus are 15% lower than in Durham, which means youโ€™ll have more 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 39.0% lower than in Durham.
  • Income in Columbus is 83.6% lower than in Durham, 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.
  • The cost of living for a single person is the same in Columbus and Durham. 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 21.9% higher than in Durham.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbus is 39.02% higher than in Durham.
  • Sales taxes are the same in Columbus and Durham.
  • One perk of moving to Columbus is paying less in state income taxes, which are 22.22% lower than in Durham.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,979.66 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Durham.

How life is different in Durham vs. Columbus

Columbus Durham
Population 905,748 283,506
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 4
Walkability score 41 30
Bike friendliness score 48 38
Crime Index 49.65 54.72
Safety Index 50.35 45.28
Air Quality Good Good
  • Columbus's population is about 219% greater than Durham.
  • Columbus's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Durham's lower score of 4.
  • Columbus is more walkable than Durham with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Durham's 30 out of 100.
  • With a score of 48 out of 100, Columbus is more bike-friendly than Durham, which has a score of 38 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Columbus's crime rate is lower than Durham with a score of 49.65 compared to Durham's 54.72. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72%.
  • Columbus is considered to be safer than Durham with a safety index of 50.35 vs Durham's 45.28.
  • Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Durham it's good.

Other things to consider for your Durham 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Ohio, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toColumbus Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Columbus

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "Arch City" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Columbus to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Short North
  • Victorian Village
  • Grandview Heights
  • Ashville
  • Dublin

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Bexley
  • Clintonville
  • Gahanna
  • Hilliard
  • Upper Arlington

Things to do in Columbus

After settling into your new Ohio home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Columbus has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Columbus is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on 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 Durham to Columbus?

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

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

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

The 454-mile move from Durham, NC, to Columbus, OH, takes one to four days. Some Durham 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