Factors influencing moving costs from Omaha to Columbustoggle

The cost of Omaha 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 Omaha to Columbus can be as low as $1,382 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,654.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Omaha, 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 $668 to $1,645. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Omaha to Columbus

Moving from Omaha 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 Omaha than in Columbus, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

Omaha Columbus
Average rent cost $1,295 $1,441
Average home value $275,214 $238,832
Average income (per capita) $65,359 $65,075
Cost of living (single person) $3,133 $2,784
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,020 $7,249
Unemployment rate 3.4% 5.7%
Sales tax 7.0% 7.5%
State income tax 6.64% 3.5%
  • Rent prices in Columbus are 11% higher than in Omaha, 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 13.2% lower than in Omaha.
  • Income is the same in Columbus and Omaha. The top employers in Columbus include Ohio State University, The State of Ohio, and JPMorgan Chase.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 11.1% lower than in Omaha. 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 80.3% higher than in Omaha.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbus is 67.65% higher than in Omaha.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Columbus, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Columbus are 7.14% higher than in Omaha.
  • One perk of moving to Columbus is paying less in state income taxes, which are 47.29% lower than in Omaha.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,665.82 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Omaha.

How life is different in Omaha vs. Columbus

Columbus Omaha
Population 905,748 483,335
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 5
Walkability score 41 48
Bike friendliness score 48 42
Crime Index 49.65 45.72
Safety Index 50.35 54.28
Air Quality Good Good
  • Columbus's population is about 87% greater than Omaha.
  • Columbus's public transportation has a similar score to Omaha.
  • Columbus is less walkable than Omaha with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Omaha's 48 out of 100.
  • With a score of 48 out of 100, Columbus is more bike-friendly than Omaha, which has a score of 42 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Columbus and Omaha have a similar crime rate.
  • Columbus and Omaha are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Omaha it's good.

Other things to consider for your Omaha 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

  • Downtown
  • Short North
  • Victorian Village
  • Clintonville
  • Dublin

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Bexley
  • Clintonville
  • Gahanna
  • Hilliard
  • Upper Arlington

Things to do in Columbus

Now that you've made the move to Ohio, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Columbus. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™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 cityโ€™s Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Scioto Mile, Topiary Garden, and Schiller Park โ€” 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 Omaha to Columbus?

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

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

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

The 782-mile move from Omaha, NE, to Columbus, OH, takes two to seven days. Some Omaha 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