Factors influencing moving costs from Dayton to Columbustoggle

The cost of Dayton 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 Dayton to Columbus can be as low as $1,494 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,111.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Dayton, 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 $585 to $1,425. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Dayton to Columbus

Moving from Dayton to Columbus comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Columbus is generally more expensive than Dayton, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Dayton Columbus
Average rent cost $925 $1,100
Average home value $135,815 $157,861
Average income (per capita) $62,673 $50,542
Cost of living (single person) $1,593 $2,041
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,788 $3,834
Unemployment rate 6.8% 5.3%
Sales tax 7.5% 9.0%
State income tax 3.5% 5.49%
  • Rent prices in Columbus are 19% higher than in Dayton, 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 Dayton.
    Home prices in Columbus are 16.2% higher than in Dayton.
  • Income in Columbus is 19.4% lower than in Dayton, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Columbus include Aflac, TSYS, and Synovus.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Columbus, since the cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 28.1% higher than in Dayton. 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 1.2% higher than in Dayton.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbus is 22.06% lower than in Dayton.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Columbus, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Columbus are 20.00% higher than in Dayton.
  • State income taxes in Columbus are 56.86% higher than in Dayton.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,843.69 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Dayton.

How life is different in Dayton vs. Columbus

Columbus Dayton
Population 206,922 137,644
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 6
Walkability score 25 45
Bike friendliness score 31 47
Crime Index 72.18 4.0
Safety Index 27.82 40.68
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Columbus's population is about 50% greater than Dayton.
  • Columbus's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Dayton's higher score of 6.
  • Columbus is less walkable than Dayton with a score of 25 out of 100 vs Dayton's 45 out of 100.
  • Columbus has a bike-friendliness score 31 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Dayton, which has a score of 47 out of 100.
  • Columbus's crime rate is higher than Dayton with a score of 72.18 compared to Dayton's 4.0. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 72.18% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Dayton neighborhoods are safer than 4.0%.
  • Columbus is considered to be less safe than Dayton with a score of 27.82 vs Dayton's 40.68.
  • Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Dayton it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Dayton vs. Columbus move

  • Weather: Columbus has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters.
  • 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: 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Georgia moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Georgia, 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 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: 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 "Lowell of the South[" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Columbus to check out.

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

After settling into your new Georgia home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Columbus has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Columbus is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, National Civil War Naval Museum, Columbus Museum, Coca-Cola Space Science Center, and The Lunch Box Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Flat Rock Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • 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), or Columbus Rapids (NISL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Dayton to Columbus?

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

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

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

The 615-mile move from Dayton, OH, to Columbus, GA, takes one to six days. Some Dayton 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