($995+) Columbus, OH to Billings, MT Movers
Moving from Columbus, OH, to Billings, MT, runs anywhere from $995 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,759 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,605 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 4 to 15 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,410, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,759 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,476 - $5,192, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $995 - $2,779.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Columbus, OH, to Billings, MT. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,071 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Columbus, OH to Billings, MT
There are 3 main ways to move from Columbus to Billings: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,071 - $7,186. Containers cost roughly 43% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 68% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,605 miles, expect 4 to 15 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,605-mile route from Columbus to Billings, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,410 - $5,265 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,476 - $2,511), rental truck ($995 - $1,766), or freight trailer ($1,214 - $2,379). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,071 - $7,186 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $9,759.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Columbus, OH to Billings, MT
For the 1,605-mile move from Columbus, Ohio, to Billings, Montana, full-service movers cost between $2,410 and $9,759. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $278 - $1,852 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Columbus generally start around $325 plus $145 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Columbus to Billings:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,410 - $5,265
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,071 - $7,186
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,625 - $9,759
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Columbus to Billings.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Columbus, OH to Billings, MT
Specialty needs vary by market: 65% of Columbus movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Billings, 67% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $463 - $4,630 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready65% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All American Moving and Storage | $185 - $1,111/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $278 - $2,222 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage17% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs54% of local movers | $926 - $2,778 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,315 - $9,260 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $694 - $1,318 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items11% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: E.E. Ward Moving & Storage | $926 - $2,315 |
| Piano | Any piano type46% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: MVM Moving & Storage | $741 - $3,241 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $278 - $1,389 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Integrity Moving & Storage | $602 - $1,852 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $278 - $13,890+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $278 - $3,241+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Columbus to Billings?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Columbus, OH. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Columbus, OH to Billings, MT
Moving containers from Columbus, Ohio, to Billings, Montana, cost between $1,476 and $5,192. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Columbus runs about $65/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Columbus to Billings:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,476 - $2,511
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,761 - $3,658
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,450 - $5,192
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $69 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $139 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Billings, MT, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $648 in Columbus, OH. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Ohio to Montana move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,476. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,761 - $3,658.
What are the best moving containers Columbus to Billings?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Columbus to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Columbus:
- MVM Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 21 years in business
- All American Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 23 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 32 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Columbus, OH to Billings, MT
Truck rentals from Columbus, Ohio, to Billings, Montana, range from $995 - $2,779 for the 1,605-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $473 - $540
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $19
- Columbus daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Columbus to Billings based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $995 - $1,766
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $974 - $2,078
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,305 - $2,779
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Columbus to Billings starts at $995 - $2,779, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($473 - $540), overnight lodging ($139/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $69 and $324.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $139.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $473 and $540 for the 1,605-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $648 for 2 movers in Columbus, Ohio, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Columbus to Billings?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Columbus, OH to Billings, MT
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Columbus, Ohio, to Billings, Montana, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,496 and $3,104.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Columbus to Billings:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,214 - $2,379
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,496 - $3,104
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,079 - $3,957
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Columbus, Ohio, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $648.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $69 - $139 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Columbus to Billings?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Columbus, OH vs Billings, MT
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Columbus and Billings to plan around. Cost of living index: 91 vs. 95. Average rent: $1,441/mo vs. $1,300/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 41 vs. 35. Safety index: 50.35 vs. 50.37.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Billings, MT to Columbus, OH guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 1 real quote from Ohio to Montana, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Ohio alone has 282 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,605-mile move like this one.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Columbus, OH, to Billings, MT, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,410 - $9,759 on the 1,605-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,476 - $5,192 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $995 - $2,779 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,071 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Billings Clinic and First Interstate BancSystem.
FAQs: Moving from Columbus, OH, to Billings, MT
How walkable is Billings?
Billings has a walkability score of 35 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 47, compared to 41 and 48 in Columbus. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Columbus, OH to Billings, MT?
Costs on this route range from around $995 to $9,759, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,410 and $9,759, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Columbus, OH to Billings, MT?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What do local movers charge in Columbus?
Local movers based in Columbus typically start around $325 as a base rate, plus $145/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Billings run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Columbus, OH to Billings, MT take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 4 to 15 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What percentage of Columbus movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 46% of movers in Columbus handle piano moves, and 11% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.