Top-rated movers to make your Columbus to Pittsburgh move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Columbus that offers long-distance services to Pittsburgh can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 29 top local movers in Columbus who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Columbus to Pittsburgh.
- MVM Moving & Storage: 4.92 out of 5 stars
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
- Integrity Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Black Tie Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- E.E. Ward Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 156647
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1444491
Alternate Names: MVM Columbus , MVM Columbus Incorporated.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00136562
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1237577
Alternate Names: Leaders Moving , Leaders Moving & Storage Co. , L.E.A.D.E.R.S Moving & Storage Co. , Leaders Moving And Storage Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00151315
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1343775
Alternate Names: Integrity Moving, LLC , Integrity Moving , Columbus Piano Moving , Integrity Moving & Mobile Storage LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 604141
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2407712
Alternate Names: Black Tie Moving Columbus LLC , Black Tie Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 11470
Years in Business: 143
DOT #: 1222904
Alternate Names: E E Ward Moving & Storage Co LLC , E.E.Ward Moving & Storage Co., LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Columbus to Pittsburgh?
In Ohio, moving services typically cost around $153 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $749 – $2,564 | $518 – $1,224 | $212 – $352 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,325 – $4,026 | $953 – $1,717 | $221 – $428 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,843 – $5,297 | $1,209 – $2,178 | $260 – $496 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbus to Pittsburgh
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Pittsburgh from Columbus, you can expect prices to land between $749 and $2,564. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $1,325 to $4,026 for the trip from Columbus to Pittsburgh. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $1,843 and $5,297.
Cost of moving containers from Columbus to Pittsburgh
Moving containers from Columbus to Pittsburgh will cost you $518 to $1,224 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $953 to $1,717. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,209 to $2,178. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Ohio.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Columbus to Pittsburgh
Renting a moving truck from Columbus to Pittsburgh typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $212 and $352 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $221 to $428. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $260 to $496.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Columbus to Pittsburgh move
The cost of Columbus movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,018 for a one-bedroom, or up to $4,450 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Columbus.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $212 to $457, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Columbus to Pittsburgh
Many movers find Pittsburgh easier on the wallet than Columbus – roughly 24% less for singles and 31% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,129 for one person in Pittsburgh versus $2,784 in Columbus. For a family of four, it’s $5,011 compared with $7,249.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Columbus | Pittsburgh | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,567 | $1,710 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,957 | $2,917 |
| Average home value | $238,832 | $222,451 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,075 | $54,306 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,784 | $2,129 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,249 | $5,011 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.7% | 7.1% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 3.07% |
- Moving to Pittsburgh from Columbus won’t change your financial plan too much, as rent costs are comparable.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 7% more affordable in Pittsburgh compared to Columbus.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 17% lower in Pittsburgh compared to Columbus.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Pittsburgh, as the cost of living for a single person is 24% lower compared to Columbus.
- A move to Pittsburgh can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 31% less than what it costs in Columbus.
- Pittsburgh shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Columbus by around 25%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes are 7% less in Pittsburgh relative to Columbus. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in Pennsylvania are 12% below those in Ohio. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Columbus and Pittsburgh:
| Living Expense | Columbus | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $263.89 | $263.34 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.77 | $53.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.21 | $4.62 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.98 | $4.03 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $46.25 | $43.33 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Columbus than in Pittsburgh.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Columbus than in Pittsburgh.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbus than in Pittsburgh.
- Bread costs less in Columbus than in Pittsburgh.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Columbus than in Pittsburgh.
- Gym memberships cost more in Columbus than in Pittsburgh.
How life is different in Columbus vs. Pittsburgh
| Columbus | Pittsburgh | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 905,748 | 303,255 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 62 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 55 |
| Crime index | 49.65 | 37.74 |
| Safety index | 50.35 | 62.26 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Pittsburgh’s population is about 67% less than Columbus.
- Pittsburgh’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Columbus’s score of 5.
- Pittsburgh is more walkable than Columbus with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Columbus’s 41 out of 100.
- With a score of 55 out of 100, Pittsburgh is more bike-friendly than Columbus, which has a score of 48 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Pittsburgh’s crime rate is lower than Columbus with a score of 37.74 compared to Columbus’s 49.65. This means that Pittsburgh neighborhoods are safer than 37.74% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65%.
- Pittsburgh is considered to be safer than Columbus with a safety index of 62.26 vs Columbus’s 50.35.
- Air quality in Pittsburgh is Good, and in Columbus it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbus to Pittsburgh move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: For decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUC’s website is no longer functioning. So if you’re moving within Pennsylvania, you’ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Pennsylvania’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Pennsylvania does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Pittsburgh. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Pittsburgh
Planning your move to Birmingham of America? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Pittsburgh.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Greenfield
- Oakland
- Polish Hill
- Shadyside
Best neighborhoods for families
- Brookline
- Highland Park
- Point Breeze
- Regent Square
- Squirrel Hill North
Things to do in Pittsburgh
After settling into your new Pennsylvania home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Pittsburgh has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Pittsburgh features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Duquesne Incline, Bicycle Heaven, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and The Andy Warhol Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Point State Park, Schenley Park, Frick Park, and West End – Elliot Overlook Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB)Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL)Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Championship) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbus to Pittsburgh?
Planning your move from Columbus to Pittsburgh? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Columbus.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbus to Pittsburgh?
Because most people are moving from Columbus to Pittsburgh 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 Columbus to Pittsburgh take?
The 185-mile journey from Columbus, OH to Pittsburgh, , typically takes one to two 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 Pittsburgh.
Are there special savings available from movers in Columbus?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 2 provide savings for AAA members. 4 have discounts for military personnel. 6 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Columbus?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Columbus, 16 movers can manage piano relocations. 11 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Ohio has 59 piano movers and 37 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Columbus moving services
Popular Ohio routes
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