Factors that influence moving costs from Columbus to Lansingtoggle

The cost of Columbus movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Columbus to Lansing might cost as little as $1,108, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $6,039.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Columbus, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $339 to $853. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Columbus to Lansing

Moving from Columbus to Lansing means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Columbus than in Lansing, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Columbus compares to Lansing so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Columbus Lansing
Average rent cost $1,441 $1,129
Average home value $238,832 $148,542
Average income (per capita) $65,075 $64,729
Cost of living (single person) $2,784 $1,595
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,249 $4,199
Unemployment rate 5.7% 7.4%
Sales tax 7.5% 6.0%
State income tax 3.5% 4.25%
  • Rent prices in Lansing are 22% lower than in Columbus, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Lansing.
    Home prices in Lansing are 37.8% lower than in Columbus.
  • Income is the same in Lansing and Columbus. The top employers in Lansing include Health Management Associates, Michigan State Police, and Sparrow Health System.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Lansing is 42.7% lower than in Columbus. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Lansing is 42.1% lower than in Columbus.
  • The unemployment rate in Lansing is 29.82% higher than in Columbus.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Lansing, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Lansing are 20.00% lower than in Columbus.
  • State income taxes in Lansing are 21.43% higher than in Columbus.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,718.75 in Lansing to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbus.

How life is different in Columbus vs. Lansing

Lansing Columbus
Population 112,644 905,748
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 5
Walkability score 46 41
Bike friendliness score 55 48
Crime Index 48.66 49.65
Safety Index 51.34 50.35
Air Quality Good Good
  • Lansing's population is about 88% less than Columbus.
  • Lansing's public transportation has a similar score to Columbus.
  • Lansing is more walkable than Columbus with a score of 46 out of 100 vs Columbus's 41 out of 100.
  • With a score of 55 out of 100, Lansing is more bike-friendly than Columbus, which has a score of 48 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Lansing and Columbus have a similar crime rate.
  • Lansing and Columbus are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Lansing is good, and in Columbus it's good.

Other things to consider for your Columbus vs. Lansing move

  • Weather: Best months to consider moving in Lansing are August, July and June as these months have favorable weather. Summer in Lansing are one of the best in the country as the heat are not that extreme so it's still comfortable. Snowfall, which normally occurs from November to April.
  • 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: The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Michigan moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Michigan, 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 toLansing Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Lansing

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "Capital City" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Lansing to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Okemos
  • Haslett
  • Edgemont Park
  • DeWitt
  • Mason

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Okemos
  • Haslett
  • Waverly
  • DeWitt Charter Township
  • Holt

Things to do in Lansing

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

  • Arts and culture: Lansing is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Michigan History Center, Impression 5 Science Center, and R.E. Olds Transportation Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Woldumar Nature Center, Potter Park Zoo, Hawk Island Park, and River Trail 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 Lansing Lugnuts (Baseball) game.

FAQ

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

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Columbus to Lansing. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Columbus.

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

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Columbus to Lansing, 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 Columbus to Lansing take?

The 254-mile journey from Columbus, OH to Lansing, MI typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Columbus offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Lansing.

Helpful moving resources