Top-rated local movers that handle Rochester to Columbus moves
When planning a move from Rochester to Columbus, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing nine local movers in Rochester who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Rochester to Columbus.
- Sheridan Brothers Moving: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Corrigan Moving Systems: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Interior Moving Services Inc: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Clark Moving & Storage: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Highline Moving and Delivery: 4.44 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 34026
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 2256609
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 779
Years in Business: 100
DOT #: 77949
Alternate Names: Corrigan Moving Systems – New York, LLC , Corrigan Moving & Storage , United Van Lines a/k/a Corrigan Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 32014
Years in Business: 32
DOT #: 1498819
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 10965
Years in Business: 40
DOT #: 125563
Alternate Names: Clark Mayflower , Mayflower Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 1429135
Alternate Names: Highline Delivery and Storage LLC. , Highline Moving and Delivery
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Pianos
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Rochester to Columbus?
Movers in New York charge 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 | $904 – $2,534 | $594 – $1,482 | $348 – $632 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,575 – $4,445 | $1,130 – $2,055 | $389 – $795 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,396 – $6,038 | $1,423 – $2,621 | $452 – $871 |
Cost to hire movers from Rochester to Columbus
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Rochester to Columbus, you can expect to spend between $904 and $2,534. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,575 to $4,445 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Rochester to Columbus typically runs between $2,396 and $6,038.
Cost of moving containers from Rochester to Columbus
When moving from Rochester to Columbus, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $594 and $1,482. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,130 to $2,055. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,423 up to $2,621. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from New York.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Rochester to Columbus
Renting a moving truck in Rochester is usually your cheapest option to get to Columbus. 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 $348 and $632. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $389 and $795. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $452 and $871.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Rochester to Columbus
The cost of Rochester movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,203, but larger homes can run up to $5,229.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Rochester.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($348–$843) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Rochester to Columbus
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Columbus runs about 22% higher for singles and 47% higher for families than Rochester.
Singles spend around $2,784 in Rochester versus $2,274 in Rochester; families pay $7,249 compared with $4,921.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Rochester | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,527 | $1,567 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,240 | $2,957 |
| Average home value | $200,576 | $238,832 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,214 | $65,075 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,274 | $2,784 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,921 | $7,249 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.8% | 5.7% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 10.9% | 3.5% |
- As you consider relocating to Columbus, note that rent can be roughly 15% more expensive than it is in Rochester; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 19% higher in Columbus than in Rochester.
- The average income in Columbus and Rochester is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Plan for higher expenses in Columbus, since the cost of living for a single person is 22% more than in Rochester. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Columbus, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 47% more than it is in Rochester.
- Columbus experiences an unemployment rate that is about 42% lower than that of Rochester. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 6% lower in Columbus than in Rochester. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Columbus can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 68% lower in Ohio compared to New York. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Rochester with Columbus:
| Living Expense | Rochester | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $143.37 | $263.89 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.69 | $60.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.79 | $3.21 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.94 | $2.98 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $50.77 | $46.25 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Rochester than in Columbus, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Rochester than in Columbus.
- Eggs cost more in Rochester than in Columbus.
- Bread costs less in Rochester than in Columbus.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Rochester than in Columbus.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Rochester than in Columbus.
- Gym memberships cost more in Rochester than in Columbus.
How life is different in Rochester vs. Columbus
| Rochester | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 211,328 | 905,748 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 61 | 41 |
| Bike friendliness score | 60 | 48 |
| Crime index | 37.54 | 49.65 |
| Safety index | 36.66 | 50.35 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbus’s population is about 329% greater than Rochester.
- Columbus’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Rochester’s score of 6.
- Columbus is less walkable than Rochester with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Rochester’s 61 out of 100.
- Columbus has a bike-friendliness score of 48 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Rochester, which has a score of 60.
- Columbus’s crime rate is higher than Rochester with a score of 49.65 compared to Rochester’s 37.54. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Rochester neighborhoods are safer than 37.54%.
- Columbus is considered to be safer than Rochester with a safety index of 50.35 vs Rochester’s 36.66.
- Air quality in Columbus is Good, and in Rochester it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Rochester to Columbus move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving company’s license by visiting 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: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Columbus smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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
Now that you’ve chosen The 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
- Grandview Heights
- Ashville
- Dublin
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bexley
- Clintonville
- Gahanna
- Hilliard
- Upper Arlington
Things to do in Columbus
After getting comfortable in your new Ohio home, it’s time to see what Columbus is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Columbus offers cultural landmarks like the Beeler Gallery, Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, Central Ohio Fire Museum, and Columbus Historical Society.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Scioto Mile, Topiary Garden, and Schiller Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Columbus Crew (MLS)Ohio State Buckeyes (NCAA)Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)Columbus Clippers (AAAE) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Rochester to Columbus?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Rochester to Columbus are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Rochester are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Rochester to Columbus?
Because spring and fall moves from Rochester 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 Rochester to Columbus take?
A move of 395 miles from Rochester, NY to Columbus, generally takes one to four days. Movers in Rochester sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Columbus is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Rochester offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 7 movers in Rochester have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 4 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across NY, there are 115 piano movers and 82 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
Rochester moving services
Popular New York routes
- New York to Ohio car shippers
- New York to California movers
- New York to Florida movers
- New York to Georgia movers
- New York to Illinois movers
- New York to Michigan movers
- New York to North Carolina movers
- New York to Ohio movers
- New York to Pennsylvania movers
- New York to Texas movers
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!