Moving from Cincinnati to Columbus, OH
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Quick answer: Moving from Cincinnati to Columbus costs between $124 to $4,808 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 107-mile route within Ohio take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Cincinnati to Columbus
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Cincinnati to Columbus are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Cincinnati to driving and unloading in Columbus, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 107 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,393 - $3,929 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,005 - $1,965 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $128 - $221 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Bellhop Moving | $120/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Cincinnati to Columbus?
It costs between $124 to $4,808 to move from Cincinnati to Columbus. The prices below break down your 107-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $745 - $4,808
- Moving containers: $824 - $2,248
- Rental trucks: $124 - $252
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $745 - $3,289 | $824 - $1,406 | $124 - $199 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,393 - $3,929 | $1,005 - $1,965 | $128 - $221 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,823 - $4,808 | $1,338 - $2,248 | $160 - $252 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $264 - $2,200+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $120/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $80/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $176 - $704 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $44 - $176 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Cincinnati to Columbus
At 107 miles, your Cincinnati to Columbus move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Cincinnati to Columbus. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Ohio, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 107 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Clark and Sons Moving is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Cincinnati to Columbus. They've been in business since 2019 (7 years of experience) and 93.8% of their 289 verified reviews are positive.
More Ohio moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Columbus to Cincinnati guide.
Considerations when moving from Cincinnati to Columbus
Cost of living: Cincinnati vs. Columbus
Comparing life in Cincinnati and Columbus goes beyond just looking at housing prices. We’ll break down key financial factors, like rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends, so you can get a clear picture of how living in Columbus stacks up against Cincinnati.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Cincinnati | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,450 | $1,441 |
| Average home cost | $213,219 | $233,368 |
| Average income (per capita) | $51,707 | $65,327 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,467 | $2,784 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,418 | $7,249 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 5.7% |
| Average Sales Tax | 6.5% | 7.5% |
- Rent prices in Columbus are comparable to Cincinnati, so your budget should stay about the same, taking some stress off your wallet.
- Home prices in Columbus are 9% higher than in Cincinnati. That means you might face a steeper down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- Income in Columbus is 26% higher than in Cincinnati, which could mean greater earning potential and improved financial stability, especially if your salary aligns with the local average.
- Cost of living for one person is 13% higher in Columbus compared to Cincinnati. Make sure to adjust your budget to account for these higher expenses.
- If you’re moving your family to Columbus, expect living costs to be about 13% higher than in Cincinnati. Expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will probably go up, making Columbus a pricier choice for families.
- Unemployment in Columbus is 16% higher than in Cincinnati. So, finding work may be more challenging, and job stability could be less reliable, especially if you’re relocating without having a job lined up.
- Sales tax in Columbus is 15% higher than in Cincinnati, so expect to spend a bit more on things like meals, shopping, and other taxable purchases.
If you’re used to living on $3,000 a month in Cincinnati, you’d need roughly $3,390 to maintain the same lifestyle in Columbus.
How life is different in Cincinnati vs. Columbus
Before you move, see how life stacks up in Columbus compared to Cincinnati. You should compare everything from weather and cost of living to politics, safety, and population. This side-by-side breakdown will help you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.
| Cincinnati | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 309,317 | 905,748 |
| Political leaning | Republican 55-41 | Republican 55-14 |
| Summer high | 86ºF | 85ºF |
| Winter low | 22ºF | 21ºF |
| Annual rain | 44" | 40" |
| Annual snow | 15" | 22" |
| Crime index | 48.47 | 49.65 |
Columbus sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Columbus is approximately 193% greater than the population of Cincinnati. Moving to a larger city means more of everything: people, opportunity, noise, cost, culture, and complexity. Whether that’s exciting or overwhelming depends on your preferences and goals.
- Cincinnati and Columbus both voted Republican in the last election.
- Moving between Cincinnati and Columbus won’t bring major summer surprises. With highs near 85°F in both cities, your summer lifestyle should stay consistent.
- During the chilliest months, both Cincinnati and Columbus experience similar lows—expect 22°F in Cincinnati and 21°F in Columbus.
- Both Cincinnati and Columbus experience similar annual rainfall, with Cincinnati receiving 44 inches and Columbus getting 40 inches.
- Typically, Columbus gets more snow than Cincinnati, averaging 22 inches a year versus Cincinnati’s 15.
- Both Columbus and Cincinnati show comparable crime levels, with crime index scores that are nearly the same.
Things to do in Columbus
Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in Columbus.
Museums in Columbus
- Beeler Gallery
- Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum
- Central Ohio Fire Museum
- Columbus Historical Society
- Columbus Museum of Art
Parks in Columbus
- Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
- Scioto Mile
- Topiary Garden
- Schiller Park
- Whetstone Park / Park of Roses
Sports teams in Columbus
- Columbus Crew (MLS)
- Ohio State Buckeyes (NCAA)
- Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)
- Columbus Clippers (AAAE)
Universities in Columbus
- Ohio State University
- Columbus State Community College
- Capital University Law School
- Columbus College of Art
- Design, Fortis College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Cincinnati to Columbus?
Shipping furniture from Cincinnati to Columbus with a mover will cost between $620 and $2,639. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,393–$3,929, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Cincinnati to Columbus will cost from $1,823–$4,808.
How much are moving container companies from Cincinnati to Columbus?
If you're moving from Cincinnati to Columbus and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $543 to $1,307. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $1,005 and $1,965. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $1,338 up to $2,248.
How much is a moving truck from Cincinnati to Columbus?
If you want to keep costs down, renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just remember, you’ll be responsible for driving and all the heavy lifting. We’ve included estimated fuel costs in our pricing, so there are no surprises.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, you’ll usually spend between $125 and $194. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $128 to $221. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Cincinnati to Columbus, truck rental prices typically range from $160 up to $252.
How far in advance should I book Cincinnati-to-Columbus movers?
For a smooth move from Cincinnati to Columbus, book your movers at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, try to secure your moving reservation three months ahead. Early booking not only increases your chances of getting your preferred date but can also help you snag lower rates. Some companies even throw in early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Columbus?
To score the best moving deals to Columbus, plan your move between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means you’ll spend less and have an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
