Best overall value
Local moving companies in New York City
- Roadway Moving : 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Dumbo Moving and Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Flatrate Moving: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Piece of Cake Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- White Glove Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Lack of communication
- Unexpected charges
Review Analysis
Top-rated moves aren’t a myth—Roadway Moving receives glowing feedback for being fast, careful, and professional. Out of 790 reviews, 92% are positive. Most customers highlight efficient and friendly crews, meticulous furniture handling, speedy packing and delivery, and excellent communication throughout the move. Crews wrap and organize everything to prevent damage, and many note stress-free experiences even during complicated or long-distance moves. Many find the booking process easy and the pricing transparent. A few reports mention delays or lost items, and some cite poor communication or surprise charges when things go wrong. Damage to items, lost communication, and unexpected fees lead the small number of negative reviews. Overall, customer input suggests Roadway stands out for reliability, detailed care, and customer focus—making them a stronger choice than many moving competitors, particularly for those seeking peace of mind on move day.
Company Info
State license #: 38589
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 1854436
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Affordable rates
- Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
- Unexpected charges
- Damage to items
- Unfriendly or rude staff
Review Analysis
Customers call Dumbo Moving a go-to for affordable, fast, and careful moves. Over 2,100 feedback entries show more than half of the input is positive and under 43% negative. Clients praise the team's efficient service, attention to detail, courteous crew, fair quotes, and how quickly they finish both local and long-distance jobs. Many appreciate their careful handling of everything from fragile furniture to electronics. Several people highlight reliable performance compared to pricier competitors, with many repeat customers saying they always get what they expect. On the downside, hundreds report cost problems—unexpected charges, extra fees for minor add-ons, and surprise upcharges once belongings are in the truck. A significant portion warn of property damage left unresolved or poorly compensated, and complaints about staff that come off as unhelpful or pushy are common. While speedy moves and competitive rates stand out, the risk of extra charges and inconsistent customer care means Dumbo moves faster than some firms but often delivers a less predictable experience. Fewer companies inspire such loyalty—or frustration—in a crowded industry.
Company Info
State license #: 36990
Years in Business: 18
DOT #: 1543241
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Poor complaint handling
- Misplaced or lost items
Review Analysis
FlatRate Moving receives glowing feedback from most customers, with 94% of input highlighting efficiency, skilled handling, professional and courteous staff, clear communication, and speedy moves. Clients mention organized packing and care for belongings, with many moves completed ahead of schedule. Transparent pricing and a streamlined process set the company apart from many competitors in the industry, reducing stress typically linked to moving. Negative experiences are far less common but mainly report damaged or lost items, unresolved claims, and challenges with customer support for complaints. A small segment also notes issues with repeated follow-up needed for claim resolutions or communication lapses after damage occurred. Out of 271 reviews analyzed, an overwhelming majority found the company reliable and highly recommended FlatRate Moving, reflecting a track record that outperforms many moving services in both satisfaction and consistency.
Company Info
State license #: 32557
Years in Business: 33
DOT #: 488466
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
- Misplaced or lost items
Review Analysis
Piece of Cake Moving & Storage makes relocating feel like a breeze for most customers, with 94.5% of nearly 9,000 reviews giving positive feedback. Their crews often win praise for being efficient, friendly, and showing care with belongings, making moves run quickly and protecting furniture well. Many also mention good communication and stress-free experiences, even for moves under tough conditions. Some reviewers highlight organized packing and transparent pricing as standout qualities that set Piece of Cake above their competition in major cities. Still, a small but notable group (5%) describe frustrating experiences such as item damage, surprise charges not made clear upfront, or missing boxes—and a handful share stories of items lost or mishandled during long-distance moves. A few neutral reviews point out that while customer support is responsive, the packing service can fall short of expectations. Compared to similar companies, Piece of Cake is recognized for consistent service, but it’s important for customers to ensure item lists are accurate and to monitor the moving process. For those seeking a smooth, hands-off move with careful, reliable movers, Piece of Cake comes highly recommended, but vigilance is wise to prevent issues common in the industry.
Company Info
State license #: 40244
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3066988
Alternate Names: Piece of Cake Moving & Storage LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Customer Praise
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Customer Complaints
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Unexpected charges
Review Analysis
Across 741 customer reviews, White Glove Moving & Storage shines for their meticulous handling, professionalism, and swift, efficient work—nearly 90% of feedback expresses satisfaction. Movers are repeatedly recognized for careful treatment of items, reliable communication, and prompt execution, often exceeding expectations. Customers cite friendly, organized teams and well-wrapped belongings as standout features. A minority report issues like damaged goods, delayed delivery, or unexpected fees, especially with long-distance jobs or storage. Compared to typical moving companies, White Glove receives notably fewer complaints about lost or mishandled property. While most customers strongly recommend them, a few warn to clarify terms up front to avoid delivery surprises or extra expenses. White Glove’s track record for dependable, courteous service sets them ahead in the industry, as reflected in consistently positive input from clients.
Company Info
State license #: 648262
Years in Business: 29
DOT #: 648262
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Factors that influence moving costs from New York City to Columbus
What to know before moving from New York City to Columbus
Moving from New York City to Columbus means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in New York City than in Columbus, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how New York City compares to Columbus so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| New York City | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $4,340 | $1,441 |
| Average home value | $752,778 | $238,832 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,058 | $65,075 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,683 | $2,784 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $15,081 | $7,249 |
| Unemployment rate | 11.2% | 5.7% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 10.9% | 3.5% |
- Rent prices in Columbus are 67% lower than in New York City, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Columbus.
Home prices in Columbus are 68.3% lower than in New York City. - Income in Columbus is 16.6% lower than in New York City, 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.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Columbus. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 51.0% lower than in New York City.
- A move to Columbus can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 51.9% less than what it costs in New York City.
- The unemployment rate in Columbus is 49.11% lower than in New York City.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Columbus, since the city's sales taxes in Columbus are 6.25% lower than in New York City.
- One perk of moving to Columbus is paying less in state income taxes, which are 67.89% lower than in New York City.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,469.65 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in New York City.
How life is different in New York City vs. Columbus
| Columbus | New York City | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 905,748 | 8,258,035 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 10 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 88 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 69 |
| Crime Index | 49.65 | 50.83 |
| Safety Index | 50.35 | 49.17 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Columbus might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 89% less than New York City.
- Getting around Columbus without a car might be more difficult than in New York City. Columbus has a public transportation score of 5 out of 10, whereas New York City is ranked 10. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Columbus neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as New York City. Based on its score of 41 out of 100, Columbus isn't as walkable as New York City, which has a score of 88 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Columbus, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than New York City. While New York City has a bike-friendliness score of 69 out of 100, Columbus earned a 48. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- You can anticipate the same crime rate in Columbus as New York City. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80–100.
- Columbus is generally as safe as New York City, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
- The air quality in Columbus and New York City is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your New York City 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
Now that you'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
- Clintonville
- Grandview Heights
- Ashville
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bexley
- Clintonville
- Gahanna
- Hilliard
- Upper Arlington
Things to do in Columbus
After settling into your new Ohio home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Columbus has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- 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 city's Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Scioto Mile, Topiary Garden, and Schiller Park — among other spots — 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.
source: AttractionsofAmerica
FAQ
When is the best time to move from New York City to Columbus?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from New York City to Columbus. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in New York City.
When is the cheapest time to move from New York City to Columbus?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from New York City to Columbus moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from New York City to Columbus take?
Covering 536 miles, the move from New York City, NY to Columbus, OH typically takes one to six days. Some New York City movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Columbus can help bridge the gap.
