Top local movers for Cincinnati to Columbus moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Cincinnati that also provides long-distance services to Columbus can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 12 local movers in Cincinnati who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Cincinnati to Columbus.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Clark and Sons Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move Relocation Services: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.34 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 136562
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1237577
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 604361
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2962688
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00604903
Years in Business: 23
DOT #: 1878284
Alternate Names: Smooth Move Relocation Services LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2878240
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhops Moving Help
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Cincinnati to Columbus?
Movers in Ohio generally charge an average of $153 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,224 – $3,349 | $653 – $1,558 | $412 – $791 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,194 – $5,289 | $1,241 – $2,430 | $477 – $948 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,675 – $8,183 | $1,670 – $3,040 | $595 – $1,213 |
Cost to hire movers from Cincinnati to Columbus
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Cincinnati to Columbus typically costs between $1,224 and $3,349. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,194 and $5,289 when moving from Cincinnati to Columbus. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Cincinnati to Columbus, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,675 up to $8,183.
Cost of moving containers from Cincinnati to Columbus
If you’re relocating from Cincinnati to Columbus, you’ll typically spend between $653 and $1,558 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,241 up to $2,430. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,670 and $3,040. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Ohio.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Cincinnati to Columbus
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Cincinnati to Columbus move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $412 and $791. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $477 to $948. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $595 and $1,213.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Cincinnati to Columbus
The cost of Cincinnati movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Cincinnati to Columbus might be as low as $1,641, while a four-bedroom could reach $6,451.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Cincinnati.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $412 to $1,094 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Cincinnati to Columbus
Many movers find Columbus easier on the wallet than Cincinnati – roughly 17% less for singles and 40% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,041 for one person in Columbus versus $2,467 in Cincinnati. For a family of four, it’s $3,834 compared with $6,418.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Cincinnati | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,488 | $1,250 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,893 | $1,400 |
| Average home value | $232,735 | $157,861 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,682 | $50,542 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,467 | $2,041 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,418 | $3,834 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 5.3% |
| Sales tax | 6.5% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 5.49% |
- Good news! When moving to Columbus from Cincinnati, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 24% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 32% cheaper in Columbus, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 23% lower in Columbus than in Cincinnati.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Columbus. The cost of living for a single person is 17% less compared to Cincinnati.
- Relocating to Columbus could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 40% lower than in Cincinnati.
- The unemployment rate in Columbus exceeds that of Cincinnati by about 8%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes in Columbus exceed those in Cincinnati by 38%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Income taxes are 57% higher in Georgia than in Ohio. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Cincinnati and Columbus, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Cincinnati | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $128.95 | $211.40 |
| Cell phone plan | $56.81 | $40.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.26 | $2.24 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.30 | $3.52 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $50.00 |
| Gym membership | $30.82 | $10.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Cincinnati than in Columbus, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Cincinnati than in Columbus.
- Eggs cost more in Cincinnati than in Columbus.
- Bread costs less in Cincinnati than in Columbus.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Cincinnati than in Columbus.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Cincinnati than in Columbus.
- Gym memberships cost more in Cincinnati than in Columbus.
How life is different in Cincinnati vs. Columbus
| Cincinnati | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 309,317 | 206,922 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 49 | 25 |
| Bike friendliness score | 36 | 31 |
| Crime index | 48.47 | 72.18 |
| Safety index | 49.53 | 27.82 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbus’s population is about 33% less than Cincinnati.
- Columbus’s public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than Cincinnati’s score of 6.
- Columbus is less walkable than Cincinnati with a score of 25 out of 100 vs Cincinnati’s 49 out of 100.
- Columbus has a bike-friendliness score of 31 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Cincinnati, which has a score of 36.
- Columbus’s crime rate is higher than Cincinnati with a score of 72.18 compared to Cincinnati’s 48.47. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 72.18% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Cincinnati neighborhoods are safer than 48.47%.
- Columbus is considered to be less safe than Cincinnati with a score of 27.82 vs Cincinnati’s 49.53.
- Air quality in Columbus is Good, and in Cincinnati it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Cincinnati to Columbus 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: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: Moving companies in Georgia are regulated by the the Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS). Regulations include insurance requirements and the handling of consumer complaints. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Georgia moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Georgia, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- 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: State laws differ on mover insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness, offered by movers at no extra charge. However, it provides minimal coverage, with the mover’s responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, explore other options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Columbus
Ready to relocate to The Lowell of the South[? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Columbus.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- MidTown
- Uptown
- Downtown Columbus
- Overlook
- Lakebottom
Best neighborhoods for families
- North Columbus
- Brookstone
- Green Island Hills
- MidTown
- Ivy Park
Things to do in Columbus
Now that you’ve made the move to Georgia, it’s the perfect time to explore Columbus. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Columbus include museums and art centers like the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, National Civil War Naval Museum, Columbus Museum, and Coca-Cola Space Science Center.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Flat Rock Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Columbus Lions (NAL)Columbus River Dragons (FPHL)Columbus Chatt-a-Hoots (SBL)Columbus Rapids (NISL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Cincinnati to Columbus?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Cincinnati to Columbus. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Cincinnati.
When is the cheapest time to move from Cincinnati to Columbus?
With many people choosing to move from Cincinnati to Columbus in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Cincinnati to Columbus take?
Covering 562 miles, the move from Cincinnati, OH to Columbus, typically takes one to six days. Some Cincinnati movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Columbus can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Cincinnati offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers provide military discounts. 1 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Cincinnati can handle specialty items for my move to Columbus?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Cincinnati, 3 movers can handle pianos. Compared to the rest of OH, there are 59 piano movers and 37 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Cincinnati moving services
Popular Ohio routes
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